Overview
- A House Transportation and Economic Development subcommittee voted unanimously to advance a bill limiting the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund to natural disasters.
- The House plan adds quarterly spending reports, prohibits purchases of aircraft, boats, or vehicles, and directs any federal reimbursements into General Revenue.
- With the Senate passing an extension without new limits (SB 7040, 29-10), the chambers’ split means the fund is set to expire and remain inactive until a budget deal is reached.
- State reports show more than $573 million from the fund has gone to immigration enforcement since 2023, including detention operations, private flights, meals, and legal fees.
- Florida officials say FEMA approved $608 million in reimbursement tied to immigration spending, but the money has not arrived as it is reportedly on hold at the Department of Justice.