# Florida Approves $240M for Immigration Costs Amid Projected Deficit
*Legislative Budget Commission approves emergency funds while agency warns of $1.5 billion shortfall in fiscal year 2026-27.*

- Medio: Civic Coast News (https://civiccoastnews.com)
- URL: https://civiccoastnews.com/noticia/florida-approves-240m-for-immigration-costs-amid-projected-deficit
- Sección: Politics
- Autor: Civic Coast News Staff
- Publicado: 2026-09-12T08:30:33.896Z
> Florida lawmakers approve emergency funding for immigration contracts while officials warn of a potential billion-dollar shortfall in state reserves by next fiscal year.

## Las claves

- The Legislative Budget Commission approved $240 million for the Florida Division of Emergency Management on Friday
- Funds cover fulfilled contracts related to arresting and housing undocumented immigrants under Operation Vigilant Sentry
- A quarterly report projects a worst-case scenario deficit of $1.5 billion if two natural disasters occur

The Florida Legislative Budget Commission approved an additional $240 million for the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) on Friday, a decision made as the agency released a report projecting it could face a $1.5 billion deficit by the end of the fiscal year. Much of this spending is directed toward the state's efforts to arrest and house undocumented immigrants, a responsibility typically handled by the federal government. The funding was allocated from the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund (EPRF), with $187.8 million designated for illegal immigration enforcement contracts that have already been fulfilled.

### Financial Projections and Federal Reimbursements

The FDEM report, which is required by law to be submitted to the Legislature every quarter, was originally due July 15 but arrived only an hour before the Friday meeting. According to the data as of June 30, approximately $6.4 million remained in the emergency fund. The agency projects a "worst-case scenario" deficit of $1.5 billion at the end of the 2026-207 fiscal year if the state experiences two natural disasters during that period.

The financial strain is partly attributed to delays in federal reimbursement. The report indicates FDEM has received only $84.6 million out of a promised $608 million in federal grant money, leaving $523.8 million outstanding. Additionally, the agency holds 592 pending invoices for "Operation Vigilant Sentry," the state's specific program name for its illegal immigration enforcement efforts, as we reported in [Florida Approves $250M for Immigration Debt Amid Delayed Report](/noticia/florida-approves-250m-for-immigration-debt-amid-delayed-report).

### Partisan Divide and Oversight Concerns

The vote proceeded along strict party lines, with Republicans voting in favor and Democrats opposing. Senate Chairman Ed Hooper (R-Clearwater) stated he did not have time to review the report before the meeting but spoke with FDEM Director Jared Perdue, who described himself as committed to transparency. Hooper noted that while reserves exist for natural disasters this year, cash flow may change after the November elections, as we reported in [Florida Delays Report on Immigration and Disaster Spending](/noticia/florida-delays-report-on-immigration-and-disaster-spending).

Senator Lori Berman (D-Boca Raton) criticized the timing of the report's release and the nature of the spending request. "This is not the way we should be spending Florida money," Berman said, calling for greater legislative oversight and transparency. She questioned when the agency would repay outstanding invoices, to which Perdue replied he was focused on disaster preparedness rather than answering specific financial questions immediately, confirmed by [Primicias](https://primicias.ec).

### Leadership Transition

Jared Perdue, who also serves as secretary for the Florida Department of Transportation, was appointed in August after Kevin Guthrie became Lt. Gov. Jay Collins' running mate for the Republican primary governor's race. Hooper described Perdue as "very serious" and "competent," noting he inherited several issues to manage. The approval comes amid growing scrutiny over how state emergency funds are utilized for immigration enforcement rather than traditional disaster response.
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Fuente original: https://civiccoastnews.com/noticia/florida-approves-240m-for-immigration-costs-amid-projected-deficit