As hurricane season ramps up, state leaders and disaster experts are voicing concerns that Florida may be less prepared than it has been in years past. They point to Governor Ron DeSantis’ recent budget vetoes, warning that reduced funding for recovery and infrastructure projects could leave communities more vulnerable when the next major storm strikes.

“We don’t know if Florida is really ready. We won’t know, unfortunately, until a disaster hits us,” said state Rep. Angie Nixon during a virtual briefing Monday.

Cuts to resilience projects spark alarm
Nixon and former FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell criticized the governor’s decision to cut millions from storm recovery and flood mitigation efforts.

“DeSantis has vetoed time and time again infrastructure projects in communities that have intense flooding and hurricane mitigation needs,” Nixon said.

Last month, DeSantis approved a $117.4 billion state budget but trimmed $567 million in line-item vetoes. In the Tampa Bay area alone, $68.5 million in local projects were eliminated—including $13.1 million set aside for resilience and storm recovery.

DeSantis has defended the move, describing it as “fiscally responsible.”

Experts Warn of Human Cost
Public health leaders say the cuts could cost lives.

“These decisions will directly affect the health, well-being, and medical care of our neighbors,” said Dr. Darren McAuley, who has worked on disaster relief statewide. “With these types of cuts, there will be lives lost—people who can’t make it to the hospital, people who can’t get their medication.”

Criswell added that one of FEMA’s most effective strategies—pre-positioning search-and-rescue teams and emergency supplies—could be undermined.

“That proactive ability to move resources into place before a storm—that’s what saves lives,” she said.

What’s at Stake
Last year’s hurricane season brought catastrophic flooding, billions in damage, and dozens of deaths across Florida. Experts warn that the hardest-hit communities are often the same ones most affected by funding cuts.

With the tropics already active, critics argue that trimming preparedness is a risk Florida can’t afford.

Governor’s Office Pushes Back
DeSantis’ office maintains the state remains well-positioned for hurricane season.

“Florida sets the standard for disaster response and emergency management,” the governor’s office said in a statement. “We’ve made historic investments in preparedness infrastructure and continue to improve readiness, response, and recovery efforts.”

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(Image credit: Al Diaz/Miami Herald)

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