The next serious hurricane could test the ability of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to respond in Southwest Florida. A federal watchdog says major staffing losses may leave the agency less effective when help is needed most.
Here's what to know
FEMA's workforce dropped by more than 4,300 employees, nearly a 17% decline, across the country, according to a warning highlighted by Florida outlet WINK News.
The Government Accountability Office — or GAO — indicated that the raw number it reported is only part of the problem. It said that FEMA did not fully assess which roles were eliminated or what expertise disappeared with those departures.
Chris Currie, a director at the government watchdog group, told WINK, "It's really not good practice to let a bunch of people go without any sense of how it's going to impact the mission."
Currie said the staffing problem is part of a longer-running pattern at the agency. "Workforce issues have plagued FEMA for several years," he said.
After Hurricane Ian struck Southwest Florida, FEMA sent more than $10 billion, according to WINK, underscoring the significance of federal aid for residents rebuilding after major storms.
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More background
When disaster aid is delayed or denied, the consequences can stretch far past paperwork. Families can be left waiting for emergency assistance, temporary housing, home repairs, reimbursements, or other basic financial support needed to regain stability after a storm.
Fort Myers resident Donald Jones told WINK that he is still waiting on assistance after Hurricane Ian. After hearing about the GAO's findings, Jones told the local outlet he was not surprised and described FEMA as "not trustworthy."
What's being done?
The GAO is recommending that FEMA develop a strategic workforce plan with clear goals. The watchdog also wants Congress to require FEMA to submit its workforce analysis ahead of each hurricane season going forward.
FEMA, for its part, says it is ready.
In a statement, the agency said, per WINK, "Under President Trump and Secretary Mullin's leadership, DHS and FEMA are ready for the 2026 hurricane season."
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