Florida Lawmakers Debate Limits on DeSantis' Use of Emergency Funds for Immigration Enforcement

House and Senate at odds over extending and restricting the $4.77 billion Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Florida House and Senate are debating whether to limit how Governor Ron DeSantis can use the state's $4.77 billion Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund. DeSantis has used hundreds of millions from the fund for immigration enforcement, which the House wants to prohibit. The Senate bill does not include such restrictions. The fund is set to expire on Monday, and budget negotiations between the chambers have not yet taken place.

Why it matters

This debate highlights the ongoing tensions between the Republican-controlled Florida legislature and Governor DeSantis over the use of emergency funds. DeSantis has drawn criticism for using the funds for purposes beyond natural disasters, such as immigration enforcement. The outcome could impact how the state responds to future emergencies and the balance of power between the governor and legislature.

The details

The Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund was set up by lawmakers in 2022 and contains $4.77 billion. DeSantis has used hundreds of millions from the fund for immigration enforcement since declaring it an emergency in 2023. The House bill would bar DeSantis from using the fund for illegal immigration enforcement, while the Senate bill does not include such restrictions. The House also wants to require more accounting of how the funds are spent, and to have any federal reimbursements go to the state's general coffers rather than back into the emergency fund.

  • The Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund is set to expire on Monday, February 20, 2026.
  • The House bill is not scheduled to be heard in committee until Monday, February 20, 2026.
  • Budget negotiations between the House and Senate are not expected to take place before the fund expires on February 20, 2026.

The players

Ron DeSantis

The Republican Governor of Florida who has used the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund for immigration enforcement.

Daniel Perez

The Republican Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, who has been at odds with DeSantis on several issues.

Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM)

The state agency that has used the emergency fund for immigration enforcement purposes under DeSantis' direction.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.