Real-time security wait times at Florida airports

See MCO, RSW, JAX and other major Florida hubs as TSA staffing shortages cause delays

Mar. 29, 2026 at 4:27pm

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Florida airports continue to average lower wait times than those seen nationwide as over 400 TSA workers quit and ICE agents are deployed to help alleviate long security lines at select airports, including Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW).

Why it matters

The partial government shutdown and resulting staffing shortages at the TSA have caused significant disruptions at airports across the country, with the Department of Homeland Security reporting 'the highest wait times in history.' While Florida airports are faring better than the national average, the situation highlights the ongoing challenges facing the aviation industry.

The details

Congress failed to pass funding for the Department of Homeland Security in mid-February, prompting a partial government shutdown. TSA officers missed their first full paycheck on March 13, after receiving partial paychecks on Feb. 28. Over 400 TSA employees have quit as a result. ICE officers were deployed to over a dozen U.S. airports on March 23, including RSW, to help alleviate long security lines, though they lack the specialized training for aviation security and screening.

  • On March 13, TSA officers missed their first full paycheck after receiving partial paychecks on Feb. 28.
  • On March 23, ICE officers were deployed to over a dozen U.S. airports, including RSW, to help alleviate long security lines.

The players

Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency that oversees the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The federal agency responsible for airport security screening and staffing.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency that was deployed to assist with airport security at select locations, including RSW.

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What they’re saying

“Travelers are experiencing 'the highest wait times in history,'”

— Department of Homeland Security

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

The staffing shortages at the TSA due to the partial government shutdown have caused significant disruptions at airports nationwide, with Florida airports faring better than the national average but still facing challenges. The deployment of ICE agents to assist with security screening highlights the ongoing efforts to address the situation, though their lack of specialized training raises questions about the long-term viability of this approach.