TSA Wait Times Vary at Florida Airports Ahead of Easter

Airports see mixed bag of security line lengths as government shutdown continues

Apr. 1, 2026 at 12:10pm

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As the partial government shutdown drags on, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is seeing staffing shortages that have led to varying wait times at airports across Florida. While some airports like Miami International and Tampa International are reporting wait times under 15 minutes, others like Southwest Florida International in Fort Myers are seeing 15-30 minute delays. The situation remains fluid, with the White House ordering federal funds to be used to pay TSA workers and ICE agents being deployed to some airports to assist.

Why it matters

The ongoing government shutdown is having a direct impact on air travel, with TSA staffing shortages leading to longer security lines at many Florida airports. This is causing frustration for travelers and raising concerns about potential security vulnerabilities. The situation highlights the broader political gridlock in Washington and the ripple effects it can have on everyday Americans.

The details

The TSA has lost nearly 500 workers since the partial government shutdown began, leading to increased wait times at airports across the country. In Florida, the situation varies by airport, with some like Miami International and Tampa International reporting wait times under 15 minutes, while others like Southwest Florida International in Fort Myers are seeing 15-30 minute delays. The White House has ordered federal funds to be used to pay TSA workers, and ICE agents have been deployed to some airports, including RSW in Fort Myers, to assist with the staffing shortage.

  • The partial government shutdown began in late 2018 and is still ongoing.
  • TSA workers received their first paychecks in weeks on March 30, 2026 after the White House ordered federal funds to be used for their pay.
  • ICE agents were deployed to assist TSA at some Florida airports, including RSW in Fort Myers, starting on March 23, 2026.

The players

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The federal agency responsible for airport security screening in the United States.

President Donald Trump

Ordered federal funds to be used to pay TSA workers after air travel reached a 'breaking point' due to the government shutdown.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

Federal law enforcement agency that has deployed agents to assist TSA at some Florida airports during the staffing shortage.

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What they’re saying

“This is an unprecedented emergency situation. Currently, more than 60,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees ... are not being paid.”

— President Donald Trump

“As a result, security wait times at some airports have reached untenable lengths of three or more hours. These increased wait times, combined with declining morale among TSA staff, unacceptably heighten the risk of security vulnerabilities within our domestic travel system and has negatively impacted countless Americans.”

— President Donald Trump

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 ongoing government shutdown is having a direct impact on air travel, with TSA staffing shortages leading to longer security lines at many Florida airports. This situation highlights the broader political gridlock in Washington and the need for a resolution to ensure the smooth and secure operation of the nation's air travel system.