Florida State Guard whistleblower fired after warning of safety issues

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A retired Navy commander hired to analyze and fix safety issues with the Florida State Guard's Aviation Response Squadron was fired just three weeks after submitting a report detailing "severe" safety violations and mismanagement that wasted millions of dollars. The DeSantis administration kept the whistleblower's concerns under wraps until they were recently made public, leading to the resignation of several senior guard officials over allegations of misuse of taxpayer funds and poor planning.

Why it matters

The firing of the whistleblower who raised safety concerns about the Florida State Guard raises questions about transparency and accountability within the DeSantis administration. The guard was reactivated by the governor in 2022 to assist with disaster response, public safety, and immigration enforcement, but allegations of mismanagement and retaliation against those who speak out could undermine public trust in the organization.

The details

James Ethridge, a retired Navy commander with over 20 years of flight experience, was hired in March 2026 to analyze and fix safety issues with the Florida State Guard's Aviation Response Squadron. He quickly provided a report detailing "severe" safety violations and mismanagement, including a lack of documentation showing the aviation unit was compliant with FAA standards and instances of unsafe flight conditions. Ethridge recommended grounding all flights until the safety problems could be addressed, but was fired just three weeks after submitting his report. The DeSantis administration claimed Ethridge was fired for failing to follow directives and "conduct unbecoming a public employee," but Ethridge and his attorney argue he was fired for sharing his safety concerns, which they say the administration tried to keep under wraps.

• In March 2026, Ethridge was hired to analyze and fix safety issues with the Florida State Guard's Aviation Response Squadron.
• Three weeks after being hired, Ethridge was fired on March 20, 2026.
• On March 27, 2026, the Office of the Inspector General in the governor's office had planned to set up a phone interview with Ethridge, but the investigation was dismissed after his termination.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Florida House is seeking answers from lawmakers about the allegations against the Florida State Guard, and the Public Employee Relations Commission is currently reviewing Ethridge's unlawful termination lawsuit.