Audit Found Florida Agency Failed to Monitor Relief Funds
A 2022 audit revealed that the state's emergency management division did not properly oversee over $1 billion in aid.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Emergency Response
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The Florida Division of Emergency Management failed to monitor subrecipients of COVID-19 relief funding according to a 2022 state audit. The review found that the agency lacked oversight for over $1 billion in federal grants distributed during the 2020-2021 fiscal year.
Why it matters
The audit highlights systemic failures in internal controls and compliance regarding the distribution of taxpayer-funded relief. Ensuring proper oversight remains essential for maintaining public trust and the fiscal integrity of state-managed emergency programs.
The agency approved $210,562,500 for 39 local recipients in 2020-2021 and distributed $1,026,225,200 to 55 locations the following year. Monitoring requirements for these funds included reviewing financial reports and performing on-site evaluations.
The players
Jared Moskowitz
He served as the director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management until April 2021 and is currently a candidate for office.
Florida Division of Emergency Management
This state agency is responsible for coordinating disaster response, recovery, and the management of federal grant programs.
Scott Singer
A Republican candidate who has publicly criticized the oversight of state-level funding allocations during the pandemic.
AshBritt
This is a private disaster-cleanup and emergency response company that employed Jared Moskowitz as an attorney in 2017.
The details
The compliance audit determined that the Division of Emergency Management failed to track subrecipients, missing mandatory reviews of financial documentation and audit reports. Investigators also noted a lack of timely actions on deficiencies identified within the disaster-relief grant programs.
Timeline
2017: Jared Moskowitz received $400,000 as an attorney for the firm AshBritt.
2020-2021: FDEM approved $210,562,500 in relief funds for local governments.
April 2021: Jared Moskowitz resigned his position as director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
2022: The state issued an audit of internal controls and federal awards.
November 3, 2026: Jared Moskowitz and Scott Singer are scheduled to face each other in the general election.
Seasonal Patterns
The 2022 audit reflects the broader challenges states faced in maintaining financial accountability during the rapid disbursement of federal pandemic aid. These findings highlight a departure from the strict internal control protocols established for state emergency management.
Residents can review state audit results to understand how local governments managed the grant funds allocated to their communities. Transparency in these financial records remains vital for taxpayers to ensure that emergency aid effectively reached the intended local programs.
The takeaway
Maintaining rigorous oversight of federal grants is essential to prevent the mismanagement of billions in taxpayer funds during state-level emergencies. Voters should examine these audit findings to better understand the fiscal track records of public officials and candidates seeking office.
Further reading
For more on how state agencies manage public safety funds, read our analysis on Emergency Response.
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Do you trust that your local government effectively monitors the use of taxpayer relief funds?
