During the 2020‑2021 fiscal years the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) approved $1.23 billion in Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) grants for local governments. A 2022 state audit of the Division’s compliance and internal controls found that the agency did not monitor any sub‑recipients of those funds, a requirement under federal regulations.
Audit details
The audit, released as part of the State of Florida’s annual review, notes that FDEM distributed $210,562,500 to 39 local entities in 2020‑2021 and $1,026,225,200 to 55 entities the following year. The report states, “Contrary to Federal regulations, the FDEM did not monitor the activities of CRF subrecipients.” Required monitoring includes reviewing financial and performance reports, conducting onsite evaluations, and ensuring timely corrective action on any audit findings.
Role of Rep. Jared Moskowitz
Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D‑FL, served as director of FDEM for most of the 2020‑2021 audit cycle, resigning in late April 2021—two months before the fiscal year ended. While he was not in charge for the entire period, his tenure covered the majority of the time the grants were awarded.
Republican congressional candidate Scott Singer, Moskowitz’s opponent in the upcoming November 3 general election, seized on the audit’s findings. “When Jared Moskowitz ran a state agency, federal regulators and state auditors found a gross lack of oversight of billions of taxpayer dollars,” Singer said, adding that the situation was “unacceptable.”
Responses from Moskowitz and supporters
Moskowitz’s campaign countered that he left the agency early to care for his ailing father and that he was later reappointed to the Broward County Commission by Governor Ron DeSantis. He told Fox News Digital, “To my knowledge, Florida COVID spending has passed the FEMA audit for reimbursements.” The campaign also highlighted praise Moskowitz received from some Republicans, including a communication from Singer stating the state was “in a much better place because of what you’ve done.”
Broader oversight concerns
The audit’s findings echo longstanding Republican calls for stronger oversight of state‑level federal award programs. Critics argue that without proper monitoring, funds intended to help schools, small businesses, and families risk being misallocated or wasted.
State officials have not indicated any immediate corrective actions, but the audit recommends implementing regular sub‑recipient reviews, onsite inspections, and timely follow‑up on identified deficiencies.
Election context
Both Moskowitz and Singer have cleared their respective primaries and will face off in the November 3 general election for Florida’s 23rd congressional district. The audit is likely to become a focal point in campaign messaging, with Republicans emphasizing accountability and Democrats defending Moskowitz’s record.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
