Florida Approves $105M in Federal Funds for World Cup Security in Miami
Legislative panel approves federal funding to prevent drone attacks and enhance security for seven FIFA World Cup matches at Hard Rock Stadium this summer.
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA — A Florida legislative panel approved the distribution of more than $105 million in federal funding on Friday to enhance security for FIFA World Cup matches scheduled for Miami this summer, with much of the money targeted at preventing drone attacks and other threats.
The joint Legislative Budget Commission authorized the allocation of federal dollars to the Florida Division of Emergency Management and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to secure seven matches at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. The first World Cup game in Miami is scheduled for June 15, with six additional matches including a quarterfinal on July 11.
Federal Funding Breakdown
The Florida Division of Emergency Management received $73.6 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and an additional $15.5 million from the federal Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Grant Program. The largest portion of funding, $63 million, will reimburse local law enforcement agencies for overtime costs.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement received more than $16.2 million from FEMA for security equipment and operations. “This is for purchase of equipment to detect and mitigate the threat of drones … flying into areas that FDLE has been requested to try to protect,” FDLE’s general chief of staff, Tim Fitzgerald, told the commission during Friday’s afternoon meeting.
Security Concerns Following Copa America Incident
The enhanced security measures stem partly from chaos that erupted during the Copa America final two years ago at the same venue. Fans stormed the stadium’s gates during that event, resulting in 27 arrests, 55 ejections, and numerous injuries.
All federal dollars will be distributed to Miami-Dade County, which will determine the most effective ways to implement security measures and prevent illegal drones from flying overhead during the matches. The commission has authority to approve such expenditures when the Florida Legislature is not in session.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup marks the United States’ first hosting of the men’s tournament since 1994 and the first World Cup of any kind since the women’s competition in 2003. Mexico and Canada are co-hosting the tournament along with 10 other U.S. cities.
The tournament has faced some controversy related to immigration and international conflicts, with humanitarian group Amnesty International issuing warnings to foreign fans in March regarding potential issues.
