Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Director Kevin Guthrie resigned in mid-August 2026, just as the Atlantic hurricane season enters its historically most active period.
Key Details of the Resignation
- The Reason: Guthrie stepped down after being named as the lieutenant governor running mate for Lt. Gov. Jay Collins in the Florida gubernatorial primary election.
- DeSantis’ Response: Governor Ron DeSantis immediately accepted the resignation, stating that emergency management and political campaigning do not mix. He emphasized the need for leadership at FDEM to remain strictly focused on disaster readiness.
- Immediate Replacement: Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Secretary Jared Perdue was appointed to take over as FDEM director while continuing his duties as transportation secretary.
- Operational Impact: DeSantis assured the public that Florida’s emergency response apparatus operates as a “well-oiled machine” and that the leadership transition would not hinder state readiness or disaster response capabilities during peak storm season.
Guthrie had led the agency since May 2021, overseeing Florida’s response to major natural disasters, including Hurricanes Ian and Idalia.
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