With government shut down, what changes can Broward County residents expect?
Millions of Americans woke up Wednesday, Oct. 1, to shuttered services and closed federal offices after Senate Democrats and Republicans were unable to pass a short-term funding bill.
The main point of contention involved the continuation of Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits. The last federal shutdown occurred in December 2018 and lasted 35 days.
For Broward County residents, the disruption is not expected to be immediate, but disruptions could occur.
Here’s what you need to know:
Schools
Broward County Public Schools, the sixth-largest district in the nation, said classes and services will continue as usual.
“Broward County Public Schools has not been informed of any impact to our District as a result of the federal government shutdown,” the department said in a statement, according to the Miami Herald.
But federal functions that South Floridians depend on are already at risk.
As for federal student loans, financial aid will keep flowing and payments will still be due. However, investigations into civil rights complaints will stop and the department will not issue new federal grants.
Aviation
At Miami International and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International airports, Transportation Security Administration agents and air traffic controllers — deemed essential — will continue working without pay.
According to a 2022 economic impact study conducted by the Florida Department of Transportation, North Perry Airport in Pembroke Pines supports more than 2,000 jobs and contributes about $285 million annually to the local economy.
Some airport operations rely on federal oversight, meaning some services could be affected.
Health care
Another looming concern is the potential lapse in federal health care subsidies, which could affect approximately 82,000 Broward County residents, according to CBS News.
U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz warned that in the 25th district, more than 203,000 residents could see their insurance costs rise if federal tax credits lapse.
“For the average ACA customer in my district, costs will skyrocket and blow an average annual hole of $490 in their personal budgets — a 72% increase in premiums,” she said in a published statement on her website.
“Almost no family has that kind of extra money lying around. The cost of living is already too high. Families need relief.”
Services
Other services could slow or cease entirely. Federal courthouses, including the immigration court in Broward, may postpone hearings.
Food inspections are on hold, the Women, Infants and Children nutrition program is suspended, and veterans’ benefits offices are closed — though medical centers, clinics and suicide prevention services remain open.
As of September 2024, there are nearly 95,200 federal workers who could be directly affected across the state, according to a Federal Government Management and Organization report.
Some will be working without pay, while others will be furloughed until both sides of the aisle resolve the stalemate.
This story was originally published October 2, 2025 at 9:19 AM.
