The Florida State Guard was reestablished in 2022 with a mission to protect Floridians during disasters and emergencies. But disturbing new reports suggest that instead of fulfilling that promise, it has become a vehicle for waste, retaliation, and abuse under Executive Director Mark Thieme.

Multiple high-ranking officers and longtime veterans have resigned in protest, citing millions of dollars in misused public funds, retaliation against whistleblowers, and a breakdown of mission integrity. Among the most serious allegations: $100,000 in public resources used to pursue a personal pilot’s license, the purchase of incompatible aircraft without proper vetting, and dangerous decisions that put guard members at risk. One senior officer described it as a “sustained pattern of compromised integrity.”

Worse still, multiple guard members have said their efforts to raise concerns were ignored by top state officials. One female guard member has filed a federal lawsuit after alleging sexual harassment and retaliation when she spoke up.

This isn’t about politics. It’s about the basic trust Floridians place in those who protect us—and the money we all pay to fund that mission. If these allegations are even partially true, then the Florida State Guard is not just failing in its mission, it is betraying the public it was created to serve.

We call on the Florida Legislature to immediately launch a formal, independent investigation into the Florida State Guard’s operations, finances, and leadership. We also urge the Florida Department of Financial Services and Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia to conduct a forensic audit of how taxpayer dollars have been spent. If wrongdoing is confirmed, we demand that responsible parties be removed and held accountable under the law.

Floridians deserve a disaster response force that operates with honor, transparency, and trust—not secrecy and self-dealing. Sign to demand answers and real accountability before more damage is done.