[6] As a result, states which had previously counted on their National Guard to maintain peace, quell riots, protect against sabotage, or repel a potential invasion were given the alternative of creating their own state-level military forces under the State Guard Act signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on October 21, 1940.[10] Each county was able to organize its own unit so long as it could recruit at minimum fifty Florida men who met the qualifications required by the state.[8] Florida law also permitted the FSG to use National Guard armories and receive any surplus weapons and equipment offered by the Department of Defense.[13] On June 14, 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the reestablishment of the Florida State Guard as an emergency-focused civilian volunteer force and appointed retired Marine Corps.[16] On February 1, 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the deployment of the Florida State Guard to the southern border of Texas with Mexico to support Texan officials in handling illegal immigration.[20] On the 19th of September it was reported that the Florida State Guard plans to create a permanent air-base at Tallahassee International Airport.[22] The Florida State Guard as of July 2024 is divided into ground, naval, air units along with special response and leadership groups.
Florida State Guard members preparing for Hurricane Idalia in August 2023.