Jared Moskowitz stepping down as head of state’s Division of Emergency Management

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The head of Florida’s Division of Emergency Management and point man on the state’s COVID-19 response is leaving office to spend more time with his family.

Jared Moskowitz told the USA Today Network’s Florida Capitol Bureau that his departure won’t be imminent, and that it would be a gradual transition.

Gov. Ron DeSantis said Monday during a news conference that Moskowitz has worked “incredibly hard” and done a “fantastic job.”

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“I think we’ve done the best in terms of logistics, both in terms of preparing for, responding to storms as well as responding to the COVID-19 pandemic,” DeSantis said. “And I think Jared was a big reason why.”


DeSantis said Kevin Guthrie, the deputy director of Florida’s Division of Emergency Management, will take over for Moskowitz.

Moskowitz’s family, including his two young children, live in Broward County; his job is based in Tallahassee.

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He was appointed to the position by DeSantis in 2019.

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