The State of Florida plans to take over the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport (TNT) in Ochopee for emergency use, according to a letter sent to Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.

Kevin Guthrie, director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, said in the letter that the move is allowed under the governor’s emergency powers. The use of the site is tied to ongoing support for federal immigration enforcement.

Guthrie said the state will begin using the improved part of the airport right away. “Time is of the essence,” he wrote. “We must act swiftly to ensure readiness.”

The site, located at 54575 Tamiami Trail E, is in a remote part of the Everglades. The state is still in talks to buy the property from Miami-Dade County, but the letter says the state will use the land during the current state of emergency.

The emergency order, first issued in 2023 by Governor Ron DeSantis, remains in effect through Executive Order 25-120.

Guthrie said Florida officials will work with county staff during the operation.

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