Fact check: What was the total construction cost of the Florida Everglades prison?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the available analyses, there appears to be confusion between construction costs and operational costs for the Florida Everglades detention facility, commonly referred to as "Alligator Alcatraz."

The most concrete figure available is that Florida has signed $245 million in contracts for the facility ^[1]. However, multiple sources consistently report an estimated annual cost of $450 million ^{[2] [3] [4] [1]}, which appears to cover both construction and operations rather than construction alone.

The facility is designed to eventually house up to 5,000 people ^[3], and Florida is spending an estimated $450 million to cover both construction and operations costs, with expectations to seek reimbursement from the Trump administration ^[4]. The Department of Homeland Security plans to use FEMA funds to cover detention center costs ^[3].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question specifically asks about "construction cost" but the available data primarily discusses combined construction and operational expenses, creating ambiguity about the actual construction-only figure.

Environmental and legal challenges have emerged, with a federal judge halting construction due to environmental concerns ^{[2] [4]}. This detention center is part of a broader $45 billion federal budget allocation for building new detention centers and $14 billion for deportation operations ^[5].

Critics argue that using FEMA money for this project is inappropriate and warn of potential inhumane conditions in the Everglades location ^[6]. The facility is positioned as part of the administration's mass deportation agenda ^[6].

Financial beneficiaries of this project would include construction contractors who have already secured the $245 million in contracts, as well as private detention companies that typically operate such facilities. The Trump administration and Florida state officials benefit politically by demonstrating action on immigration enforcement.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question assumes the existence of a "Florida Everglades prison" when the facility is more accurately described as an immigration detention center rather than a traditional prison. This terminology difference is significant as it affects public perception and legal frameworks governing the facility.

The question also presupposes that a definitive "total construction cost" exists and is publicly available, when the evidence suggests that construction and operational costs are bundled together in most reporting. The $450 million figure repeatedly cited appears to be an annual combined cost rather than a one-time construction expense, though the $245 million in signed contracts may represent the closest available figure to actual construction costs.