MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — The effects of the government shutdown were already being felt in South Florida on Wednesday, just hours after it took effect.

There are about 95,000 federal workers across the state. Those deemed essential remain on the job — even though they are not being paid, for now.

At Miami International Airport, operations looked like business as usual.

Flights were running, Transportation Security Administration officers were manning checkpoints and U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers were visible in the terminals.

Most law enforcement under the Department of Homeland Security is considered essential. That means immigration arrests are continuing, and deportation flights are still leaving.

There are also concerns about hurricane forecasting, since the shutdown is happening at the peak of the season.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will not be updating social media, but a spokesperson said critical forecasting — including watches and warnings — will continue.

Florida’s four national parks are also affected. Officials say they will remain as open and accessible as possible, and ferries to Dry Tortugas are still operating for day trips.

Social Security beneficiaries will still receive payments, and local offices like the one in Miami Beach remain open and taking appointments.

Mail service is also unaffected since the U.S. Postal Service is largely funded through stamp sales.

Air traffic controllers are still on the job, though their union has warned about strain on the system. Some federal courthouses in Florida were open on Wednesday, with attorneys saying hearings were still moving forward.

The biggest question remains how long the shutdown will last — it’s not clear.

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