At Roasters and Toasters in Pinecrest, customers watched the president talk about day one of the sequester.
"I think people are going to be affected locally, and I think people need to be angrier than they are at the fact that congress is not working together to serve us as people," said attorney Lynn Dannheisser.
University of Miami and Florida International University are experiencing cuts in medical research grants. Community hospitals are also being impacted.
"It affects my job. I work in health care and we've just been put on alert by the health care system that its going to impact the health care system in a variety of ways, " said Dr.Shaun Samuels.
Early Learning Centers across Florida also depend on federal funding. They are bracing for cuts to programs that serve primarily disadvantaged communities and prepare children for school.
"The worst case scenario would be that we'd have to close the center," said Judi Miller, who runs Kids Inc.
Miami-Dade Public Schools will not be feeling an impact this year according to chief communications officer John Schuster.
He said: "That's because of prior planning for the impact of the sequestration."
At airports like Miami International, starting Friday there's no more overtime for federal workers . Last week the Homeland Security Secretary warned the sequester would result in serious congestion at Miami International Airport.
Local
TSA check points are still running smoothly because part timers are filling in the gaps. But that is not the case with Customs and Border Protection agents.
"the total man hours are less in customs right now so far we've been able to manage it, but we have to see how the day goes and Saturday and Sunday," said airport spokesman Greg chin.
International travelers can expect more delays and tour companies are not happy about that.
"We're in the tourism business so it's a big part of our economy here in Miami and obviously if things get delayed and people are hassled, takes longer, people will be upset about it " said Sasha Ghods who works with a German tour company.
Chin said the congestion will get worse of the budget crisis is not resolved by April. That's when furloughs kick in and federal employees will be required to take unpaid time off.
