Florida Faces Potential Financial Burden from SNAP Changes
As Florida prepares for changes to its food stamp program, the state may face substantial financial implications due to new federal requirements. Starting October 1, 2027, states may need to contribute funding to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) based on their payment error rates, a shift introduced by the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” signed by President Donald Trump this summer.
Currently, SNAP benefits are fully financed by the federal government. However, under the new legislation, Florida’s financial responsibility could increase if its payment error rate does not improve. As of the 2023-2024 federal fiscal year, Florida’s error rate stands at a concerning 15.13%. This figure is significant, as it could lead to Florida being required to pay a share of program costs, depending on how the error rate compares to federal thresholds.
State’s Efforts to Lower Payment Error Rates
Bridget Royster, assistant secretary for Florida’s Department of Children and Families’ Economic Self-Sufficiency Program, outlined the agency’s initiatives to reduce the current payment error rate, which reached 12.6% last year. The department aims to implement operational improvements, policy enhancements, and technological advancements to achieve an error rate of less than 6%.
Royster addressed the House Human Services Subcommittee on Wednesday, stating, “I’m proud to say we’re moving in the right direction and actively working towards achieving a payment error rate of less than 6 percent.” In the previous fiscal year, the department managed the distribution of approximately $6.8 billion in federal food assistance to 2.3 million households in Florida.
If Florida maintains an error rate between 6% and 7.99%, it would be required to contribute 5% of the program’s costs. This could translate to a potential bill of $340 million for the state if demand for SNAP remains consistent. Should the error rate exceed 10%, Florida’s cost share would rise to 15%.
The error rate does not account for fraud but involves instances of overpayments and underpayments, which can arise from fluctuations in household sizes and net monthly incomes that are not promptly reported. To combat this, the state has shifted from allowing recipients to self-attest their income and expenses, to requiring documented proof of housing and utility costs.
Changes in Work Requirements for Food Stamp Eligibility
Recent legislative changes have also impacted the eligibility of food stamp recipients in Florida. Under the new provisions of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” 181,217 Floridians are now subject to work requirements to maintain their SNAP benefits. This is a significant increase from just 16,452 individuals in 2023. Royster noted that these figures are based on guidance from federal partners and could evolve as further clarification is provided on the requirements.
In 2024, the Florida legislature expanded the age range for able-bodied adults without dependents who must meet work requirements for SNAP benefits. Previously limited to ages 18 to 54, the range has now been extended to include individuals up to age 64. Furthermore, exemptions from work requirements for homeless individuals, veterans, and former foster youths under age 24 have been eliminated.
Additionally, approximately 9,753 individuals from other countries, including asylees, refugees, victims of trafficking, and parolees, were rendered ineligible for SNAP benefits under the federal law, according to department data.
As Florida navigates these changes, the potential financial implications for the state remain significant. With the need for careful management of SNAP resources and compliance with new federal guidelines, the state’s ability to maintain support for its residents while minimizing costs will be closely monitored in the coming years.
