Staying informed about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP benefits) in Florida can be complex, because the calendar in the Sunshine State can seem complex because of the way it is organized.
For this reason, we have created a practical guide that summarizes all the basics for easy access to information, including payment dates and maximum amounts approved by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the federal agency that manages these funds.
Stay with us to learn more about SNAP benefits (formerly known as food stamps) and determine if you are among the households receiving payments in the coming days.
SNAP benefits in Florida: basics to understand the program
SNAP recipients receive their benefits through an EBT card, which works like a debit card. This card is loaded with food stamps’ allotments, which can be used at stores that accept this payment method. The Access Florida card is how beneficiaries receive their state-approved food and cash benefits.
To apply for food stamps, the most efficient way is to do so online through the MyAccess Florida platform. Those who prefer to apply in person can contact their local service office or call the Florida SNAP hotline (1-866-762-2237) for more information. There is also the option to complete a paper application, increasing access for people who may not have internet.
When you complete the application with the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), the agency has a maximum period of 30 days to process it and give you a response, whether positive or negative. This process includes conducting a telephone interview and submitting the required documentation.
In special situations, such as households without income or that are in a critical qualifying condition, the application can be processed more quickly, within a period of up to 7 days, a process known as “food stamps expedited.”
If a household is accepted as a beneficiary, you will be sent an EBT card, which typically ships within 5-7 business days after approval. If you need to replace a lost or stolen EBT card, you should contact the EBT customer service line immediately. Disbursement of benefits should generally be completed within 30 days of application approval, or within 7 days if expedited.
Maximum SNAP benefit amounts in Florida in 2025
These are the maximum SNAP allocations for the lower 48 states and DC (October 2024 to September 2025), including Florida, according to the USDA website:
- Household size, 1 person: $292.
- Household size, 2 people: $536.
- Household size, 3 people: $768.
- Household size, 4 people: $975.
- Household size, 5 people: $1,158.
- Household size, 6 people: $1,390.
- Household size, 7 people: $1,536.
- Household size, 8 people: $1,756.
- Each additional person: $220.
For those residing in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, the values are different since the costs of living in those territories are different, generally higher, than in the lower 48 states and DC.