The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Florida, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) at a federal level, and by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) at a local leve, provides food support to low-income households. This article details the March 2025 payment dates, maximum amounts, eligibility criteria and other key aspects based on official data.
The Food Assistance Program, the local name for SNAP in Florida, distributes benefits through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. Its objective is to supplement the food budget of vulnerable families, ensuring access to a nutritious diet. Funds are debited monthly and can be used at authorized merchants, excluding non-food products.
According to the USDA, more than 2.8 million Floridians received SNAP benefits in 2024, a figure that reflects its state relevance and the risk of many families suffering from malnutrition.
Distribution dates for March 2025 in Florida
SNAP payments in Florida are made between March 1 and March 28, 2025, based on the last two digits of the Eligibility Determination Group (EDG) number, but read backwards. According to the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), households certified before June 1, 2020 receive benefits between the 1st and 15th of each month:
- EDG ending in 0: benefits arrive on the 1st of the month
- EDG ending in 1: benefits arrive on the 3rd of the month
- EDG ending in 2: benefits arrive on the 5th of the month
- EDG ending in 3: benefits arrive on the 6th of the month
- EDG ending in 4: benefits arrive on the 7th of the month
- EDG ending in 5: benefits arrive on the 9th of the month
- EDG ending at 6: benefits arrive on the 11th of the month
- EDG ending at 7: benefits arrive on the 12th of the month
- EDG ending at 8: benefits arrive on the 13th of the month
- EDG ending at 9: benefits arrive on the 15th of the month
For households certified after June 1, 2020, benefits are sent between March 16 and March 28.
Maximum amounts and adjustments for inflation
For fiscal year 2025, SNAP maximum amounts were adjusted 3.4% for inflation, following the USDA Affordable Food Plan. The values in force since October 2024 are:
- 1 person: $292
- 2 people: $536
- 3 people: $768
- 4 people: $975
- 5 people: $1,161
- 6 people: $1,386
- 7 people: $1,532
- 8 people: $1,756
- Each additional person: $220 extra
Eligibility criteria and income limits for SNAP in Florida
Florida uses Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE), aligning SNAP requirements with those of the Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) Program. Thus, households that qualify for TCA automatically access SNAP, without the need for additional evaluations. Gross income limits are set at 185% of the federal poverty level, higher than the 130% required nationally.
In 2025, a household of four can expect gross income of up to $4,810 per month, compared to $3,380 in the federal standard. The calculation of net income includes deductions for medical expenses, housing and child care, among others. For households with older adults or people with disabilities, only the net limit, equivalent to 100% of the poverty level, applies.
Unlike other states, Florida does not set asset limits for accessing SNAP. While in most states possessions are restricted to $2,500 (or $3,750 for households with people with disabilities), in Florida applicants can have savings, property, or vehicles without affecting their eligibility, as long as they meet income requirements. This policy allows families with limited but stable resources to more easily access the program.