As Florida prepares for significant changes in its food assistance program, the state may face substantial costs related to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Starting on October 1, 2027, new provisions under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law by President Donald Trump this summer, will require states to contribute funds based on their payment error rates. Currently, SNAP benefits in Florida are fully funded by the federal government, but this could change if the state does not reduce its error rate.
Rising Error Rates Trigger Concerns
Florida’s Department of Children and Families (DCF) reported a payment error rate of 12.6% for the 2023-2024 federal fiscal year. Bridget Royster, assistant secretary for DCF’s Economic Self Sufficiency Program, emphasized the agency’s commitment to reducing this rate. At a recent House Human Services Subcommittee meeting, she stated, “The department is identifying operational process improvements, policy enhancements, and technology solutions to ensure we continue to drive quality.” Royster aims for the state to achieve a payment error rate of less than 6%.
In the past fiscal year, DCF disbursed approximately $6.8 billion in federal food assistance to around 2.3 million households. The new law stipulates that states maintaining error rates below 6% will continue to receive full federal funding. However, those with rates between 6% and 7.99% will be responsible for 5% of the costs. If Florida’s error rate remains unchanged, it could face a liability of approximately $340 million.
The financial implications grow even more serious if the error rate exceeds 10%, as states would then be required to cover 15% of the costs. The error rate is primarily driven by overpayments and underpayments, rather than fraudulent activity. Benefits are calculated based on household sizes and net monthly incomes, which frequently change but may not be reported immediately.
New Work Requirements Impact Recipients
Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, 181,217 Floridians now face new work requirements to remain eligible for SNAP benefits, a substantial increase from 16,452 recipients in 2023. Royster noted that this estimate could fluctuate as more guidance is provided from federal authorities.
In 2024, Florida lawmakers expanded the age range for able-bodied adults without dependents who must meet work requirements to qualify for SNAP. Previously, individuals aged 18 to 54 were included, but the new law raises the upper limit to 64 years old and removes exemptions for homeless individuals, veterans, and former foster youths under the age of 24.
Additionally, new federal regulations have made 9,753 individuals from other countries—such as asylees, refugees, victims of trafficking, and parolees—eligible for SNAP ineligible. These changes reflect a broader shift in the administration of food assistance programs across the state.
Florida’s error rate has not fallen below 6% since before the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting ongoing challenges in managing the program effectively. For the previous fiscal year, the rate was calculated at 15.13%, although this figure does not represent the full year’s performance. Royster pointed to a series of hurricanes as contributing factors to the rising error rates in recent years.
As the state prepares for these changes, the financial and social implications for millions of residents remain a critical area of focus for both state officials and the federal government.
