Governor Ron DeSantis in Tampa // Chris Young, WMNF News, 5/12/2025
During a press conference in Tampa yesterday, Governor Ron DeSantis announced Florida upcoming changes to the state’s safety net.
He said Florida is working to set new restrictions on EBT cards and the state’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.
“I’m proud to announce that Florida will be the first state in the nation to restrict temporary cash assistance benefits from being used for inappropriate and non-essential purchases,” DeSantis said.
Among the restrictions are the purchase of entertainment tickets, tattoos, tobacco and vaping products, adult material, video games, theme park subscriptions and similar “luxury services.”
DeSantis claimed these restrictions aimed to reduce fraud and support a “pathway to self-sufficiency.”
“These are grants for folks who sometimes through no fault of their own, have fallen hard on their luck. And it’s part of having a safety net, so people don’t fall through the cracks,” DeSantis said. “But it’s also the case that money should be going to things that are really essential.”
He said the state has been working with the federal government to implement these restrictions.
The changes to TANF and EBT cards come soon after Florida tried to limit food stamp purchases
“Florida has already successfully implemented a similar policy change through Healthy SNAP. It launched in April to better align allowable purchases with the program’s nutritional purpose,” said Kate Williams. She is the interim Secretary for the state’s department of children and families. “We have already restricted SNAP benefits from being used to purchase soda, candy, energy drinks, and ultra-processed prepared desserts.”
In June, a federal judge reversed those changes.
A month later, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities released a report warning SNAP is facing its fastest decline in decades.
Some organizations claim the increase in restrictions to food and cash assistance programs can reinforce stigma against recipients and deter enrollment, leading to a growing “hunger crisis.” There is no timeline yet for when the restrictions would begin.
But eligibility and benefit amounts remain the same.
“Families do not need to take any action at this time,” Williams said. “They can expect advanced notice and communication from the department explaining when the restrictions will take effect and exactly what they can expect. Families will continue to be able to use their benefits for everyday necessities, including fresh produce at a farmer’s market or a grocery store, medicine at a pharmacy, and clothing and other essential items for their children.”
The state is still awaiting federal authorization.