TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) \u2014 A new proposal, led by the DeSantis administration, could amend the state\u2019s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program and restrict certain purchases under the use of Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) benefits.<\/p>\n
\u201cFlorida will be the first state in the nation to restrict Temporary Cash Assistance benefits from being used for inappropriate and non-essential purchases,\u201d Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a press conference at Feeding Tampa Bay Monday.<\/p>\n
The governor said this will help save taxpayer dollars, reduce fraud and ensure those who are truly in need of assistance, receive the help they need.<\/p>\n
\u201cI do think that if somebody really is needy, we just want to make sure that money is going to the things that are going to help that individual.\u201d Gov. DeSantis said.<\/p>\n
Under the amended TANF state plan, the following would be prohibited from purchasing with TCA benefits:<\/p>\n
Tobacco, nicotine and vaping products;<\/p>\n
Drugs and intoxicants;<\/p>\n
Pornography;<\/p>\n
Video games, entertainment tickets, theme park admission and entertainment subscriptions;<\/p>\n
Tattoos, spa services, tanning and other luxury services; and<\/p>\n
Psychic and fortune-telling services.<\/p>\n
Officials acknowledged Florida already prohibits many of the items and services previously stated but said, \u201cThe first-in-the-nation policy expands those controls to additional items and services at eligible retailers,\u201d in a press release Monday evening.<\/p>\n