Criminal Justice
budget cuts
2025 Legislation
By
Tachana Joseph-Marc
|
August 6, 2025

FY 2025-26 Budget Summary: Corrections and Youth Justice

Current Landscape

Florida’s Department of Corrections (DOC) faces several challenges— ranging from budget cuts, understaffing, an aging population that requires intensive and specialized medical care, and aging infrastructure.[1],[2] Secretary Ricky Dixon, explained how the department’s chronic understaffing issue poses a threat to the safety of the incarcerated and staff.[3]Furthermore, Secretary Dixon detailed how the lack of staff has contributed to more overtime pay, which has caused the department to operate at a $189 million deficit.[4]

In 2022, a study by KPMG, the accounting firm that was commissioned by the Legislature, revealed just how dire the conditions of the department are.[5] It was recommended that the state urgently appropriate $2.2 billion to DOC for immediate repairs and for developing strategic plans to modernize the prison system, in order to sustain its forecasted increase in population.[6] To date, the Legislature’s response has failed to measure up and their attempted efforts have been thwarted by the Governor. In 2022, the Governor vetoed a total of $840 million for the construction of a 4,500-bed correctional institution and a 250-bed hospital unit for elderly incarcerated people.[7] This year, he vetoed $300,000 for a pilot program that would add air conditioning units to various correctional facilities.[8]

A major factor that is influencing the policy landscape in Florida is Governor Ron DeSantis’ commitment to enacting “tough on crime” policies, which exacerbate the state’s over-incarceration problem while also rejecting common-sense reforms that would foster rehabilitation and reduce Florida’s stagnant recidivism rate.[9] As demonstrated in the past two legislative sessions, Governor Ron DeSantis signed several bills into law that lowered the felony threshold for certain crimes, increased the penalties for offenders, and created new criminal offenses.[10],[11]

At the same time, the Governor has used his executive power to veto several second-chance bills, including: those that would have reduced barriers to occupational licensing for people with past criminal records, and those that would have made it more affordable for people who are incarcerated to pursue a higher education in 2024.[12] In that same year, the Governor also vetoed funding for a pilot program that would have offered one 15-minute phone call per month to incarcerated people that have exhibited good behavior. The $2 million funds were slated to come from the Inmate Welfare Trust Fund.[13] All of these policy proposals would have had a positive impact on rehabilitation, reducing the state’s recidivism rate. Studies have consistently shown that access to good paying jobs[14] and maintaining familial and social ties while being incarcerated[15] strongly reduces the likelihood of re-offending.

The Governor’s signing of Chapter 2025-068 (SB 472, 2025)—which allows educational credits earned during incarceration to count toward licensing requirements—marks a step in the right direction.[16] However, meaningful progress on smart criminal justice reform has been inconsistent under Governor Ron DeSantis. This year, he once again vetoed funding for a pilot program that would have provided incarcerated individuals with one free 15-minute phone call each month.[17]

Given lawmakers’ insistence on staying the course, prison admissions will inevitably be on the rise, which will further intensify DOC’s funding strains. It is forecasted that roughly 3,347 more people are expected to be incarcerated from FY 2025–26 to FY 2029–30.[18] As Florida’s prison population fell by 12.7 percent over the span of nine fiscal years (FY 2014–15 to FY 2023–24), the annual incarceration cost-per-person rose by approximately 85 percent, whereas DOC’s budget grew by about 42 percent.[19] Also, in 2018, DOC faced a $28 million deficit and responded by administering a series of cuts to many of its rehabilitative programs, such as substance abuse and reentry.[20] In short, DOC costs have outpaced budget increases even as the prison population declined, contributing to conditions of perpetual underfunding.

A major reason why a lower prison population does not translate into lower costs for DOC is because of Florida’s minimum sentencing law. The 85 percent rule requires that all incarcerated people serve at least 85 percent of their sentences, even for nonviolent offenses. Keeping people in prison for a longer period of time means that more people will reach old age while incarcerated and will need more specialized care, which requires substantial financial investment.[21] As then-Senator Jeff Brandes describes, the prison system is “largely a healthcare provider that houses inmates.”[22] Notably, in FY 2023–24, people aged 50 years and older accounted for 61 percent of all outpatient cases and 56 percent of all hospital admissions.[23] Yet, in the absence of meaningful criminal justice reform, DOC continues to rely on costly, reactive measures. The result is a department stuck in a cycle of underinvestment and temporary fixes — unable to address its root challenges.

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Budget

‍

Department of Corrections

The FY 2025-26 budget increases funding for the DOC to $3.8 billion,[24] roughly 4 percent or $160 million more than the FY 2024–25 funding level.[25] Despite the significant increase, it is still insufficient in addressing some of the most critical issues the department is facing.

‍

Basic Education

The FY 2025–26 budget provides roughly $91 million for basic education,[26] which is $2.7 million less than FY 24-25 budget,[27] and an approximately 119 percent increase over the FY 2022–23 budget, which was $43 million. For several years, hiring and retaining quality teachers had been a persistent issue for the DOC; in 2022, the department explained how it did not “have adequate resources to meet the academic educational need of the inmate population.”[28] Consequently, nearly seven out of ten returning citizens report unmet academic programming needs.[29] With the increase in funding over the last few fiscal years for basic education skills, DOC has added around 275 education jobs, according to Secretary Dixon.[30]

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Maintenance and Repairs

The FY 2025–26 budget for maintenance and repairs is $244 million,[31] a significant decrease of $49 million from the FY 2024–25 appropriation of $293 million.[32] The drop in funding is mainly due to the fact that the FY 2025–26 budget did not provide any funding for new housing units, like FY 2024–25 did.

This is concerning, given the current infrastructure issues have been affecting the department. The allocated budget is far less than what is needed to address the most critical repairs. Seventeen of the state’s institutions were built prior to 1980, and all are in dire need of modernization—such as electrical upgrades, windows, locking controls, plumbing systems, and roofs.[33] Moreover, only 153 out of the DOC’s 639 housing units have air conditioning,[34] which creates unbearable living conditions during Florida’s harsh summers. A class lawsuit has been filed by incarcerated people in Dade Correctional Institution, alleging that the lack of AC in the facility violates their constitutional rights.[35] Despite the state’s attempt to get the case dismissed, a federal judge ruled in May 2025 that there is ground to move forward with the case.[36] Relatedly, a few weeks later, Governor Ron Desantis still vetoed funding for an AC pilot program.[37]

As mentioned above, the study by KPMG presented lawmakers with a list of options on how they can approach DOC’s repair problems, with cost estimates ranging from $6 billion to $12 billion.[38] All of the options included the pressing need for the department to 1) reopen closed facilities such as work camps and closed dorms, 2) build a 600-bed hospital and 300-bed hospital by years 2030 and 2035, respectively, and 3) construct a new prison by 2036. Again, similar to the last fiscal year, this year’s budget did not provide allocations for any of these recommended projects. The most notable attempt at providing relief was via the FY 2022–23 budget, in which lawmakers proposed a $1 billion budget for maintenance and repairs. From this appropriation, $645 million was meant to build a 4,500-bed correctional institution and $195 million was meant for the construction of a 250-bed hospital unit for those who are 50 years old and above. However, these recommendations did not materialize since the Governor vetoed funding for both projects.[39]

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‍Health Care

Health care  programs and services received roughly $725 million,[40] an approximately $37 million increase as compared to last year’s $688 million appropriation.[41] Allocations for health care services have grown up to roughly 28 percent since FY 2019–20.[42] Similar to previous years, contracted statewide inmate health care services constituted the majority of funding at $583 million,[43]  nearly $34 million more than the $549 million appropriated in FY 2024–25.[44]This is a direct result of the department’s aging population, as older people in prisons require more specialized care. For example, over the span of 15 years, the number of outpatient cases rose by 72 percent, and older incarcerated people made up the most of all outpatient cases overall.[45]

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Security and Institutional Operations

The budget includes $1.8 billion for all four types of custody operations:

  • $937.4 million for adult male custody,[46] an approximately 6 percent increase from the prior year’s of funding of $881 million.[47]
  • $83.9 million for adult and youthful offender female custody,[48] a 7 percent increase from the prior year’s funding level of $78 million.[49]
  • $31 million for male youthful offender custody,[50] a roughly 10 percent decrease from the prior year’s funding of $28 million.[51]
  • $773 million for specialty correctional institution,[52] a roughly 10 percent increase over the prior year’s funding of $702 million.[53]

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Community Supervision

Community supervision is a part of community corrections where individuals with certain convictions are serving their time out in the community, under the supervision of probation officers. Community supervision receives approximately $291 million in the budget.[54] Additionally, the FY 2025–26 budget includes an approximately $23.7 million investment in community substance abuse prevention,[55] evaluation, and treatment services—a slight increase from FY 2024–25 funding.[56]

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Juvenile Justice

From FY 2018–19 to FY 2022–23, the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) has reported a stark decrease in the number of youths who are arrested, on probation, and placed on residential commitment.[57] The percentage of youths who are partaking in diversion programs has increased over the last three fiscal years.[58] Notably, the sharpest drop in arrests occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic (FY 2020–21), when youth arrests fell by 47 percent, as compared to FY 2017–18.[59] While arrests have increased by 42 percent since then (FY 2020–21 to FY 2023–24),[60] they still remain well below pre-pandemic levels.

These trends may continue to shift, especially as a newly enacted state law is poised to significantly reshape Florida’s juvenile justice landscape.

Following a highly publicized case in which a 19-year-old Floridian, a youth with a juvenile record, was charged with murder in relation to a shooting that claimed three lives,[61] House Bill (HB) 1181[62] does the following, among other things:

  1. changes the term “civil citation” to “delinquency citation,”
  2. bans a juvenile charged with an offense involving the use or possession of a firearm from being issued a delinquency citation,
  3. authorizes education records to be used in juvenile proceedings without the consent of a parent/guardian, and
  4. mandates a court to only consider, rather than use, the results of DJJ’s Detention Risk Assessment Instrument (DRAI) tool in determining whether to continue to detain a juvenile​. DRAI tool is used by detention screening staff to “determine whether a youth should be detained in a secure detention facility prior to their detention hearing, placed on supervised release (community-based detention status), or released without any additional supervision.”[63]

The far-reaching implication of this new law is that the department will potentially see an increase in intakes, with more youth being sent to secure detention and supervision.

The Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) receives $753 million[64] in the budget, roughly $15 million more than the FY 2024–25 funding of $739 million.[65] Lawmakers continue to mandate a comprehensive statewide review with the goal of developing benchmarks across counties, which support the DJJ’s strategic goals of “preventing and diverting more youth from entering the juvenile justice system, providing appropriate and less restrictive community-based sanctions and services, reserving serious sanctions for youth who pose the greatest risk to public safety, and focusing on rehabilitation.”[66]

Relatedly, the budget includes almost $164 million for detention centers,[67] $12 million less than the past fiscal year’s $176 million.[68] From those funds, $2.4 million is allocated for site planning and engineering design for a new detention center in Broward County.[69]

Community supervision receives roughly $2 million in additional funds, for a total allocation of $111 million.[70] The FY 2025–26 budget includes $4.2 million[71] to help the department provide alternative services to youth who are at risk for commitment, and another $3.7 million[72] to offer vocational and educational services that would support at-risk youth in their transition from residential commitment programs to the community.  

Delinquency prevention is given a budget of almost $117 million,[73] a slight increase over last year’s budget of $114 million.[74] The governor vetoed a total of $2.7 million from delinquency prevention, including legislative initiatives that would help in reducing and preventing juvenile crime and promoting rehabilitation.[75] Since FY 2023–24, funding for certain programming under delinquency prevention has been vetoed consecutively each year.

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_____________________

Notes

[1] Florida Department of Corrections, “2020-2024 Strategic Plan,” pp. 12-15, https://fdcmedia.ccplatform.net/content/download/3085/file/2020-2021-Strategic-Plan.pdf.

[2] Florida Department of Corrections, “2020-2024 Strategic Plan,” pp. 12-15, Accessed on 07/09/25,  https://pubapps.fdc.myflorida.com/pub/annual/1819/2020-2021-Strategic-Plan.pdf

[3] Ritch Perry, “Florida Dept. of Corrections Head Says OT Costs are Becoming a Serious Problem,” Florida Phoenix, February 12, 2025,  https://floridaphoenix.com/2025/02/12/florida-dept-of-corrections-head-says-ot-costs-are-becoming-a-serious-problem/

[4] Ritch Perry, ”Florida Dept. of Corrections Head Says OT Costs are Becoming a Serious Problem,“ Florida Phoenix, February 12, 2025

[5] Florida Senate, “Bill Analysis Impact Statement,” February 2024, https://m.flsenate.gov/session/bill/2024/2512/analyses/2024s02512.ap.pdf.

[6] 5 Florida Department of Management Services, “Final Multi-Year Master Plan (FAR-D16): Charting a Path to a Safer, More Efficient Correctional System,” page 3, December 2023, https://floridapolicyproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/FL-DMS-Final-Multi-Year-Master-Plan-FAR-D16.pdf

[7] Florida Policy Institute, Florida FY 2022-23 Budget: Summary by Issue Area, pg. 25, Accessed on 07/08/25,https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5cd5801dfdf7e5927800fb7f/638e65a68a15647309009304_RT_FY2022-23_Budget_Summary_FINAL_updated120522.pdf

[8] Gov. Ron DeSantis, ”Budget Transmittal Letter,“ Pg. 11, https://flgov.com/eog/sites/default/files/shared/2025/06/Budget%20Transmittal%20Letter_6.30.35.pdf

[9] Executive Office of the Governor, Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Law and Order Legislation, January 2026, 2023, https://www.flgov.com/eog/news/press/2023/governor-ron-desantis-announces-law-and-order-legislation

[10] Romy Ellenbogen, “5 Florida bills that Increase Punishments for Street Racers, Porch Pirates, Other Crimes,” Tampa Bay Times, March 26, 2024, https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2024/03/26/florida-desantis-law-order-punishment-criminal/

[11] C.A. Bridges, New Florida speeding law went in effect July 1. Here's what 'super speeder' law will cost you, Tallahassee Democrat, Accessed on 07/09/25, https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2025/07/01/new-florida-speeding-law-adds-stiff-fines-jail-time-dangerous-excessive-speed-hb351/84428227007/

[12] Jeffrey Schweers, “DeSantis Vetoes Three Criminal Justice Reform Bills,” Orlando Sentinel, June 28, 2024, https://www.governing.com/policy/desantis-vetoes-three-criminal-justice-reform-bills

[13] Ritch Perry, DeSantis Veto of Free Prison Phone Call Appropriation Disappoints Criminal Justice Reform Advocates, Florida Phoenix, August 30, 2024, https://floridaphoenix.com/2024/08/30/desantis-veto-of-free-prison-phone-call-appropriation-disappoints-criminal-justice-reform-advocates/

[14] Vittorio Nastasi , Samuel R. Staley, “Bridging the Divide: Licensing and Recidivism,” James Madison Institute, 2019,https://www.jamesmadison.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/PolicyBrief_LicensingRecidivism_v02.pdf

[15] M.T. Berg, and B.M. Huebner, “Reentry and the Ties that Bind: An Examination of Social Ties, Employment, and Recidivism,” Justice Quarterly, 28(2), 382-410, 2010 https://doi.org/10.1080/07418825.2010.498383

[16] Florida Senate, CS/SB 472: Education in Correctional Facilities for Professional Licensure, 2025, https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/472

[17] Gov. Ron DeSantis, Budget Transmittal letter, Pg. 11, July 2025,  https://flgov.com/eog/sites/default/files/shared/2025/06/Budget%20Transmittal%20Letter_6.30.35.pdf

[18] Florida Criminal Justice Estimating Conference, EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Criminal Justice Estimating Conference, February 21, 2025, https://edr.state.fl.us/Content/conferences/criminaljustice/executivesummary.pdf

[19] An analysis of Florida Department of Corrections Annual Reports from FY 2014-15 to FY 2023-24 which can be found at: https://www.fdc.myflorida.com/statistics-and-publications.

[20] Tachana Joseph-Marc, “Massive Cuts to Substance Abuse and Re-Entry Programs, Maintenance Repairs as DOC Deals with $28 Million Budget Deficit,” Florida Policy Institute, May 4, 2018, https://www.floridapolicy.org/posts/massive-cuts-to-substance-abuse-and-re-entry-programs-maintenance-repairs-as-doc-deals-with-28-million-budget-deficit

[21] Florida Department of Corrections, “2022-2023 Annual Report,” https://fdc-media.ccplatform.net/content/download/3089/file/Annual_Report_22-23_V10.pdf

[22] Allie Pitchon, “In Florida, Home of the 97-year-old Inmate, Prison Healthcare Costs Spiraling,”Miami Herald, February 22, 2022,https://www.miamiherald.com/news/special-reports/florida-prisons/article257273507.html

[23] Florida Department of Corrections, “2023-2024 Annual Report,” pg 22,  https://fdc-media.ccplatform.net/content/download/35691/file/Annual_Report_23-24%20-%20FINAL.pdf

[24] Chapter 2025-198, General Appropriations Act, Laws of Florida, Line Item 723, https://laws.flrules.org/2025/198

[25] Tachana Joseph-Marc, FY 2024-25 Budget Summary: Corrections and Youth Justice, Florida Policy Institute, October 2024, https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5cd5801dfdf7e5927800fb7f/64d543cbfd5c9c8dd00387c0_fy2023-24%20budget%20summary.pdf

[26] Chapter 2025-198, General Appropriations Act, Laws of Florida, Line Item 715A, https://laws.flrules.org/2025/198

[27] Chapter 2024-231, General Appropriations Act, Laws of Florida, line item 759, https://laws.flrules.org/files/Ch_2024-231.pdf

[28] Department of Corrections, “Long Range Program Plan: Fiscal Years 2023-24 through 2027-28,” Florida Fiscal Portal, September 29, 2023, p. 73, http://floridafiscalportal.state.fl.us/Document.aspx?ID=28216&DocType=PDF

[29] Department of Corrections, Long Range Program Plan: Fiscal Years 2024-25 through 2028-29, pg. 29, September 29, 2023, http://floridafiscalportal.state.fl.us/Document.aspx?ID=28216&DocType=PDF

[30] Perry

[31] Chapter 2025-198, General Appropriations Act, Laws of Florida, Line Item 669, https://laws.flrules.org/2025/198  

[32] Chapter 2024-231, General Appropriations Act, Laws of Florida, line item 719A, https://laws.flrules.org/files/Ch_2024-231.pdf

[33] Department of Corrections, “Long Range Program Plan: Fiscal Years 2023-24 through 2027-28,” Florida Fiscal Portal, September 30, 2022, p. 12

[34] Department of Corrections, “Long Range Program Plan: Fiscal Years 2023-24 through 2027-28,” Florida Fiscal Portal, September 30, 2022, p. 12

[35] News Service of Florida, Federal Judge Allows Lawsuit over Extreme Heat at Florida Prison to Proceed, citing inmate health risks, May 30, 2025, https://www.wuft.org/state-news/2025-05-30/federal-judge-allows-lawsuit-over-extreme-heat-at-florida-prison-to-proceed-citing-inmate-health-risks

[36] News Service of Florida, Federal judge allows lawsuit over extreme heat at Florida prison to proceed, citing inmate health risks, May 30, 2025, Accessed on 07/10/25, https://www.wuft.org/state-news/2025-05-30/federal-judge-allows-lawsuit-over-extreme-heat-at-florida-prison-to-proceed-citing-inmate-health-risks

[37] Gov. Ron DeSantis, Budget Transmittal letter, Pg. 10, June 30, 2025, https://flgov.com/eog/sites/default/files/shared/2025/06/Budget%20Transmittal%20Letter_6.30.35.pdf

[38] Florida Department of Management Services, 2023.

[39] FY 2022-23, line item 684A

[40] Chapter 2025-198, General Appropriations Act, Laws of Florida, Line Item 702A, https://laws.flrules.org/2025/198  

[41] Chapter 2024-231, General Appropriations Act, Laws of Florida, line item 744, https://laws.flrules.org/files/Ch_2024-231.pdf

[42] Chapter 2019-115, General Appropriations Act, Laws of Florida, Line Item 726, https://laws.flrules.org/files/Ch_2019-115.pdf

[43] Chapter 2025-198, General Appropriations Act, Laws of Florida, Line Item 698, https://laws.flrules.org/2025/198

[44] Chapter 2024-231, General Appropriations Act, Laws of Florida, line item 739, https://laws.flrules.org/files/Ch_2024-231.pdf

[45] Florida Department of Corrections, “2023-2024 Annual Report,” pg 22.

[46] Chapter 2025-198, General Appropriations Act, Laws of Florida, Line Item 612A, https://laws.flrules.org/2025/198

[47] Chapter 2024-231, General Appropriations Act, Laws of Florida, line item 643, https://laws.flrules.org/files/Ch_2024-231.pdf

[48] Chapter 2025-198, General Appropriations Act, Laws of Florida, Line Item 623A, https://laws.flrules.org/2025/198

[49] Chapter 2024-231, General Appropriations Act, Laws of Florida, line item 657, https://laws.flrules.org/files/Ch_2024-231.pdf

[50] Chapter 2025-198, General Appropriations Act, Laws of Florida, Line Item 623M, https://laws.flrules.org/2025/198

[51] Chapter 2024-231, General Appropriations Act, Laws of Florida, line item 670, https://laws.flrules.org/files/Ch_2024-231.pdf

[52] Chapter 2025-198, General Appropriations Act, Laws of Florida, Line Item 634A, https://laws.flrules.org/2025/198

[53] Chapter 2024-231, General Appropriations Act, Laws of Florida, line item 682, https://laws.flrules.org/files/Ch_2024-231.pdf

[54] Chapter 2025-198, General Appropriations Act, Laws of Florida, Line Item 691, https://laws.flrules.org/2025/198

[55] Chapter 2025-198, General Appropriations Act, Laws of Florida, Line Item 708, https://laws.flrules.org/2025/198

[56] Chapter 2024-231, General Appropriations Act, Laws of Florida, line item 708, https://laws.flrules.org/files/Ch_2024-231.pdf

[57] Department of Juvenile Justice, “Delinquency Profile Dashboard,” Accessed on 07/26/24, https://www.djj.state.fl.us/research/reports-and-data/interactive-data-reports/delinquency-profile/delinquency-profile-dashboard

[58] Department of Juvenile Justice, “Delinquency Profile Dashboard,” Accessed on 07/26/24, https://www.djj.state.fl.us/research/reports-and-data/interactive-data-reports/delinquency-profile/delinquency-profile-dashboard

[59] Delinquency Profile Dashboard, Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, September 18, 2024, https://www.djj.state.fl.us/research/reports-and-data/interactive-data-reports/delinquency-profile/delinquency-profile-dashboard

[60] Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, September 18, 2024.

[61] Florida Governor Office, “Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Law and Order Legislation,” Accessed on 07/26/24, https://www.flgov.com/2023/01/26/governor-ron-desantis-announces-law-and-order-legislation/

[62] Laws of Florida, Chapter 2024-130, https://laws.flrules.org/2024/130

[63] Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, “What is the DRAI,” Accessed on 07/28/24, https://www.djj.state.fl.us/research/detention-risk-assessment-instrument/what-is-the-drai

[64] Chapter 2025-198, General Appropriations Act, Laws of Florida, Line Item 1124B, https://laws.flrules.org/2025/198

[65] Chapter 2024-231, General Appropriations Act, Laws of Florida, line item 1232A, https://laws.flrules.org/files/Ch_2024-231.pdf

[66] Chapter 2025-198, General Appropriations Act, Laws of Florida, page 230 https://laws.flrules.org/2025/198

[67] Chapter 2025-198, General Appropriations Act, Laws of Florida, Line Item 1061, https://laws.flrules.org/2025/198

[68] Chapter 2024-231, General Appropriations Act, Laws of Florida, line item 1161, https://laws.flrules.org/files/Ch_2024-231.pdf

[69] Chapter 2025-198, General Appropriations Act, Laws of Florida, Line Item 1061, https://laws.flrules.org/2025/198

[70] Chapter 2025-198, General Appropriations Act, Laws of Florida, Line Item 1069A, https://laws.flrules.org/2025/198

[71] Chapter 2025-198, General Appropriations Act, Laws of Florida, Line Item 1066, https://laws.flrules.org/2025/198

[72] Chapter 2025-198, General Appropriations Act, Laws of Florida, Line Item 1068, https://laws.flrules.org/2025/198

[73] Chapter 2025-198, General Appropriations Act, Laws of Florida, Line Item 1124B, https://laws.flrules.org/2025/198

[74] Chapter 2024-231, General Appropriations Act, Laws of Florida, line item 1232A, https://laws.flrules.org/files/Ch_2024-231.pdf

[75] Gov. Ron DeSantis, Budget Transmittal letter, Pg. 11-12, July 2025, https://flgov.com/eog/sites/default/files/shared/2025/06/Budget%20Transmittal%20Letter_6.30.35.pdf

Re-employment Assistance (RA)

American Rescue Plan Act Changes. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 extended PEUC and PUA benefits through the week ending September 6, 2021. It also increased the maximum duration of PEUC benefits ($300 a week) to 53 weeks and the maximum duration of PUA to 79 weeks. Although PEUC and PUA did not end until September 6, 2021, Florida withdrew from the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation Program (FPUC) effective June 26, 2021. FPUC provided persons who were out of work due to COVID-19 with an additional $300 a week in unemployment insurance.

Reemployment Assistance weeks reverted to 12 effective January 1, 2022. DEO determines the maximum number of weeks available to RA claimants based on a statutory formula that looks at the average unemployment rate for the most recent third calendar year quarter (i.e., July, August, and September). Based on the downturn in unemployment, the maximum number of weeks for RA reverted to 12 effective January 1, 2022.

RA work-search and work registration requirements reinstated on May 30, 2021. Persons filing an application for RA benefits beginning March 15, 2020, are not required to complete work registration in Employ Florida through May 29, 2021. In addition, work search requirements for individuals requesting benefits for the weeks beginning March 15, 2020, were also reinstated on May 30, 2021.

RA biweekly reporting requirements reinstated. Although previously waived, biweekly reporting was reinstated effective May 10, 2020. DEO’s guide to claiming weeks is here.

Mobile app deployed. DEO has deployed a mobile app for RA applications.

‍DEO announces extended benefits. DEO announced implementation of Extended Benefits (EB).

Resources and guidance. For a list of resources and guidance from the United States Department of Labor on unemployment insurance and COVID-19, go here.

For DEO’s “Reemployment Assistance Frequently Asked Questions and Additional Resources,” updated 12/30/2020, go here.

For DEO’s latest claims data, go here.

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Department of Children and Families (DCF) Multi-Program Policies

DCF opens offices. DCF has reopened its brick-and-mortar storefronts, which were previously closed  due to coronavirus.

DCF adds call center numbers. DCF has added a call center number for Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call center numbers now include 850-300-4323, 866-762-2237, or TTY 1-800-955-8771.

Certification periods extended by 6 months only through August 2020. Certification periods for cash, food and medical assistance were extended by 6 months for individuals and families scheduled to recertify in April through August  2020. FNS’ approval of the SNAP extension for August is here.  However, effective September 1, 2020, SNAP, TANF and Medicaid recertifications have been reinstated, although DCF says that no one will lose Medicaid due to recertification.

‍DCF allows phone interviews. Phone interviews are now being used for TANF cash and SNAP food assistance.

Mandatory work requirements suspended only through May 2021. Under a directive from Governor DeSantis to waive work requirements for safety net programs, DCF  waived work requirements for individuals participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) through May 2021. To do this, DCF explains that it partnered with the Department of Economic Opportunity to apply “good cause” statewide for TANF and SNAP recipients who would otherwise be subject to participation in mandatory work requirements as a condition of receiving those benefits. Through May 2021, persons who were sanctioned in the past due to work requirements will be able to reapply and participate in SNAP or TANF again.
‍

Work requirements were reinstated effective June 1, 2021.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Emergency allotments (EA) ended. DCF automatically supplemented SNAP allotments of current recipients up to the maximum for a household’s size for July 2021. However, EA was discontinued beginning August 1, 2021.

The SNAP benefits increase by 15 percent ended in October 2021. Floridians who participate in SNAP to put food on the table will receive a temporary 15 percent supplement to SNAP under COVID relief passed by Congress and extended by the American Rescue Plan Act through September 2021.

FNS permanently increases SNAP through revamp of the Thrifty Food Plan. Effective October 2021, FNS has mandated a permanent increase to SNAP through a revamp of the Thrifty Food Plan. DCF says that the increase amounts to about 6% for Floridians.

Time limits suspended. SNAP time limits are suspended during the COVID-19 public health emergency. No one in Florida should be barred from SNAP due to time limits, even if they exhausted their time limit in the past.

Florida granted waiver to allow families to purchase groceries online. DCF has been granted a federal waiver to permit the State of Florida to launch a pilot project statewide effective April 21, 2020, that allows families to purchase groceries online with their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card instead of going into stores.

  • At present, participating retailers are Walmart, Amazon, Aldi, BJ’s Wholesale Club, and Publix. DCF cautions, however, that EBT cards cannot be used for delivery fees.

‍

Medicaid

No Medicaid terminations from March 2020 through the end of the federal public health emergency. The national public health emergency has existed since January 27, 2020 and has been renewed by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services in 90-day increments since that time. The most recent renewal is effective January 16, 2022.

On March 31, 2020, AHCA alerted providers and DCF posted on the ACCESS website that:

  • No Medicaid recipient will lose Medicaid eligibility during the COVID-19 public health emergency (unless the individual is no longer a state resident or request voluntary termination); under the newly enacted Families First Coronavirus Response Act, a state is prohibited from ending coverage for recipients enrolled as of March 18th for the duration of the public health emergency if the state opts to obtain an enhanced federal Medicaid match.
  • AHCA is working to notify recipients who may have received a termination notice in the month of March that their benefits will be reinstated.
  • An FAQ released by federal CMS provides some examples of Medicaid eligibility groups  protected under these "no termination" requirements including: former foster care youth aging out when they turn 26; youth aging out of children's eligibility when they turn 19; individuals who become ineligible for SSI; individuals no longer qualifying for Qualified Medicare Benefits (QMB). In a May 5, 2020 update, CMS states that this “no termination” requirement also applies to medically needy individuals determined eligible during the public health emergency even if they do not continue to meet their monthly share of cost in subsequent months. This protection extends through the last day of the month the public health emergency ends.  
  • On October 28, 2020, federal CMS issued a new interim final rule weakening the continuous coverage, “no termination” requirement. In states like Florida that have opted to cover full benefits for lawfully residing children in the first 5 years after entry into the United States, once they turn 18, states are now required to limit their coverage to emergency services.  In addition, states are now permitted to reduce optional benefits such as dental coverage or increase cost-sharing such as requiring nursing home residents to contribute more to their costs of care. But in Florida this type of change would require the Legislature to amend state Medicaid law.  

Redetermination/recertification times are reinstated. As of October 1, 2020 AHCA's website is alerting recipients that the Department of Children and Families is now mailing letters for case reviews to check if a household is still eligible for Medicaid and/or Medically Needy. AHCA is urging people receiving these letters to take steps now to re-apply. But note, Medicaid coverage will not end during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. In January 2021 DCF conducted one-year “automated renewals” for people whose sole income is social security and SSI and are enrolled in an SSI-related Medicaid program (e.g., MEDS/AD,  Medically Needy and Medicare Savings Programs). People getting VA income were not included in the automated renewal.

Extended application time. Effective with applications filed in February 2020, the time for submitting documentation required to process an application is extended for 120 days from the date of the application and eligibility will still be effective the first day of the month the application was received. Effective July 1, 2021, this policy has been rescinded. Medicaid applications submitted on or after July 1, 2021 may be denied on the 30th day after application or the day after verification information is due. Applications filed prior to July 1, will be allowed 120 days to provide requested verification to establish Medicaid eligibility.

‍Exclusion of additional unemployment payments in determining eligibility. The $600/week of additional unemployment insurance payments under the CARES Act will not be counted as income in determining Medicaid eligibility. (However, these payments will be counted as income in determining marketplace subsidy calculations.)

Coverage of Medicaid services during the state of emergency

  • Coverage of all medically necessary services to COVID-19 testing and treatment.
  • Waiver of limits on services that must be exceeded to maintain the health and safety of recipients diagnosed with COVID-19 or when necessary to maintain a recipient safely in their home
  • Waiver of prior authorization requirements for hospital, physician, advanced practice registered nursing, physician assistant, home health services and durable medical equipment and supplies. As of June 19, 2020, AHCA reinstated prior authorization requirements for all of these services.
  • Waiver of copayments for all services
  • Waiver of limits on early prescription refills, except for controlled substances
  • Coverage of a 90-day supply of maintenance prescriptions when available at the pharmacy
  • Reimbursement of out-of-state providers providing medically necessary services to Florida Medicaid beneficiaries. As of July 1, 2021, the availability of provider “provisional enrollment” for in-state and out-of-state providers will end.
  • Delay of fair hearings only in those instances when the recipient is continuing to receive services pending the outcome of the hearing

COVID-19 Vaccines for Medicaid Enrollees. In an executive order published March 16, 2021 Governor DeSantis revised the vaccine distribution plan, which applies to the general public including Medicaid enrollees, to lower the age requirement to 40 effective March 29, 2021 and then effective April 5, 2021 all Floridians are eligible to receive any COVID-19 vaccination approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Medicaid enrollees eligible to receive the vaccine may visit myvaccine.fl.gov to find a location distributing the vaccine and to schedule an appointment.

On March 12, 2021, AHCA published instructions for Medicaid enrollees on how to obtain Medicaid transportation once they have scheduled an appointment for a vaccine. AHCA states: "Florida Medicaid will take you to get the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost. All you need to do is set up a time to get your vaccine. Next, let your Medicaid plan know you need a ride and they will take care of the rest. If you are not enrolled in a plan, call the Medicaid Helpline at 1-877-254-1055 to find out the name and phone number for a transportation service."

The state has also recently launched a new email system to help bring COVID-19 vaccines to homebound seniors. Seniors will be able to sign up to have the vaccine come to them by emailing a request to HomeboundVaccine@em.myflorida.com.

AHCA has posted Medicaid Alerts and FAQs providing more detail on Medicaid service changes in response to COVID-19. They address a wide range of topics including, but not limited to: telemedicine guidance for medical, behavioral health, and early intervention services providers; long-term care provider network flexibilities allowing more types of providers to deliver specified long term care services; and continuity of care for adult day care center enrollees during the time these centers are closed.

AHCA is loosening coverage restrictions for behavioral health services. Effective May 5, 2020, all prior authorization requirements for mental health or substance use disorder treatment are waived and service limitations (frequency and duration) are lifted. For behavioral analysis services, current authorizations will be extended through an "administrative approval process" which does not require providers to reassess beneficiaries currently getting services. Effective July 1, 2021 service limits will be reinstated for behavioral health services and effective July 15, 2021 Medicaid prior authorization requirements will be reinstated for behavioral health services.

Per a May 29, 2020 provider alert, during the state of emergency AHCA will be reimbursing providers for telemedicine well-child visits provided to children older than 24 months through age 20. Providers are directed to actively work to schedule follow-up in-person visits to administer immunizations and other physical components of the exam which cannot be accomplished through telemedicine.  

The public charge rule will not be applied to immigrants’ use of Medicaid benefits for COVID-19 testing and treatment.

Coverage of home and community-based waiver services (HCBS) - In response to the public emergency, Florida obtained approval from the federal government to make changes in HCBS waiver programs, including the Long Term Care and Developmental Disabilities programs. The changes are effective retroactively from January 27, 2020 to January 26, 2021. Details can be found here. They include, but are not limited to:

  • permitting virtual evaluations, assessments and care planning meetings in lieu of face to face meetings and use of electronic signatures;
  • lifting service limits in order to address health and welfare issues of enrollees;
  • adjusting service prior authorization requirements;
  • temporarily expanding the settings where services can be provided;  
  • allowing payments for support services provided to enrollees in hospital or short- term institutional settings; and
  • prohibiting visitors in certain residential settings to minimize the spread of infection.

Note on COVID-19 testing, treatment, and vaccines for the uninsured. Florida has not opted to receive 100 percent federal Medicaid funding for COVID-19 testing of people without health insurance. Under the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act this option has been expanded to cover COVID-19 treatment and vaccines for the uninsured as well. Since the state has not taken up this option Floridians must look to an uneven patchwork of free testing, treatment, and vaccine resources scattered around the state. AHCA advises that uninsured people may receive free testing from their county health department or a federally qualified health center and that “many communities provide testing for free for individuals who do not have insurance. Please [click here] to find a test site in your area. Uninsured individuals should ask before the test whether testing is free of charge." There are no state agency instructions on where uninsured people can receive free treatment. However, more information on possible sources for free treatment is available here.

Residency proof no longer required at some vaccine sites, “paving the way for migrants.” - On April 29, 2021 Surgeon General Rivkees issued a new public health advisory specifying that COVID-19 vaccines are available to “a Florida resident” or someone “who is present in Florida for the purpose of providing goods or services for the benefits of residents and visitors of the State of Florida.” This new policy applies to all state-run and federally supported vaccination sites. It rescinds an advisory issued in January that had restricted vaccinations to people who could show proof of Florida residency

2021 unemployment compensation claimants can access free or reduced cost health insurance through the ACA marketplace. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace was re-opened in February 2021 to give people who need health insurance a new “special enrollment" opportunity to get covered. The 2021 American Rescue Plan eliminated or vastly reduced premiums for many people with low or moderate incomes.

Starting July 1, 2021, people who received or have been approved for unemployment compensation for any week beginning in 2021 can access free or reduced cost comprehensive health insurance plans through the ACA marketplace. This benefit is available regardless of someone's current income. To get this benefit, people must enroll in the marketplace no later than August 15, 2021. For help with enrollment, contact Covering Florida at 877-813-9115.

Child Nutrition Programs

School children in distance learning still eligible for free or reduced cost meals. Students in distance learning for  2020-21 can still receive school meals through the National School Lunch Program if they are eligible. The student or parent/guardian may pick up meals at the school but should contact their school for more information.

For a list of current child nutrition program waivers for Florida from USDA, go here.

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

Congress allows increased fruit and vegetable benefits. At present, WIC provides $9 for children and $11 for women monthly for fruits and vegetables. The American Rescue Plan Act makes funding available for a four-month increase in the benefit of up to $35 monthly, if a state chooses to do so.

DOH attains waiver allowing remote issuance: Department of Health (DOH) obtained a waiver of the requirement that participants pick up their EBT cards in person at recertification or during nutritional education appointments.

‍WIC participants allowed to substitute certain food. Under a waiver from USDA, WIC participants in Florida are allowed to substitute milk of any available fat content and whole wheat or whole grain bread in package sizes up to 24 oz. when 16 oz. packages are unavailable.

‍USDA waived physical presence requirements: Although the scope and logistics are unclear at this time, USDA has given DOH permission to waive the requirement that persons be physically present at each certification or recertification determination in order to determine eligibility under the program through May 31, 2020.

USDA extends certification periods through May 31, 2020, for some participants.

For a list of current WIC waivers for Florida from USDA, go here.


Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

HHS provides guidance. HHS has issued guidance on the flexibilities in TANF to respond to COVID-19.

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