Environment & Conservation
fully funding natural resources
transportation
State Budget
By
Alexis Tsoukalas, PhD
|
September 2, 2025

Florida Budget Summary FY 2025–26: Natural Resources, Environment, Growth Management, and Transportation (NREGMT)

CURRENT LANDSCAPE

In a natural disaster-prone state like Florida, investment in environmental conservation efforts and updated state infrastructure is of utmost importance. Such investments are particularly important in South Florida, where climate equity and gentrification are growing issues of concern. The rising sea levels have made higher elevation properties more desirable for investors and developers, putting low-income families who reside in these areas at a higher risk of being displaced.[1]

Recent federal cuts under H.R. 1 threaten to exacerbate climate concerns for everyday Floridians. Since Florida does not produce its own fossil fuels and the risk from extreme weather is growing fast, residents face further price increases to already-inflated utility, housing, and insurance costs.[2]

Florida needs infrastructure and protection in place to mitigate damage from natural disasters. Not only do hurricanes impact tourism revenue, but natural disasters also cause economic and physical devastation within impacted communities.

In its three-year long-range financial outlook published in September 2024, the state identified “natural disasters, especially major hurricanes” as a significant threat to Florida’s economic stability.[3] The state typically incurs greater expenses than any revenue (i.e., increased sales tax as residents prepare for the storm, federal aid after the storm) associated with the storms. Cleanup costs and keeping the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund and Citizens Property Insurance Corporation well-funded are just some of the fiscal challenges major storms bring.

Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded $4 billion in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds to Florida for unmet recovery needs from 2023 and 2024 storms. However, the Florida Department of Commerce has unfortunately refused to establish a Homeowner Reimbursement Program. This decision leaves thousands of disaster survivors—predominantly low-income homeowners stretched across 47 Florida counties—without the support needed for repair costs they’ve already shouldered in the absence of timely government assistance.[4]

Florida’s infrastructure is already in dire need of repair, and environmental threats only target these weak points.From 2020 to 2024, Florida was impacted by 34 extreme weather events, at a cost as high as $200 billion.[5] The American Society of Civil Engineers gave Florida an overall grade of “C” in its 2021 Infrastructure Report Card—the same rating as four years prior—with even lower grades on indicators like coastal areas, dams, levees, schools, and stormwater.[6]

 

Budget

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Transportation

Florida’s Department of Transportation (FDOT) is responsible for statewide transportation planning aimed at promoting the efficient movement of people and goods, supporting the state’s economic competitiveness, prioritizing environmental and natural resources, and preserving the quality of life and connectedness of the state’s communities.[7] In addition to ensuring some degree of ease of mobility for the state’s 23 million plus residents,[8] FDOT must also accommodate over 10 million vehicles and the movement of more than 150 million tourists who visit each year.[9],[10] Alongside being a quality-of-life issue for Floridians, a well-functioning transportation system is also a key factor in the state’s ability to grow economically.

The FY 2025–26 budget allocates $15.1 billion for FDOT.[11] Approximately 99 percent is funded through different state trust funds (e.g.,the State Transportation Trust Fund).[12] In comparison to the previous fiscal year, the budget cuts $408.8 million—a 2.6 percent decrease—for transportation needs. Furthermore, 93 percent of the entire FY 2025–26 transportation budget (a total of $14 billion) is for the five-year work program. Beyond the $14 billion for the work program, Section 254 found at the back-of-the-bill of the budget appropriates an additional $352 million for the Moving Florida Forward Plan meant to offer congestion relief across the state.[13],[14],[15]

The five-year work program is an ongoing process that prioritizes funding for upcoming transportation system improvements over a five-fiscal-year period.[16] According to FDOT,[17] the work program is “...based on a balanced financial plan which maximizes available revenue sources and achieves equitable geographic distribution. It is developed through extensive coordination with local governments, Metropolitan Planning Organizations, regional planning groups, and Florida citizens.”

Per the latest adopted work plan from FY 2025–26 through FY 2028–29 (see Table 2), nearly $29 billion state funds plus an additional $10.7 billion from tolls and turnpike fees, alongside $21.8 billion federal funds, $6.5 billion local funds, and $1.51 billion in bonds and other financing will go toward transportation system improvements.[18]

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The state’s ongoing investment in its transportation system is important considering the need for regular maintenance and preservation—which improves safety, reduces operating costs, delays the need for costly reconstruction or replacement, and protects Floridians’ investment in infrastructure.[19] To this end, Florida law requires FDOT to ensure that, at a minimum:

  • 80 percent of the pavement on the State Highway System meets department standards,[20]‍
  • 90 percent of department-maintained bridges meet standards, and
  • 100 percent of the acceptable maintenance standard on the State Highway System.

While FDOT consistently meets the state’s maintenance requirements, this still leaves up to 20 percent of the pavement on the State Highway System and 10 percent of bridges below standard. Moreover, as FDOT acknowledges, “uncertainties about future conditions like new and emerging technologies, financial and economic outlooks, environmental and weather events, and the demographics, needs, and values of Florida’s communities create stressors and risks to our transportation system.”[21] Concerning revenue, as vehicles become more fuel efficient and electric and alternative-fuel markets grow, tax revenue at gas pumps will decline, resulting in a projected decrease in current transportation funding. Concerning demographic changes, as Florida’s population increases, so will issues with safety, congestion, and accessibility.

 

Disaster Planning and Recovery

The FY 2025–26 budget includes about $341 million in federal and state funding for Emergency Prevention, Preparedness, and Response to provide disaster relief and recovery, a decrease of $1 billion from the previous year. Concerning the reduction, in FY 2024–25, policymakers budgeted over $800 million for salaries, public assistance, and hazard mitigation using federal dollars (via the state’s U.S. Contributions Trust Fund). In comparison, for FY 2025–26, policymakers allocated roughly $18 million federal dollars. Alongside the massive reduction of federal dollars, lawmakers also cut general revenue from $118 million to $52 million. Overall, the cuts for Emergency Prevention, Preparedness, and Response highlight the role that the federal government plays in financing state operations, public assistance, and disaster funding. As the federal government moves to cut disaster funding, it is possible that funding levels will remain low in future fiscal years.

Concerning disaster recovery, on January 16, 2025, the U.S. Department of Housing andUrban Development (HUD) announced that the State of Florida will receive $925 million in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds. These funds are meant to support long-term recovery efforts, following the impacts of severe weather events in 2023 and 2024, through the Florida Department of Commerce’s (“FloridaCommerce”) Office of Long-Term Resiliency (OLTR).[22] For FY 2025–26, policymakers appropriated $150 million CDBG-DR funds and reappropriated $185 million from the previous FY 2024–25. However, despite the scale of the recovery crisis and the availability of federal funds, FloridaCommerce has refused to establish a Homeowner Reimbursement Program. This is a proven recovery tool implemented by other states and four Florida counties, all of which have used their CDBG-DR funds to help residents recover costs for repairs that they had no choice but to make.[23]

 

Department of Environmental Protection

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) administers most of the vital environmental activities in the state—including Everglades restoration and protection, Florida Forever/land conservation, state park operations, preserving Florida’s coastlines, mitigating pollution, and monitoring air and water resources.

Compared to the prior-year's funding, the FY 2025–26 budget cuts funding to the DEP by 19 percent, appropriating $2.5 billion (after $69.1 million in direct vetoes).[24] This cut from FY 2024–25 funding totals $608.1 million, with DEP also losing 41 positions.[25] The steepest cuts are to Waste Management, Water Restoration Assistance (including $53.9 million in vetoes for 63 local water projects), and Water Science and Laboratory Services.

 

Everglades

The Everglades remains one of the most endangered natural resources, despite 9 million Floridians relying on it for their water supply.[26] Governor DeSantis has made supporting this vital area a key priority. The budget includes $1.3 billion for Everglades restoration and protection,[27] which is a substantial 76 percent increase over FY 2024–25 funding, but one that is largely allocated toward paying off existing program debts. In particular, the increase is for new projects within the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) and up to $580 million was authorized to cover debts for Save Our Everglades bonds.[28] No Everglades funding was vetoed.

 

Water Quality Improvement Grant Program (formerly known as the Wastewater Grant Program)

Founded in 2020 as the wastewater grant program,[29] the Water Quality Improvement Grant Program was created to help communities improve their water supply, including mitigating nutrient runoff from waste, storms, and agricultural sites.[30] Excessive nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen are harmful to both humans and the environment.[31]

The FY 2025–26 budget doubles the prior year's funding to this vital anti-pollution program.[32] This generous appropriation of $472.3 million is significantly higher than what the Senate originally proposed, but less than what the House proposed.[33] Most of this increase is due to over $320 million in new grant funding for local water projects.[34]

 

Florida Forever

Florida Forever is an indispensable program that allows the state to acquire and preserve ecologically important land and prevent future environmental problems. It officially began in 2001 after landmark legislation (Preservation 2000) authorized $300 million in bonds for 10 years to support “the largest land acquisition program of its kind in the United States.” Since then, the program has purchased over one million acres of conservation land.[35] Additionally, 2014’s Amendment 1 (passed by voters) designated one-third of documentary stamp tax funding to land acquisition through 2035.[36]

The 2025–26 budget allocates $270.5 million to the Florida Forever program.[37] With an 82 percent increase over previous year funding, this is the highest appropriation to the program in 16 years. Still, this amount falls far too short of what the Senate proposed, which was an amount that would have partially addressed prior funding gaps. (See Figure 1.)

 

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Funding for Florida Forever was appropriated in full until 2008, when it was then significantly reduced and almost eliminated completely. (See Figure 1). Recent upticks are encouraging and exceed the $100 million floor that advocates have called for, yet still fall short of the over $300 million in funding called for in the 2001 and 2014 legislation.

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Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Since 1999, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC) has coordinated the state’s fish and wildlife research, enforced hunting and fishing laws, and addressed nuisance species and loss of animal habitat. The FWCC is central to managing the rich array of Florida’s natural species, including nearly 600 land animals and 700 native marine and freshwater fish.[38]

The Legislature appropriates $568.3 million to the FWCC for FY 2025–26. Compared to the prior year, this represents a nominal decrease—cutting $13 million, or a 2 percent decrease, primarily from the Wildlife program.[39] Notably, while the funding cut is minimal, 50 positions were also cut from the FWCC, which could negatively impact Habitat and Species Conservation and the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute’s efforts the most.[40] Vetoed projects would have improved boater safety and improved local piers.

 

Red Tide Mitigation

Red tide (a.k.a.harmful algae bloom) is an abnormal concentration of microscopic plantlike organisms on state coasts that presents a threat to tourism, wildlife, and Floridians’ health. Even at low concentrations, red tide is harmful to people and fish, causing respiratory and skin irritation in the former and potential death in the latter.[41] At the start of the year, Southwest Florida faced unusually high concentrations of red tide, when blooms are uncommon. Some businesses have shuttered as a result.[42]

Appropriations for red tide mitigation are divided between the DEP and FWC. The FY 2025–26 budget maintains the prior year's funding of $20.9 million.[43] Both the governor and the Senate originally proposed an increase of a $5 million for red tide management grants.[44] While funding was only maintained, cuts would have been especially ill-advised since red tide occurs in Florida annually and the blooms severely impact people, wildlife, and tourism.[45]

 

Environmental Vetoes

The governor vetoed $69.1 million and $693,000 from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWCC)’s FY 2025–26 budgets, respectively. This included some funds for local water projects and state parks.[46] Investing fully in all of these areas is key to protecting the state’s natural resources and unique ecosystem, mitigating the effects of climate change, and keeping the state’s drinking water safe and plentiful for the growing number of Florida residents and visitors.

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Notes

 

[1] Phillip Stoddard, “As the Sea Rises, South Florida’s Low-Income Residents Face the Most Risk,” The Invading Sea (South Florida Sun Sentinel, Miami Herald, Palm Beach Post and WLRN Public Media collaboration), June 24, 2019, https://www.theinvadingsea.com/2018/06/24/as-the-sea-rises-south-floridas-low-income-residents-face-the-most-risk/

[2] Ethan Frey, “Cuts to Energy and Storm Readiness Funding in US House and Senate Reconciliation Proposals Would Mean Higher Utilities and Insurance Costs for Floridians,” Florida Policy Institute, updated July 15, 2025, https://www.floridapolicy.org/posts/cuts-to-energy-and-storm-readiness-funding-in-us-house-and-senate-reconciliation-proposals-would-mean-higher-utilities-and-insurance-costs-for-floridians

[3] Legislative Budget Commission, “State of Florida Long-Range Financial Outlook Fiscal Years 2025-26 through 2027-28,” Office of Economic and Demographic Research (EDR), September 6, 2024, https://edr.state.fl.us/Content/long-range-financial-outlook/DRAFT_3-Year-Plan_Fall-2024_2026-2028.pdf

[4] Ethan Frey, “Florida’s $4 Billion in Disaster Recovery Funds Must Include Homeowner Reimbursements,” Florida Policy Institute, August 5, 2025, https://www.floridapolicy.org/posts/floridas-4-billion-in-disaster-recovery-funds-must-include-homeowner-reimbursements

[5] National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, National Centers for Environmental Information, “Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters, Florida Summary,” updated January 10, 2025, https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/billions/state-summary/FL

[6] American Society of Civil Engineers, “2021 Infrastructure Report Card: A Comprehensive Assessment of Florida’s Infrastructure,” 2021, https://www.infrastructurereportcard.org/state-item/florida/ (Note the 2025 state report card has not been released, as of July 2025)

[7] Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), “About FDOT,” n.d., https://www.fdot.gov/agencyresources/aboutfdot.shtm

[8] Demographic Estimating Conference, “Florida Demographic Forecast: Conference Package - Tables,” June 30, 2025, http://edr.state.fl.us/Content/conferences/population/ConferenceResults_Tables.pdf

[9] U.S. Census Bureau, “Vehicle Inventory and Use Survey Public Use File (2021),” 2024, https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/vius.html

[10] Office of Economic and Demographic Research (EDR),“Florida: An Economic Overview,” August 24, 2025, page 17, https://edr.state.fl.us/Content/presentations/economic/FlEconomicOverview_8-24-25.pdf

[11] Florida Department of State, Chapter 2025-198, General Appropriations Act, Laws of Florida, line item 1914C, https://laws.flrules.org/2025/198

[12] Florida Department of State, Chapter 2025-198,General Appropriations Act, Laws of Florida, line item 1814-1914C

[13] Florida Department of State, Chapter 2025-198, General Appropriations Act, Laws of Florida, Section 254

[14] “Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative,” Florida Department of Transportation, n.d., https://www.fdot.gov/movingfloridaforward/landing

[15] In FY 2023-24, policymakers allocated $4 billion nonrecurring general revenue dollars for the Moving Florida Forward Plan. See Chapter 2023-239, General Appropriations Act, Laws of Florida, Section 215, https://laws.flrules.org/2023/239

[16] “Five-Year Work Program,” Florida’s Turnpikes, n,d., https://floridasturnpike.com/turnpike-projects/work-program/#:~:text=The%20Five%2DYear%20Work%20Program,and%20how%20to%20fund%20projects.

[17] “FDOT Transparency in Spending,” Florida Department of Transportation, n.d., https://www.fdot.gov/agencyresources/fdottransparencyinspending.shtm

[18] “Five Year Work Program 07/01/2025,” Florida Department of Transportation, 2025, https://fdotewp1.dot.state.fl.us/FMSupportApps/WorkProgram/Support/Download.aspx

[19] “Florida Department of Transportation: Long Range Program Plan for Fiscal Years 2024-2025 through 2028-2029,” Florida Fiscal Portal, September 29, 2023, page 10, http://floridafiscalportal.state.fl.us/Document.aspx?ID=26913&DocType=PDF

[20] For maintenance standards see: “Maintenance Rating Program Handbook: 2024 Edition,” Florida Department of Transportation, 2024, https://fdotwww.blob.core.windows.net/sitefinity/docs/default-source/maintenance/rdw/mrp/oom_20240703_mrp-handbook-2024.pdf?sfvrsn=354f967b_1

[21] “Florida Department of Transportation: Long Range Program Plan for Fiscal Years 2024-2025 through 2028-2029,” Florida Fiscal Portal, September 29, 2023, page 20

[22] According to FloridaCommerce, “In response to Hurricane Idalia (DR-4734-FL), Hurricane Debby (DR-4806-FL), Hurricane Helene (DR 4828-FL), Hurricane Milton (DR-4834-FL), and the North Florida Tornadoes (DR-4794-FL)—collectively referred to as the “2023 and 2024 Storms”—HUD has allocated to the State of Florida $925,394,000 in CDBG-DR funds. See FloridaCommerce, “State of Florida Action Plan for the 2023 and 2024 Storms,” n.d., page 7 https://floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/office-of-disaster-recovery/2023-and-2024-storms/action-plan-/state-of-florida-action-plan-for-disaster-recovery---2023-and-2024-storms-4-25-25.pdf?sfvrsn=9c0837b0_0.

[23] Ethan Frey, “Florida’s $4 Billion in Disaster Recovery Funds Must Include Homeowner Reimbursements,” Florida Policy Institute, August 5, 2025, https://www.floridapolicy.org/posts/floridas-4-billion-in-disaster-recovery-funds-must-include-homeowner-reimbursements

[24] Florida Department of State, Chapter 2025-198, General Appropriations Act, Laws of Florida. Vetoes total $69.1 million, line items 1500B, 1520, 1525B, 63 projects in 1555, 7 projects in 1636A, 1649, and 1669A

[25] The prior-year GAA budgeted $3.13 billion and 3,166.5 positions for DEP (p. 302), including $216.7 million in Department vetoes. The 2025-26 post-veto GAA budgets $2.53 billion and 3,125.5 positions (p. 327), including $69.1 million in vetoes.

[26] Ray Levy Uyeda, “Advocates Say Caring for the Everglades Isn’t About Restoration, It’s About Respect,” January 9, 2023, Prism, https://prismreports.org/2023/01/09/caring-everglades-about-respect/

[27] Florida Department of State, Chapter 2025-198, General Appropriations Act, Laws of Florida, line items 1527, 1531, 1531B-K, 1535, 1565, 1883, and Section 271. FY 2024-25 budgeted $764.4 million (Line items 1712; 1715-1716;1719; 1752; 2082)

[28] Florida Department of State, Chapter 2025-198, General Appropriations Act, Laws of Florida, section 271, page 532, authorizes up to $580 million for both the Save our Everglades and FloridaForever program bonds, so $580 million will not necessarily be spent on the Everglades alone. https://laws.flrules.org/2025/198

[29] Department of State, Chapter 2020-150, Laws of Florida, https://laws.flrules.org/2020/150

[30] Department of State, Chapter 2020-150, Laws of Florida, Sections 14-16

[31] United States Environmental Protection Agency, “Nutrient Pollution: The Problem,” updated April 23, 2024, https://www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution/problem

[32] Florida Department of State, Chapter 2025-198, General Appropriations Act, Laws of Florida, line items 1529, 1536, 1538, 1542, 1544A, and 1555; L.O.F.,Ch. 2024-231, line items 1720, 1722, 1726, 1729, 1741, Section 273

[33] HB 5001 and SB 2500 (2025-26), line items 1529, 1536, 1538, 1542, 1544A, and 1555

[34] Joey Swanson, “Gov. DeSantis announces $389 million water improvement grant across Florida,” Fox13 Tampa Bay, March 25, 2025, https://www.fox13news.com/news/gov-desantis-announces-389-million-water-improvement-grant-across-florida; the difference in funding for these grants from FY 2025-26 and FY 2024-25 is $326.5 million (line items 1555 and 1741, respectively)

[35] Florida Department of Environmental Protection, “FloridaForever,” updated July 11, 2025, https://floridadep.gov/lands/environmental-services/content/florida-forever

[36] Florida Division of Elections, “Water and Land Conservation—Dedicates funds to acquire and restore Florida conservation and recreation lands,” https://dos.elections.myflorida.com/initiatives/initdetail.asp?account=59894&seqnum=1

[37] Line items 1367, 1502, and 1501. FPI confirmed with the Florida Office of Economic and Demographic Research on August 6, 2025 that the Rural and Family Lands Program (line item 1367) is part of the FloridaForever Program per Florida Statute 259.105(2)(b), http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0200-0299/0259/Sections/0259.105.html

[38] Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, “FWC Overview,” updated February 2018, https://myfwc.com/about/overview/

[39] L.O.F., Ch. 2025-198, p. 342 total less vetoes. Vetoes total $692,936, line items 1709 and 1727F-G; L.O.F., Ch. 2024-231, p. 318 total less vetoes. Vetoes total $4.04 million, line items 1919A, 1919B, 1947,1965A, 1970A, 2000, 2016D, 2016E

[40] L.O.F., Ch. 2025-198 budgets for 378.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions for Habitat and Species Conservation (p. 336) and 342 FTEs for the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (p. 342); L.O.F. Ch. 2024-231 budgeted for 400.5 (p. 312) and 357 (p. 318) FTEs in these areas, respectively.

[41] Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, “Red Tide FAQ,” n.d., https://myfwc.com/research/redtide/faq/

[42] “Red Tide Stretches from Tampa Bay to the Florida Keys: What is it?,” February 12, 2025, WMNF, https://www.wmnf.org/red-tide-stretches-from-tampa-bay-to-the-florida-keys-what-is-it/

[43] L.O.F., Ch. 2025-198, line items 1529, 1532, and 1809-1810; L.O.F., Ch. 2024-231, line items 1714, 1717, 1732A (vetoed), and 2008-2009

[44] Florida Policy Institute, “Florida Budget Proposals in Brief (FY 2025-26): Environment,” April 17, 2025 https://www.floridapolicy.org/posts/florida-budget-proposals-in-brief-fy-2025-26-environment

[45] Sergio Alvarez et al., “Non-Linear Impacts of Harmful Algae Blooms On the Coastal Tourism Economy,” Journal of Environmental Management, Vol. 351, February 2024, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119811

[46] Executive Office of the Governor of Florida, “2025 Veto List,” June 30, 2025, https://www.flgov.com/eog/news/press/2025/governor-ron-desantis-signs-florida-fiscal-year-2025-2026-budget

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.
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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.

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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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