If you’re living in Florida and need help buying food, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can be a big support. Run by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), SNAP provides money every month to low-income families through an EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card. This card works like a debit card at grocery stores, farmers markets, and even online on sites like Walmart, Amazon, and Publix.
In this article, you’ll learn who can apply, how much you can get, what you can buy, and the full payment schedule for April 2025.
What Can You Buy With SNAP Benefits?
SNAP is designed to help families buy healthy, unprepared food. Here’s what you can buy using your EBT card:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Dairy products
- Meats and fish
- Bread and grains
- Seeds or plants to grow food at home
But there are restrictions. You cannot use SNAP benefits to buy:
- Alcohol or tobacco
- Hot or prepared food (ready-to-eat meals)
- Vitamins or supplements
- Soaps, paper products, or household items
According to the USDA, “The program prioritizes basic nutrition, not supplements or luxuries.”
What Is Fresh Access Bucks?
Florida also has a special program called Fresh Access Bucks, funded by the USDA, to encourage healthier eating. It doubles the value of SNAP benefits when used at participating farmers markets to buy fresh fruits and vegetables. You can also use SNAP for seeds and plants to grow your own food.
April 2025 SNAP Payment Schedule in Florida
Payments are made between April 1 and April 28, based on your case number. To find your payment date, look at the 8th and 9th digits of your case number, read them backwards, and ignore the 10th digit.
Here are the first 10 groupings for April:
Case Number Ending In (8th–9th digits reversed):
00–03 → April 1
04–06 → April 2
07–10 → April 3
11–13 → April 4
14–17 → April 5
18–20 → April 6
21–24 → April 7
25–27 → April 8
28–31 → April 9
32–34 → April 10
More payment dates will continue until April 28, with new groups added daily.
Monthly SNAP Benefit Amounts by Household Size
Here is how much each household size may receive in 2025:
- 1 person: $292
- 2 people: $536
- 3 people: $768
- 4 people: $975
- 5 people: $1,158
- 6 people: $1,390
- 7 people: $1,536
- 8 people: $1,756
- Each additional person: +$220
Who Can Apply for SNAP in Florida?
To qualify, you must meet certain rules based on income, resources, and household size.
Income Limits:
- Gross monthly income must be less than 130% of the federal poverty level
- Net monthly income must be under 100% of the federal poverty level
- Resources (like savings or bank balances) must be below $3,000, or $4,500 if the household has an elderly or disabled member
Work Rules:
- Adults aged 18 to 59 without children must work at least 20 hours per week or join an approved job training program
- You are exempt if you are pregnant, have a disability, or take care of someone who cannot be left alone
How to Apply for SNAP in Florida
Applications are free and can be done in these ways:
- Online via the MyAccess portal
- In person at DCF offices
- By mail or fax
After submitting the documents, you might be asked to do a phone or face-to-face interview.
Once approved, your EBT card will be loaded with money each month. You can use this card at over 260,000 stores across the US. If your card is lost or stolen, report it immediately to DCF to block and replace it.
The My Access portal is also useful to check your balance, upload documents, and report changes to your income. Just note: some updates may take up to 72 hours to reflect.
The SNAP program in Florida offers vital support to families who are struggling to afford food. With the EBT card, you can shop in-store and online, buy nutritious items, and even grow your own food.
April 2025 payments will be made based on case numbers, so it’s important to check your date and plan accordingly. Whether you are a senior, a working adult, or a parent taking care of children, SNAP can be a helpful safety net.