Florida

Will SNAP benefits be sent to Florida recipients in November? What to know about shutdown

Published

5 months ago

October 23, 2025

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Will SNAP benefits be sent to Florida recipients in November? What to know about shutdown

A potential federal government shutdown could delay November SNAP benefits for nearly 3 million Floridians.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has alerted states that funding will run out if the shutdown continues past Nov. 1.
October benefits will still be issued, and any existing balance on EBT cards can still be used.

Nearly 3 million Floridians who rely on food stamps to provide or supplement their food budget may see their benefits for November delayed if the federal government shutdown continues past Nov. 1.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture sent a memo to state administrators of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, earlier this month, alerting them that funding is running out and they won’t receive disbursements for November if the shutdown persists. SNAP provides low-income families monthly benefits to afford healthy food.

That will affect the 42 million Americans currently receiving SNAP benefits, including 2.8 million in Florida, the state Department of Children and Families confirmed. The program is funded by the federal government but administered by each state.

“If the federal government shutdown continues into November, SNAP benefits for the month of November will not be issued until federal funding is restored,” an alert on Florida’s SNAP website says. “You may receive notices about your eligible benefit amount, but you will not receive any benefits deposited to your EBT card during this time.”

SNAP benefits for October will continue and DCF is still processing initial applications and renewals, DCF spokeswoman Anna Archambault confirmed in an email. Newly approved recipients may receive notification about November eligibility, but will not get benefits yet.

Here’s what to know.

What is SNAP, the former food stamp program?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program that provides assistance to low-income seniors, people with disabilities living on fixed incomes, and other individuals and families with low incomes to help them buy nutritious food.

It grew out of the nearly century-old national food stamp program and was renamed in the 2008 farm bill. SNAP is part of the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.

Why aren’t SNAP benefits going out in November?

The federal program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In Florida, SNAP is managed by the Florida Department of Children and Families Office of Economic Self-Sufficiency (ESS).

The federal government shutdown is affecting large areas of the federal government, including the Agriculture department. SNAP benefits were already obligated for October but further funding may be delayed.

How does SNAP work?

Once you are approved to receive SNAP benefits, you receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer Card (EBT), a physical, reloadable card like a debit card that can be used at participating retailers to buy approved items or to withdraw cash at specified locations.

Monthly benefits appear on the card’s balance. Sales tax cannot be charged on items you buy with an EBT card.

Can I still use the balance on my EBT card?

Yes, you still can use your existing SNAP benefits, which roll over every month if not used. You can check your EBT card’s balance at ebtEDGE.com or by calling 888-356-3281.

Who is eligible to receive SNAP benefits in Florida?

SNAP eligibility is based on income, resources, and the size of your household. Eligibility rules are set at the federal level but individual states may change them. In Florida:

You must be a Florida resident and a U.S. citizen or qualified noncitizen and be able to prove your identity. You must have a Social Security number or proof you have applied for one.
Individuals aged 16 – 59 must meet General Work Requirements for SNAP unless exempt, such as being unable to work, caring for young children or incapacitated persons, or being a student. Additionally, adults aged 18 – 59, unless exempt, must work or participate in the SNAP Employment and Training Program (SNAP E&T).
Most households must pass a gross income limit less than or equal to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Some household expenses such as shelter expenses, dependent care, medical expenses, child support paid, utility deductions, earned income deduction may be subtracted from the total monthly income in the food assistance budget.
Households must report when their total monthly gross income exceeds 130% of the Federal Poverty Level for their household size and when work hours of able-bodied adults fall below 80 hours per month. The household must report these changes within 10 days after the end of the month of the change.
Most food assistance households may have assets such as vehicles, bank accounts, or property and still get help. Households with a disqualified member must meet an asset limit of $2,500 ($3,750 if the household contains an elderly or disabled member.

Requirements for SNAP benefits became more restrictive since the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 expanded the 80-hour-a-month work requirement for SNAP by increasing the age limit on able-bodied adults without dependents from 49 to 54. The Florida Department of Children and Families expanded its own definition to include adults up through 59 years old and increased the mandatory employment and training program (SNAP E&T) from 80 hours every month to 120.

What can I buy with SNAP benefits in Florida?

Households can use food assistance benefits to buy breads, cereals, fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, poultry, dairy, and plants and seeds to grow food for their household to eat.

Households cannot use food assistance benefits to buy nonfood items such as pet foods, soaps, paper products, household supplies, grooming items, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, vitamins, medicines, food to eat in the store, or hot foods.

Who is ineligible for Florida SNAP benefits?

Reasons for SNAP ineligibility include:

Conviction of drug trafficking
Fleeing a felony warrant
Breaking SNAP Program rules
Noncitizens without a qualified status
Students attending an institution of higher education at least half time, in some circumstances

Contributing: Gray Rohrer, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida

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Florida

77-year-old Florida man arrested after allegedly threatening woman with gun on U.S. 1

Published

3 hours ago

March 29, 2026

Press Room

77-year-old Florida man arrested after allegedly threatening woman with gun on U.S. 1

CBS News Miami staff

March 29, 2026 / 5:25 PM EDT
/ CBS Miami

A 77-year-old man is facing charges after deputies say he threatened a woman with a firearm during a domestic incident in the Florida Keys.

According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the incident happened around 2:50 p.m. on March 28 near Mile Marker 38 on U.S. 1.

Authorities say Charles Durand Wilkinson, of Okeechobee, retrieved a revolver and told the victim, “I aught to shoot you.”

The woman was able to pull over, disarm Wilkinson, and throw the firearm into nearby bushes, deputies said. The weapon was later recovered by responding officers.

Wilkinson was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

No serious injuries were reported.

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Florida

Man killed in Florida train crash railroad crossing in Indian River

Published

15 hours ago

March 29, 2026

Press Room

Man killed in Florida train crash railroad crossing in Indian River

The train hit a pedestrian about 7:20 a.m. March 29 at the 77th Street railroad crossing, just west of Old Dixie Highway.

A man died in a freight train crash on the morning of March 29 in Indian River County, according to sheriff’s officials.

The Florida East Coast Railway train hit the man, identified as a pedestrian, about 7:20 a.m. at the 77th Street railroad crossing, just west of Old Dixie Highway, according to officials.

The man was pronounced deceased at the scene, according to officials. His name was withheld pending notification of his next of kin.

Because of the length of the train, several crossings in the area remain closed until the train can be moved. Drive alternate routes if traveling in the area.

County Road 510 at the crossing and 77th Street at 58th Avenue are currently closed.

A Brightline train was seen stopped just south of 69th Street unable to travel north.

Sheriff’s deputies and railroad officials remain at the scene investigating the cause of the crash.

No further information was immediately available.

Laurie K. Blandford is a breaking news reporter with TCPalm. Email her at laurie.blandford@tcpalm.com.

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Florida

Commandment wins the Florida Derby, now eyes Kentucky Derby and Triple Crown trail

Published

1 day ago

March 28, 2026

Press Room

Commandment wins the Florida Derby, now eyes Kentucky Derby and Triple Crown trail

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. — Commandment broke his maiden last fall at Churchill Downs. He’ll soon be headed back there, looking for a much bigger victory.

By the slimmest of margins — a photo finish — Commandment won the Florida Derby on Saturday, completing a worst-to-first rally in the six-horse field and overtaking The Puma with the final bob of his head.

It was the fourth consecutive win for Commandment, who had jockey Flavien Prat aboard on Saturday. Next up: the Kentucky Derby, the start of the Triple Crown series on May 2 at Churchill Downs.

“He’s a racehorse, bottom line,” said trainer Brad Cox, who saddled the Florida Derby winner for the second consecutive year. “He always shows up. … He’s a Grade 1 winner. Florida Derby’s a big race. Proud of the horse. Very proud of the horse.”

The Puma took the lead at the top of the stretch and was maybe an inch or two shy of keeping it the rest of the way. Bettors roared when the official order of finish was announced, and Cox could finally exhale.

“Little too close for comfort,” Cox said.

Commandment returned $5.80 for the win. Chief Wallabee was third, favorite Nearly — the 7-5 top choice — was fourth and Wayne’s Law was fifth.

Commandment got 100 points toward the Road to the Kentucky Derby leaderboard. The Puma got 50 for finishing second, Chief Wallabee got 25 for third, Nearly got 15 for placing fourth and the fifth-place showing by Wayne’s Law earned him 10 points.

The Puma and Commandment went into Saturday’s race with spots for the Kentucky Derby basically secured, based on their point totals coming in — The Puma had 56, Commandment 50, and those likely would be enough to make the field.

Now, assuming both emerge from Saturday healthy and stay that way, they’re locks for the Run for the Roses.

“He’s got a great mind,” said Cox, just the fourth trainer to win the Florida Derby in back-to-back years, joining Todd Pletcher (who did it three times), Nick Zito and Horace Jones. “That’s going to take him a long way, the first Saturday in May.”

History has shown there’s a clear path from the winner’s circle at Gulfstream Park to the winner’s circle at Churchill Downs. The Florida Derby has been run by 26 eventual Kentucky Derby winners, more than any other prep race — most recently Sovereignty last year. Sovereignty was second in last year’s Florida Derby.

And Florida Derby winners have gone on to win 31 Triple Crown series races, including the Kentucky Derby on 15 occasions — the last of which was when Always Dreaming pulled it off in 2017. Those 31 victories in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont have come from 21 different Florida Derby winners.

UAE Derby

On Dubai World Cup day at Meydan, Wonder Dean won the UAE Derby for trainer Daisuke Takayanagi.

Wonder Dean is the fifth consecutive Japanese-trained winner of the UAE Derby. All four of the others went to the Kentucky Derby and Takayanagi — who guided T O Password to a fifth-place finish at the Run for the Roses in 2024 — said Wonder Dean is on his way as well.

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