SNAP Emergency: Florida Democrats Demand Action from DeSantis

Florida Democrats Call for SNAP Emergency Declaration

All 43 Democratic legislators in Florida are calling on Governor Ron DeSantis (R) to declare a state of emergency due to the impending halt in funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Starting Saturday, SNAP benefits for millions of Floridians are set to expire, coinciding with a nearly month-long government shutdown.

“This is not speculation; it’s reality,” the lawmakers, led by House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell (D) and Senate Minority Leader Lori Berman (D), stated in their letter. “We are days away from a full-blown hunger emergency that will leave families without food during the holiday season.” They emphasize the urgent need for government action.

Impact on Floridians

• Over 2.9 million Floridians rely on SNAP benefits in fiscal year 2024.
• This represents approximately 13% of Florida's population, highlighting significant food insecurity.

The letter requested that DeSantis declare a state of emergency to enable state agencies to quickly procure food from the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund. They also asked the governor to direct the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to collaborate with local food banks and community partners for aid distribution.

Funding Overview

The preparedness and response fund, as outlined in DeSantis’ fiscal year 2025-2026 budget, holds $1 billion. “Florida has the fiscal strength to respond. What’s needed now is the moral will to act,” the legislators stressed.

Despite potential funding, the USDA recently announced that it will not utilize over $5 billion in contingency funds to cover the estimated $9.2 billion in benefits for the upcoming month.

Next Steps

The Florida Department of Children and Families confirmed that November benefits will not be issued until the funding issue is resolved but stated that existing SNAP benefits on recipient EBT cards remain accessible for use. During a recent press conference, DeSantis redirected questions regarding the letter, suggesting legislators should also address Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) about the government spending negotiations.