Florida does not participate in the SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) program in 2026. Florida has declined to participate in the federal Summer EBT program every year since the program launched in 2024 — meaning Florida families will not receive the $120-per-child summer grocery benefit available in 37+ other states. This affects an estimated 2.1 million children in Florida who would otherwise qualify.
Does Florida Have SUN Bucks or Summer EBT?
No — Florida has opted out of Summer EBT for 2026. The federal SUN Bucks program is voluntary for states, and Florida’s Department of Children and Families (DCF) has chosen not to participate for the third consecutive year.
Florida’s DCF stated it chose not to participate because its current programs are sufficient, and cited the requirement for states to share administrative costs with the federal government as a factor. Florida was also among the last states to participate in the pandemic-era Summer P-EBT program (2021–2023) after initially rejecting it.
Twelve states chose not to participate in Summer EBT for 2026 — Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wyoming — leaving approximately 10 million children nationally without benefits that states are leaving over $1.4 billion on the table to provide.
Over 2.1 million children in Florida would have benefited from SUN Bucks in 2026, according to No Kid Hungry.
Summer Food Assistance Available to Florida Families
While SUN Bucks is unavailable in Florida, several programs provide food support for children and families during the summer:
1. Florida SNAP — Year-Round Grocery Benefits (ACCESS)
Florida families who qualify for SNAP (food stamps) — called ACCESS Florida — receive monthly benefits year-round, including through the summer. SNAP continues regardless of whether school is in session.
Florida SNAP is administered by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) through the ACCESS Florida system. If your family doesn’t currently receive SNAP:
- Apply online: myflorida.com/accessflorida
- Phone: 1-866-762-2237
- In person: your local DCF service center
See SNAP income limits for Florida for current income thresholds, and use the food assistance eligibility calculator to check your household’s eligibility.
For your current Florida SNAP balance, see how to check your Florida SNAP balance.
2. Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) — Free Meals at Community Sites
The USDA’s Summer Food Service Program provides free meals to all children 18 and under at community sites during the summer — no application, no income check, no EBT card needed at the meal site.
Florida has one of the largest SFSP networks in the country. Sites include schools, parks, libraries, community centers, YMCAs, and churches across the state.
How to find a site near you:
- Dial 211 from any phone — Florida 211 is available statewide 24/7
- Text “FOOD” to 304-304
- Visit fns.usda.gov/meals/find-sites
- Visit nokidhungry.org for Florida-specific summer meal site maps
Sites typically operate June through August, with some extending through mid-August. Meals are free and available immediately — no registration required in most cases.
3. WIC — For Families With Young Children
Florida families with a pregnant woman, breastfeeding mother, infant, or child under 5 may qualify for WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), which provides monthly food benefits year-round. Florida WIC is administered by the Florida Department of Health.
Check WIC income eligibility in Florida to see if your family qualifies.
4. Summer EBT in Neighboring States
If you spend part of the summer in a state that participates in SUN Bucks — Georgia does not participate either, but Alabama, North Carolina, Tennessee (does not participate), South Carolina (does not participate), and others vary — you cannot use benefits from another state’s SUN Bucks program. SUN Bucks benefits are state-specific.
However, your regular Florida SNAP EBT card works at any authorized SNAP retailer in any state — if you travel or temporarily relocate, your SNAP benefits travel with you.
5. Local Food Banks and Nonprofit Programs
Florida has an active network of food banks, summer feeding programs, and nonprofit organizations:
- Feeding Florida — the statewide network of food banks; feedingflorida.org
- Feeding America partners — major food bank operations statewide including Feeding South Florida, Second Harvest of Central Florida, Feeding Northeast Florida, and others
- No Kid Hungry Florida — connects families to summer meal sites and food resources; nokidhungry.org
- Local churches, community organizations, and school districts — many run their own summer food programs independently of the federal SFSP
Dial 211 for the most comprehensive local resource directory in your area.
6. LIHEAP — Energy Assistance
Florida summers are hot, and cooling costs can be significant. Florida SNAP households automatically meet the income requirement for LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program), which helps pay cooling bills. Florida’s LIHEAP provides summer cooling assistance in addition to the standard winter heating program. See how to apply for energy assistance for details.
Will Florida Join Summer EBT in the Future?
Florida has declined to participate every year since the program launched. Each year, states must notify the USDA by January 1 of their intent to participate in the following summer.
Advocacy organizations including the Florida Policy Institute, No Kid Hungry, Feeding Florida, and others continue to urge Florida to join the program. Florida legislators have introduced bills calling for state participation, though none have passed.
Florida previously participated in Summer Pandemic-EBT (P-EBT) for three years — 2021, 2022, and 2023 — delivering approximately $1 billion per year in summer SNAP benefits to around 2 million children. Florida was initially the last state to apply, reversing course only after pressure from stakeholders statewide.
To urge Florida to join SUN Bucks, contact your Florida state legislators or the Governor’s office. The Florida Policy Institute (floridapolicy.org) tracks advocacy efforts and provides resources for families and advocates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Florida have SUN Bucks in 2026?
No — Florida has not participated in the SUN Bucks Summer EBT program for 2026, 2026, or 2026. Over 2.1 million Florida children who would qualify are not receiving the $120-per-child summer benefit available in most other states.
Why doesn’t Florida participate in Summer EBT?
Florida’s Department of Children and Families (DCF) has stated that existing state programs are sufficient and cited the state’s required share of administrative costs as a reason for not participating. The decision has been made by DCF and the Governor’s office each year.
What can Florida families do instead of SUN Bucks?
Florida SNAP benefits continue year-round — if you receive SNAP, your benefits don’t stop in summer. The Summer Food Service Program provides free hot meals to all children 18 and under at community sites statewide. Local food banks through Feeding Florida also provide free groceries. Dial 211 to find programs in your area.
How do I find a summer meal site in Florida?
Dial 211, text “FOOD” to 304-304, or visit nokidhungry.org or fns.usda.gov/meals/find-sites. Florida has one of the largest SFSP networks in the country.
Can I use my Florida SNAP EBT card in another state this summer?
Yes — your regular Florida SNAP EBT card works at authorized SNAP retailers in any U.S. state. If you travel or temporarily relocate, your benefits go with you.
For the full Summer EBT overview and which states do participate, see the SUN Bucks program guide. To check your SNAP eligibility in Florida, use the EBT benefit estimator. For Florida SNAP application help, see how to apply for SNAP benefits in Florida.