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FLORIDA - Florida officials have approved changes to how Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits can be used, setting the stage for new purchase restrictions that will take effect in 2026.
Beginning April 20, 2026, SNAP recipients in Florida will no longer be able to use their benefits to buy certain products classified as unhealthy under newly approved guidelines.
The state is moving forward under a federal waiver program that allows states to limit SNAP purchases as part of broader public health initiatives focused on nutrition and diet related illness.
According to state officials, the restricted items will include soda, candy, energy drinks and some processed sweets.
These products are currently eligible under standard SNAP rules but will be excluded once the new policy is implemented.
Core food items such as fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, bread and cereals will remain eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
Florida joins several other states that have already adopted or announced similar restrictions.
States including Iowa, Indiana, Utah, Nebraska and West Virginia began enforcing comparable SNAP purchase bans at the start of 2026.
Federal officials say the program is designed to encourage healthier food choices without changing eligibility requirements or reducing benefit amounts.
Retailers that accept SNAP will be required to update their point of sale systems to comply with the new rules.
State agencies plan to provide advance notice and guidance to grocery stores and benefit recipients ahead of the rollout.
A grace period will be offered during the transition, though vendors that fail to comply could ultimately lose authorization to accept SNAP payments.
The Florida Department of Children and Families says outreach efforts will continue throughout 2025 to ensure families understand the upcoming changes and how they may impact everyday grocery shopping.
