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NewsFOX 13 Tampa BayAugust 24, 2026Hillsborough

Governor DeSantis seeks to restrict EBT and TANF purchases to essential items

Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida is coordinating with the federal government to limit how public assistance benefits, specifically EBT and TANF, can be spent. The proposed policy aims to restrict the use of these funds to essential needs only.

public assistanceEBTTANFwelfare policy
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Why It Matters

This proposal would change the types of goods and services that recipients of state-administered federal aid can purchase with their benefits.

Key Facts

  • Governor Ron DeSantis is working with the Trump administration to restrict public assistance spending.
  • The proposed restrictions apply to EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) and TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) benefits.
  • The stated goal of the policy is to ensure taxpayer-funded aid is used exclusively for essential needs.

Who's Mentioned

personRon DeSantis“Governor of Florida proposing the policy changes”other23“Number of states previously impacted by federal SNAP litigation”locationFlorida“State government implementing the proposed changes”organizationTrump administration“Federal partner in the proposed public assistance reform”