Low-Income Resources in Florida

This page is a public directory of programs that may help with food support, housing and utilities, child and family care, healthcare resources, and crisis services. Availability and eligibility vary by program. If something looks outdated, please let us know.

Food resources
Housing and utilities
Child and family care
Healthcare resources
Crisis care
Debt help

Food resources

If you need help with groceries, start with Florida SNAP through the Department of Children and Families. Families with young children may also qualify for WIC, and local pantry help is available statewide.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — Florida Department of Children and Families

Helps with: Monthly food benefits for eligible households.
How to start: Review the program details, then apply or manage benefits through MyACCESS.

Program overview: Florida SNAP (DCF)
Apply / manage benefits: MyACCESS portal

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) — Florida Department of Health

Helps with: Nutrition support for eligible pregnant people, infants, and young children.
How to start: Review the program and use the statewide county contact list to find your local WIC office.

Program overview and county contacts: Florida WIC Program

Find a food bank or pantry — Feeding Florida

Helps with: Local food banks, pantries, and other food support across Florida.
How to start: Use the statewide network to find the food bank serving your county.

Find food near you: Feeding Florida Find Food
Network home page: Feeding Florida

Housing and utilities

If housing or utility bills are a concern, start with Florida’s energy-assistance and housing search tools. Many programs are handled through local providers, so the best next step is often the statewide directory or your local agency.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) — Florida Department of Commerce

Helps with: Assistance paying home heating and cooling costs for eligible households.
How to start: Review the program, then find the local LIHEAP provider serving your county.

Program overview: Florida LIHEAP
Find your local provider: Local LIHEAP provider directory

Rental search and housing help — FloridaHousingSearch.org and HUD

Helps with: Rental listings, housing search tools, and counseling or public housing pathways.
How to start: Search statewide listings, then use HUD’s Florida page if you need a housing counselor or public housing contact.

Search rentals: FloridaHousingSearch.org
Florida housing help: HUD housing help in Florida

Child and family care

Families may need help with child care costs or temporary cash assistance. In Florida, these programs are handled through the Department of Education, the Department of Children and Families, and local partners.

School Readiness child care assistance — Florida Division of Early Learning

Helps with: Assistance paying for child care for eligible working families.
How to start: Review the program, apply through the family portal, and contact your local early learning coalition if needed.

Program overview: School Readiness Program
Apply / pre-qualify: Family Portal
Find your local coalition: Early Learning Coalition Directory

Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) — Florida Department of Children and Families

Helps with: Temporary cash assistance and employment supports for eligible families with children.
How to start: Review eligibility, then apply through MyACCESS.

Program overview: Florida Temporary Cash Assistance
Apply: MyACCESS portal

Healthcare resources

If healthcare coverage or medical costs are a concern, start with Medicaid, Florida KidCare, or your local health center. Florida’s benefits portal is still the main place to apply for many state programs.

Florida Medicaid and Florida KidCare

Helps with: Free or low-cost health coverage for eligible adults, children, and families.
How to start: Review the Medicaid eligibility page, check KidCare for children, and apply through MyACCESS when ready.

Medicaid eligibility: Florida Medicaid
Florida KidCare: Florida KidCare
Apply: MyACCESS portal

Find a community health center — HRSA

Helps with: Locating federally supported clinics that often offer sliding-fee care.
How to start: Search by city or ZIP code to find a clinic near you.

HRSA Find a Health Center

Crisis care

If you or someone in your household is in immediate danger, call 911. If you need urgent emotional support or help finding local services, the options below can help you find the right next step quickly.

211 Florida

Helps with: Local referrals for food, housing, utilities, childcare, healthcare, and community services.
How to start: Call 211 or use the Florida 211 website and help directory.

Dial: 2-1-1
Florida 211: FL 211
Search the directory: Florida 211 help search

988 Florida Lifeline

Helps with: Free, confidential support for mental health, substance use, emotional distress, or crisis situations.
How to start: Call or text 988 any time.

Call or text: 988
988 Florida Lifeline

Florida domestic violence help

Helps with: Confidential support, safety planning, and links to local domestic violence centers across Florida.
How to start: Call the statewide hotline or use the local-help finder.

Call: 1-800-500-1119
TTY: 711
Find local help: Florida domestic violence help finder
State overview: Florida domestic violence services

Disaster Distress Helpline (SAMHSA)

Helps with: Crisis counseling for people experiencing emotional distress related to disasters.
How to start: Call or text for immediate support.

Call or text: 800-985-5990
Text: TalkWithUs to 66746
Helpline details

If debt is part of the picture

Many people looking for assistance are also dealing with credit card balances, collections, payday loans, or medical bills. If you want a calm review of options, Money Fit offers nonprofit credit counseling and education. We’ll help you understand what’s realistic, without pressure.

Talk with Money Fit Credit counseling Payday loan help

Note: Program availability and eligibility vary. Money Fit does not provide cash assistance and cannot guarantee outcomes.

Last reviewed: April 2026 | URL: /low-income/florida/