Bill > H0385

This bill creates the People's Relief Program within the Florida Department of Children and Families to provide economic assistance grants to residents experiencing financial hardship. The program aims to help individuals and families maintain financial stability by offering grants under specific economic conditions, such as rising utility costs, increased property insurance premiums, high unemployment rates, widespread economic decline, or natural disasters. To be eligible, applicants must have been Florida residents for at least one year, demonstrate a change in financial circumstances that prevents them from meeting expenses related to utilities, property insurance, childcare, or healthcare, and provide appropriate documentation. The Department of Children and Families is required to develop rules for the program, including an online application process, establishing specific economic thresholds that trigger grant availability, creating procedures for awarding and disbursing grants, and setting restrictions on how grant funds can be used. The program will be subject to legislative appropriation, and if passed, will take effect on July 1, 2026.

Health and Social Services

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/385