Help Paying Bills in Florida
If you're behind on bills or struggling to cover essentials in Florida, there are programs specifically designed to help. These aren't loans — they're federal and state assistance programs that help households cover energy, rent, food, healthcare, and communication costs. Many eligible Florida residents never apply because they don't know these programs exist.
Help With Electric & Utility Bills
- LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) — Federal program that helps low-income Florida households pay energy bills. Administered locally through community action agencies. Particularly valuable during summer months when cooling costs are high. Eligibility is based on income and household size — contact your local agency or call 211 to apply.
- EHEAP (Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly) — Additional energy crisis assistance for Florida households with a member age 60 or older. Administered through local community organizations.
- Utility company assistance programs — Florida's major electric providers including FPL, Duke Energy, and TECO offer low-income rate programs and disconnection protection for qualifying customers. Eligibility and program details vary by utility — contact yours directly to ask what's available.
Help With Rent
- Emergency Rental Assistance — Florida administers rental assistance through county-level programs for households facing eviction or housing instability. Availability and funding levels vary by county. Contact your county's housing office or call 211 to find current programs in your area.
- Section 8 / Housing Choice Voucher — Long-term rental subsidy for income-eligible households. Managed through local Florida housing authorities — waitlists can be long, and applying early matters.
Help With Food Costs
- SNAP — Monthly food benefits loaded to an EBT card, accepted at most grocery stores in Florida. Eligibility is based on household size and income. Apply through ACCESS Florida at myflorida.com/accessflorida.
- WIC — For pregnant women, new mothers, and children under five. Covers specific food items at no cost. Administered through the Florida Department of Health.
- Food banks (Feeding Florida) — Feeding Florida coordinates a statewide network of food banks for households that need immediate support. No income verification is required at most locations. Visit feedingflorida.org to find a food bank near you.
Help With Medical Bills
- Florida Medicaid — Health coverage for income-eligible adults and families. Eligibility, covered services, and cost-sharing depend on which Medicaid program you qualify for. Apply through ACCESS Florida.
- Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) — Community health centers across Florida provide care on a sliding-fee scale based on income, including dental and mental health services. Find a location at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.
Help With Phone & Internet
- Lifeline Program — A federal program that provides discounted phone or internet service to qualifying low-income households. Available through participating carriers in Florida.
- Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) — Discounts on home broadband for income-eligible households. Check current availability and program status at fcc.gov/acp.
Immediate Help
Florida's 211 system connects residents to local emergency assistance for rent, food, utilities, and more. Call 211 or visit fl211.org to find resources in your area.
Why Use GrantLantern
The programs above each have different eligibility rules, different application portals, and different administering agencies. Figuring out which ones apply to your situation — and in what order to approach them — takes time most people don't have when they're behind on bills.
GrantLantern asks a few questions about your household and returns a matched list of programs you're likely eligible for. No account required to see results.
See What Programs Are Available →Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get help with my electric bill in Florida even if I'm not on any other assistance?
Yes. LIHEAP and utility company assistance programs are separate from other benefit programs. You don't need to be receiving SNAP or Medicaid to apply — eligibility is based on income and household size. Call 211 to find the LIHEAP program in your county.
What if I'm facing eviction right now?
Start by calling 211 (fl211.org) — they can connect you to emergency rental assistance in your county. Florida also has court-based diversion programs in some counties that can connect tenants with resources before an eviction is finalized. Act quickly — many programs have limited funding.
Do these programs require proof of income?
Most government assistance programs require documentation of income, household size, and residency. Food banks typically do not. For urgent situations, some programs offer expedited processing with reduced documentation requirements — ask when you call or apply.
Is there help available if I own my home?
Yes. LIHEAP covers homeowners and renters alike. If you have a mortgage, contact your loan servicer directly — many federal loan programs include hardship options. Florida has also administered Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) programs in certain counties for mortgage relief; check with your county housing office for current availability.
GrantLantern is an independent tool and is not affiliated with any government agency. Program availability and eligibility may vary by county and change over time.