Grants & Benefits for Florida Residents
Florida has 91 state-specific programs in our database, plus 20+ federal programs available to all residents. Use the free matcher to find what you personally qualify for.
Florida-Specific Programs
Programs administered by Florida state agencies.
Step Up For Students Scholarship
Florida's largest school choice scholarship nonprofit. Administers the Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES-EW) and other Florida scholarship programs for K–12 students to attend private schools or receive home education services.
Deadline: Rolling — apply July for new school year
FL Bright Futures — Academic Scholars
Merit scholarship for FL high school graduates. Academic Scholars tier covers full tuition at public Florida institutions.
Deadline: August 31 after graduation
FL Bright Futures — Medallion Scholars
Second-tier Bright Futures covering 75% of tuition for students meeting slightly lower criteria.
Deadline: August 31 after graduation
FL Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES-EW)
Florida's school choice scholarship for K–12. Provides annual funds for private school tuition or approved educational services. Often called the '$10K per child' program.
Deadline: Rolling — July priority
FL First / FL Assist Down Payment Program
Down payment and closing cost assistance for first-time homebuyers in Florida through Florida Housing approved lenders.
Deadline: Rolling
Florida Medicaid
Free or low-cost health coverage for eligible Floridians including children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities.
Deadline: Rolling
Florida KidCare (CHIP)
Comprehensive health coverage for uninsured FL children under 19 from families above Medicaid limits.
Deadline: Rolling
FL MyFloridaMarketPlace Contracts
Florida's official procurement system. State agencies post solicitations here — separate from federal contracting.
Deadline: Posted on vendor.myflorida.com
Florida Bright Futures Scholarship
Florida's merit-based scholarship for FL high school graduates attending FL colleges. Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) covers 100% of tuition; Florida Medallion (FMS) covers 75%.
Deadline: August 31 of senior year in high school
Florida SNAP / Food Assistance (ACCESS Florida)
Florida's SNAP food assistance program through ACCESS Florida. Covers groceries at most supermarkets. Application covers SNAP, Medicaid, and TANF simultaneously.
Deadline: Rolling
Florida State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP)
Florida SHIP funds flow to all 67 counties for down payment assistance, home repair, and rental assistance for low-moderate income Floridians.
Deadline: Rolling — varies by county
Florida Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment)
Florida's unemployment insurance program. Benefits are among the lowest in the nation ($275/week max) but can be combined with federal programs and retraining assistance.
Deadline: Apply within 3 weeks of job loss
Florida Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)
Florida LIHEAP helps low-income households pay electric bills, particularly important given Florida's extreme heat and high AC costs. Administered by local Community Action Agencies.
Deadline: Rolling — funds often run out quickly
FL Women's Business Center Network
Florida's Women's Business Centers provide free counseling, training, and access to capital including SBA microloans for women-owned businesses across the state.
Deadline: Rolling
FL Veteran Business Assistance Program
Florida provides dedicated business assistance to veterans including free training, mentorship, and connections to veteran-specific financing through the Florida VBAP.
Deadline: Rolling
FL Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)
Florida's LIHEAP helps low-income households pay energy bills and make energy efficiency improvements. In FL's climate, cooling costs are often the #1 emergency expense.
Deadline: Rolling — first come first served
FL Hometown Heroes Housing Program
Down payment and closing cost assistance for Florida's community workforce — teachers, nurses, firefighters, law enforcement, and other frontline workers buying their first home.
Deadline: Rolling — funds periodically replenished
FL Reemployment Assistance + Training
Florida's CareerSource system offers free job training, resume help, interview coaching, and occupational certifications alongside unemployment benefits for displaced workers.
Deadline: Rolling
FL Medicaid Expansion / Cover Florida
Florida did not expand Medicaid, but low-income Floridians may qualify for marketplace subsidies. Under the ACA, plans can be $0/month for those under 150% FPL.
Deadline: Rolling — Open Enrollment Nov–Jan
Florida First Generation Matching Grant
Need-based grants for Florida undergraduates who are first-generation college students.
Deadline: Rolling
Florida Homeowner Assistance Fund
Mortgage assistance for Florida homeowners who experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19.
Deadline: Rolling
Florida LIHEAP - Low Income Home Energy Assistance
Federally funded program that helps income-qualified households with home heating and cooling utility bills. Standard awards cover regular energy costs; crisis awards available for households facing immediate shutoff or dangerous conditions. Funds paid directly to utility provider.
Deadline: Rolling
Florida SNAP - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Monthly food assistance benefits loaded onto an EBT card, usable at authorized grocery stores statewide. Benefits based on household size, income, and allowable deductions. Apply through ACCESS Florida.
Deadline: Rolling
Florida WIC - Women, Infants and Children Nutrition Program
Free healthy food benefits, breastfeeding support, nutrition education, and health care referrals for eligible pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children under age 5. Benefits loaded onto a WIC EBT card.
Deadline: Rolling
Florida Medicaid - Family Coverage (Children and Pregnant Women)
Free comprehensive health coverage through Medicaid for eligible children and pregnant women in Florida. Covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, dental checkups, and immunizations. Apply through ACCESS Florida.
Deadline: Rolling
Florida Medicaid - Aged and Disabled (MEDS-AD)
Full Medicaid coverage for low-income seniors and people with disabilities who receive SSI or meet financial eligibility. Covers medical care, prescription drugs, and limited long-term care services. SSI recipients automatically qualify.
Deadline: Rolling
Florida KidCare - Children Health Insurance Program
Low-cost or free health insurance for uninsured children in Florida who do not qualify for Medicaid. Covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, dental, vision, and mental health services. Monthly premiums are modest or waived.
Deadline: Rolling
Florida Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) - ACCESS Florida
Monthly cash assistance for low-income families with children to help cover basic needs including food, housing, and clothing. Benefits distributed via EBT card. Part of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) federal block grant.
Deadline: Rolling
Florida Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
Free home energy-efficiency upgrades for income-qualified households, including insulation, HVAC repairs, air sealing, and other improvements. Reduces long-term utility bills and improves home safety. Work performed at no cost to homeowner or renter.
Deadline: Rolling
Florida Veterans Foundation Dental Program
Free dental care for eligible Florida veterans provided through a statewide network of nonprofit organizations. Launched in 2025 with $1 million in state funding. Services are delivered by selected 501(c)(3) veteran organizations across all 67 counties.
Deadline: Rolling
Florida Scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans
Tuition assistance for dependent children and spouses of Florida veterans who died from a service-connected disability or who are rated 100% permanently and totally disabled. Award covers tuition and fees at Florida public colleges and universities.
Deadline: Rolling
Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG)
Need-based state grant for undergraduate Florida residents enrolled at least half-time at eligible Florida public or private colleges and universities. Awards range from $200 to $2,610 per academic year based on financial need and available funding. Apply by completing the FAFSA each year.
Deadline: Rolling
Florida Assist Second Mortgage
Deferred, 0% interest second mortgage of up to $10,000 for down payment and closing cost assistance. No monthly payments required. Repayment is deferred until the home is sold, refinanced, or the primary mortgage is paid off. Available through Florida Housing Finance Corporation participating lenders.
Deadline: Rolling
Florida Medicaid for Pregnant Women
Full Medicaid health coverage for pregnant Florida residents, covering prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. Eligibility continues for 12 months after delivery regardless of income changes during that period. Apply through ACCESS Florida or a DCF office.
Deadline: Rolling
Florida Head Start and Early Head Start
Free comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and family support services for low-income children from birth to age 5 and pregnant women. Programs operate in all 67 Florida counties through local grantee organizations. Includes part-day and full-day options.
Deadline: Rolling
Florida Healthy Kids Dental and Vision Coverage
Affordable standalone dental and vision coverage for Florida children ages 5 through 18 not enrolled in Medicaid or KidCare. Monthly premiums start at $7 for dental. Available to families at any income level through Florida Healthy Kids Corporation.
Deadline: Rolling
Veterans Florida Employment and Training Program
Free career services, job placement assistance, and entrepreneurship training for Florida veterans transitioning to civilian employment. Connects veterans with employer partners and offers a business funding competition for veteran entrepreneurs. State-funded nonprofit created by the Florida Legislature.
Deadline: Rolling
Florida iBudget Medicaid Waiver (Home and Community Based Services)
Medicaid waiver program providing home and community-based services to Florida adults and children with developmental disabilities as an alternative to institutionalization. Services include in-home support, day programs, supported employment, residential habilitation, and respite care. Administered by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities.
Deadline: Rolling
National Family Caregiver Support Program (FL)
Provides respite care, counseling, support groups, training, and supplemental services to family caregivers through Florida's 11 Area Agencies on Aging.
Deadline: Rolling
Florida RELIEF Program (Respite for Elders Living in Everyday Families)
Provides free in-home respite care through trained volunteers for family caregivers of homebound elders aged 60+, including evenings and weekends.
Deadline: Rolling
Home Care for the Elderly (HCE)
Provides a monthly cash subsidy paid directly to caregivers of Floridians aged 60+ to help cover rent, housing, and medical services as an alternative to nursing home care.
Deadline: Rolling
Alzheimer's Disease Initiative (ADI)
Provides respite care (including up to 30 days extended out-of-home), support groups, caregiver training, and memory disorder screenings for caregivers of people with Alzheimer's or related memory disorders.
Deadline: Rolling
Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care (SMMC LTC)
Medicaid program providing home and community-based services including the ability to hire family members as paid caregivers, home-delivered meals, respite care, and home modifications.
Deadline: Rolling
Community Care for the Elderly (CCE)
Provides adult day care, personal care, disposable medical supplies, legal assistance, and other support for people at risk of nursing home placement who do not qualify for Medicaid.
Deadline: Rolling
Optional State Supplementation (OSS)
Monthly cash payments to low-income elderly or disabled individuals living in assisted living facilities, adult family care homes, or mental health residential treatment facilities.
Deadline: Rolling
Florida Elder Helpline (1-800-96-ELDER)
Statewide information and referral service connecting seniors, caregivers, and adults with disabilities to local programs and resources in all 67 Florida counties.
Deadline: Rolling
TCARE Caregiver Assessment and Referral Program
One-on-one caregiver coaching program that assesses caregiver burden and connects them to tailored support services through local Area Agencies on Aging.
Deadline: Rolling
Florida Medically Needy Program
Allows Medicaid coverage after a monthly share-of-cost is met for individuals whose income or assets exceed regular Medicaid limits but who have high medical expenses.
Deadline: Rolling
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FL)
Community health centers across Florida providing primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services on a sliding fee scale. No one is turned away for inability to pay.
Deadline: Rolling
SHINE Program (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders)
Free, unbiased, confidential Medicare counseling by trained volunteers. Helps with plan comparisons, enrollment, appeals, and finding cost-saving programs.
Deadline: Rolling
Florida Rx Card
Free statewide prescription discount card providing up to 80% off brand and generic medications at over 68,000 pharmacies. No income requirements, no enrollment, no eligibility restrictions.
Deadline: Rolling
Medicare Savings Programs (FL) - QMB, SLMB, QI
State programs helping low-income Medicare beneficiaries pay for Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copays. Three tiers based on income level.
Deadline: Rolling
Florida Community Behavioral Health Services
Sliding-scale mental health and substance abuse treatment at community behavioral health centers statewide, managed through regional Managing Entities.
Deadline: Rolling
988 Florida Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Free 24/7 crisis counseling available by phone (call or text 988) for anyone in emotional distress or suicidal crisis. Connects to trained Florida-based counselors.
Deadline: Rolling
NAMI Florida
Free peer-led support groups, education programs, and crisis intervention for individuals and families affected by mental illness. Chapters throughout Florida.
Deadline: Rolling
FL Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
Free employment services for Floridians with disabilities including job coaching, skills training, assistive technology, education support, and job placement.
Deadline: Rolling
Consumer-Directed Care Plus (CDC+)
Flexible alternative to the iBudget Medicaid waiver giving participants more control over choosing their own services and providers, including hiring family members.
Deadline: Rolling
FL Division of Blind Services
Provides assistive technology (screen readers, magnifiers, Braille equipment), vocational rehabilitation, and independent living services for blind and visually impaired Floridians.
Deadline: Rolling
Individual and Family Supports (IFS)
Bridge funding for APD clients on the iBudget waitlist, covering expenses like therapies, medical equipment, and other disability-related costs not funded by other sources.
Deadline: Rolling
Florida Assistive Services and Technology (FAAST)
Provides free device loans, demonstrations, equipment reuse and recycling, and training on assistive technology for people with disabilities of all ages.
Deadline: Rolling
Florida Legal Services
Free civil legal aid statewide covering housing, family law, public benefits, consumer issues, and immigration for low-income Floridians.
Deadline: Rolling
Florida Senior Legal Helpline
Free legal advice and representation for Floridians aged 60 and older on housing, health benefits, consumer problems, and elder abuse.
Deadline: Rolling
Florida Domestic Violence Legal Hotline
Free legal help and safety planning for survivors of domestic violence, available statewide.
Deadline: Rolling
Lifeline Program (FL)
Federal program providing a $9.25/month discount on phone or internet service for low-income households. Free phones and service available through participating providers.
Deadline: Rolling
Florida Telecommunications Relay Inc. (FTRI)
Provides free specialized phone equipment (amplified phones, captioned phones, visual alert devices) for Floridians with hearing or speech loss.
Deadline: Rolling
FL Transportation Disadvantaged Program
Statewide program providing free or reduced-cost door-to-door transportation in all 67 Florida counties for people who cannot transport themselves due to disability, age, or income.
Deadline: Rolling
Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (FL)
Free transportation to and from medical appointments for all Florida Medicaid recipients who have no other means of transportation.
Deadline: Rolling
Relative Caregiver Program (FL)
Monthly cash assistance for relatives caring for children who are not their own, as an alternative to foster care placement.
Deadline: Rolling
Open Door Grant Program
Covers tuition, exams, books, uniforms, and more for Florida students enrolled in short-term, high-demand workforce education programs.
Deadline: Rolling
Last Mile Completion Scholarship
Financial assistance for students who left college with 13 or fewer credit hours remaining to complete their degree.
Deadline: Rolling
Duke Energy Share the Light (FL)
Customer-funded utility bill assistance program for Duke Energy Florida customers struggling to pay energy bills.
Deadline: Rolling
Tampa Electric SHARE
Customer-funded energy bill assistance for Tampa Electric (TECO) customers in financial hardship.
Deadline: Rolling
VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)
Provides a monthly stipend of up to $2,750 plus health insurance, training, counseling, and respite care for primary caregivers of veterans seriously injured in the line of duty.
Deadline: Rolling
Veteran Directed Care Program
Eligible veterans manage a monthly care budget to hire caregivers of their choice, including family members, at $8-21/hour based on VA guidelines.
Deadline: Rolling
Aid and Attendance Pension (FL)
Monthly pension benefit of up to $3,261 for wartime veterans or surviving spouses who need help with daily living activities. Can be used to pay family caregivers.
Deadline: Rolling
Florida 211
Free 24/7 referral service connecting Floridians to local resources for food, housing, utility help, mental health, substance abuse, and more in all 67 counties.
Deadline: Rolling
Hope Florida
State care navigator program that pairs families with a dedicated Hope Navigator who connects them to community resources, employment coaching, and pathways to self-sufficiency.
Deadline: Rolling
Donated Dental Services (FL)
Free comprehensive dental care for people who are disabled, elderly, or medically fragile and cannot afford treatment or receive public aid.
Deadline: Rolling
Florida Medicaid Dental Plans
Dental coverage for all Florida Medicaid recipients including children and adults. Covers preventive care, fillings, extractions, and expanded services for pregnant women.
Deadline: Rolling
Meals on Wheels (FL)
Home-delivered nutritious meals for homebound seniors unable to prepare food, provided through Area Agencies on Aging and local partners across Florida.
Deadline: Rolling
Florida Homestead Exemption
Up to $50,000 property tax reduction for primary residence owners in Florida. Saves approximately $800/year. No income requirement.
Deadline: Rolling
Low-Income Senior Additional Homestead Exemption
Additional $25,000-$50,000 property tax exemption for homeowners aged 65+ with household adjusted gross income under approximately $38,686 (2026 limit, adjusted annually).
Deadline: Rolling
Totally and Permanently Disabled Property Tax Exemption (FL)
Full property tax exemption for homestead property owned by totally and permanently disabled persons who use a wheelchair or are legally blind and meet income limits.
Deadline: Rolling
Veteran Property Tax Discount - Combat Related (FL)
Property tax discount for combat-disabled veterans aged 65+. Discount percentage equals the veterans service-connected disability percentage.
Deadline: Rolling
Total and Permanent Service-Connected Veteran Exemption (FL)
Full property tax exemption for veterans with 100% total and permanent service-connected disability. Benefit can carry over to surviving spouse.
Deadline: Rolling
School Readiness Plus (SR Plus)
Transitional childcare subsidy that prevents the benefits cliff by gradually increasing copayments as family income rises above School Readiness limits, up to 85% of State Median Income.
Deadline: Rolling
Florida Child Support Enforcement Program
Free government services to establish paternity, create child support orders, enforce payment, and collect and distribute child support on behalf of custodial parents and caregivers.
Deadline: Rolling
Spectrum Internet Assist (FL)
Low-cost internet service at $14.99/month (30 Mbps) for households receiving SSI, National School Lunch Program, or Community Assistance programs.
Deadline: Rolling
Comcast Internet Essentials (FL)
Low-cost internet at $9.95/month for households qualifying for public assistance programs including SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, and public housing.
Deadline: Rolling
SHINE/SMP Senior Medicare Patrol (FL)
Program that trains volunteers and educates seniors to detect, prevent, and report Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse. Free educational workshops statewide.
Deadline: Rolling
Florida Widow or Widower $5,000 Property Tax Exemption
A $5,000 property tax exemption available to any permanent Florida resident who is a widow or widower. Does not require homestead. Lost if remarried.
Deadline: Rolling
Federal Programs Available in Florida
Administered by federal agencies and available to eligible residents in all 50 states. Showing 20 of 111 federal programs — use the matcher to see all that fit your situation.
Federal Pell Grant
Need-based grant for undergraduate students who haven't earned a bachelor's degree. Does not need to be repaid.
Deadline: Rolling — FAFSA opens Oct 1
Federal SEOG Grant
Supplemental grant for undergrads with exceptional financial need. Funds limited — priority to earliest FAFSA filers.
Deadline: Varies by school
TEACH Grant
For students planning to teach in high-need fields at low-income schools. Converts to loan if service requirement unmet.
Deadline: Rolling
Post-9/11 GI Bill (Ch. 33)
Covers tuition at state schools plus housing allowance and book stipend for veterans who served 90+ days post-9/11.
Deadline: Rolling
Head Start Program
Federally funded comprehensive early childhood education for ages 3–5 from low-income families. Covers school readiness, health, nutrition, and family services. Early Head Start serves 0–3.
Deadline: Rolling — contact local program
WIC — Women, Infants & Children
Nutritious foods, nutrition counseling, and healthcare referrals for low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5.
Deadline: Rolling
Child Care & Development Fund (CCDF)
Helps low-income working families pay for childcare. Each state administers its own version of this federal block grant.
Deadline: Rolling
TANF — Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
Monthly cash assistance for low-income families with children. Each state runs its own program with different benefit levels and work requirements.
Deadline: Rolling
Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
Federal rental assistance for low-income families, elderly, and disabled. Tenants pay 30% of income; voucher covers the rest up to a payment standard.
Deadline: Waitlist — check local HA
USDA Home Repair Grants (Section 504)
Grants and loans for very low-income rural homeowners to repair homes or remove health/safety hazards.
Deadline: Rolling
LIHEAP Energy Assistance
Helps low-income households pay heating and cooling costs. Administered locally through Community Action Agencies.
Deadline: Rolling — varies by state
SBIR Phase I Grant
Seed funding for small businesses to explore R&D feasibility for federal agencies. America's largest innovation grant program.
Deadline: Varies by agency
SBA 8(a) Business Development Program
9-year mentoring and contracting program for socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses.
Deadline: Rolling
WOSB Federal Contracting Set-Asides
Federal contracts reserved for women-owned small businesses in underrepresented industries.
Deadline: Ongoing via SAM.gov
SDVOSB Contracting Set-Asides
Federal contracts reserved for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses.
Deadline: Ongoing via SAM.gov
GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS)
Pre-approved contract vehicle allowing any federal agency to buy your commercial products/services without competitive bid.
Deadline: Rolling
SNAP (Food Stamps)
Monthly EBT card benefits to buy food at authorized retailers. Average ~$175/person/month.
Deadline: Rolling
Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program
Medical care and support for people with HIV who lack adequate insurance coverage.
Deadline: Rolling
IRA Home Efficiency Tax Credits (25C/25D)
30% federal tax credits for insulation, windows, heat pumps, and solar panels.
Deadline: Through 2032
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
Free insulation, air sealing, HVAC repair, and energy-efficient upgrades for low-income households.
Deadline: Rolling
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