Florida Families Receive $450 Checks as part of the “Hope Florida – A Pathway to Prosperity” Initiative

On July 19, 2022, Florida parents began receiving $450 checks and a letter from Governor Ron DeSantis in the mail. Here is what we could find about who is eligible to receive these checks.

According to the press release from Governor DeSantis’ office, “$35.5 million in Governor DeSantis’ budget will support nearly 59,000 Florida families with a one-time payment of $450 per child, which includes foster families.”

During a roundtable session in Tampa on July 15, First Lady Casey DeSantis also said “$35 million… will go to support foster and adoptive families, single moms across the state, they will receive a one-time payment of $450.”

The Hope Florida initiative will also focus on community collaboration between the private sector, faith-based community, nonprofits, and government entities to maximize resources. It includes support for adoptive and foster caregivers in Florida. {Interested in becoming a Foster Caregiver in Polk County? Learn more in our interview with Heartland for Children.}

Dear Floridian,
As the father of three young children, I know that getting ready for a new school year can be both exciting and stressful. To offset the costs of rising inflation, especially with a new school year approaching, the State of Florida is giving you $450 for each child in your care.

This one-time payment can be used for anything from buying diapers to fueling up at the pump. I also want to make sure you are aware of our state’s “Back-to-School” sales-tax holiday, which will take place from July 25 through August 7, to help you get the supplies you need to prepare for the upcoming school year. Supplies that will be tax-free during this time include clothing, bags, computers, shoes and other school supplies.

Please accept this payment as a form of gratitude and acknowledgment for all that you do to help nurture Florida’s future. God bless you, and God bless the great state of Florida.
Sincerely,
Ron DeSantis
Governor

Who is Eligible for $450 Per Child Checks from Florida?

The Governor’s Press Release and First Lady said that funds are to support foster families, adoptive families, and single parents. The Pathway to Prosperity initiative is intended to benefit public benefit customers statewide, children aging out of foster care, pregnant mothers contending with substance use disorders, and parents and families who need assistance.

According to additional information provided by the Florida Department of Children and Families regarding the $450 checks, funding was sent out to 59,000 families based on if they receive assistance from the state already through Florida Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

There is not an application process, checks were issued automatically and recipients were chosen directly from a set of state assistance data. Families must fall into one of the eligible categories as of July 1, 2022. Eligible recipients include:

• Foster Parents
• Relative Caregivers
• Non-relative Caregivers
• Families receiving TANF cash assistance
• Guardianship Assistance Program participants

Additional information about the Hope Florida – Pathway to Prosperity Initiative can be found at HopeFlorida.com.

Additional Information from DCF Regarding Eligibility for $450 Checks

On July 15, First Lady Casey DeSantis announced that nearly 59,000 Florida families will receive a one-time payment of $450 per child. This one-time payment assists families who are being affected by rising inflation and preparing to send their children back-to-school. P-TANF will ultimately help eligible Florida families focus on their children’s needs and offer support this summer. Families do not need to apply to receive the one-time payment, which will be mailed directly to recipients in the next seven days.

The American Rescue Plan Act created a $1 billion fund to assist needy families affected by the pandemic within the TANF program. The one-time payments ensured that $35.5 million would be received by Florida families. Had these awards not been made, the funding would have otherwise reverted back to the federal government. Eligibility is based on federal TANF requirements and the state’s TANF Plan.

Don’t miss our 2022 Back to School Guide! It includes free school supply giveaways, Back to School Bash Events, info on Florida’s Back to School Tax Free Weekend, Polk County School Calendars, and more.