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July 1, 2026 | 5

SECTION 1: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Florida prepared the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) State Plan beginning July 1, 2026, in accordance with the requirements of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families (ACF), and in accordance with Title IV-A, Section 402 of the Social Security Act (SSA), as amended. The plan incorporates all applicable changes TANF-funded agencies made due to federal or state legislation.

The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Economic Self Sufficiency (ESS), administers the TANF/Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) program. As the State continues to make technological advances, Florida emphasizes broader access to services through its web application which is also accessible through community partner sites. The advances encourage individual’s self-reliance and self-management of their case through the MyACCESS Account. The MyACCESS Account is available 24/7 allowing individuals to register their unique username and password and view screens that give them a complete description of their case. MyACCESS Account includes the ability to view benefit amounts, scheduling interviews, upload and review documents for case processing, review eligibility dates, etc. The recipient may also print a temporary Medicaid card from this site.

By providing streamlined processes and procedures, and new levels of access and technological support, DCF encourages individuals to achieve new levels of self- sufficiency. Florida is working to provide enhanced services to our individuals through its Hope Florida - A Pathway to Prosperity program. This program model expands current services to truly help Floridians reach their definition of economic self-sufficiency by providing a human-centered approach and connecting individuals to other resources. The central idea of the program is to work with individuals in identifying barriers at an individual level, assist in making referrals, and facilitate information between the individual and other service providers.

In accordance with public access provisions of Title IV-A, § 402, of the SSA, the ESS policy unit sent the notice of intent to renew the TANF State Plan to each agency and program with TANF and/or maintenance of effort (MOE) funding, and those comments and revisions are incorporated in the plan. Following Governor DeSantis’ approval and signature, the Florida Administrative Weekly (FAW) will publish the plan for general public comment. The FAW notice will provide addresses and telephone numbers for obtaining a copy of the plan and for providing written comments on the proposed plan.

DCF will forward any substantive comments to the Office of Family Assistance, within ACF.