2FIRSTS | Florida Governor DeSantis Expands TANF Restrictions, Blocking Welfare Benefits From Buying Tobacco and Vapes
Florida expands TANF restrictions to block EBT purchases of tobacco and vaping products.Summary
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the state will expand Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) restrictions to prohibit the use of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) funds for buying tobacco and vaping products. The policy will be implemented by amending Florida’s TANF State Plan, which still requires federal approval. The changes affect only how benefits can be spent, not eligibility or benefit amounts. Existing restrictions already cover alcohol, gambling, and adult entertainment; the new rules also target drugs, adult content, video games, entertainment tickets, tattoos, tanning services, and fortune‑telling. Officials said the measure aims to direct taxpayer‑funded assistance toward essential needs and will be coordinated with federal partners, retailers, and EBT providers, similar to the state’s Healthy SNAP program. No specific implementation date has been announced.
(Source：2Firsts)
