Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed House Bill 1267 on June 13, 2024, expanding work requirements for participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The legislation mandates that individuals aged 18-59 must participate in the SNAP Employment and Training program for 40 hours per week, with exemptions for those living with children or who qualify for other specified reasons.

The new law exceeds federal minimum SNAP work requirements, which mandate that individuals between 18-52 must work 80 hours per month. The changes to Florida law were previously implemented by the Florida Department of Children and Families in November 2023, and HB 1267 formally codifies the policy. 

The bill passed the Florida House of Representatives 114-1 on February 22, 2024. Rep. Angela Nixon (D) was the sole dissenting vote. The Florida Senate passed the bill unanimously on March 6, 2024. Rep. Adam Anderson (R), the bill’s sponsor, argued the bill would encourage workforce participation and self-sufficiency among SNAP recipients.

The Florida Policy Institute—a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that conducts research and analysis on Florida public policies—argued, “‍Imposing work requirements on older Floridians will cause enormous hardship to people whose food assistance is cut off as a sanction. Aging Floridians already experience significant food insecurity.”

The law goes into effect July 1, 2024.