Last updated: March 16, 2026

Quick summary

• Starting April 20, 2026, Florida is changing what you can buy with SNAP EBT.

• SNAP benefits can no longer be used to buy soda, many energy drinks, candy, and many prepared desserts.

• Your SNAP benefit amount is not changing. Most regular groceries are not affected.

What is changing in Florida

When the new rules start

The new rules begin on April 20, 2026. They are currently approved as a two-year pilot by USDA and the State of Florida.

What you cannot buy with SNAP anymore

You will not be able to use SNAP EBT to buy:

• Soda: carbonated soft drinks sweetened with sugar or artificial sweeteners — like regular and diet sodas. 

• Energy drinks: highly caffeinated drinks marketed to boost energy or mental focus. 

• Candy: sweets like chocolate bars, gummies, caramels, hard candies, and similar treats made primarily from sugar or artificial sweeteners.

• Prepared desserts: pre-packaged, ready-to-eat sweets that need no preparation, such as individually wrapped snack cakes, packaged pies, and similar shelf-stable treats.

These categories come from official Florida and USDA documents. For borderline products, check Florida’s SNAP website or ask an associate at the store where you’re shopping (online or in-store).

What stays the same

• These changes only affect what you can buy with SNAP benefits in Florida.

  • Note: You can still include these items in your basket online and in-store when you pay with EBT, but you'll need to pay for them with a different payment method, such as a debit or credit card.

• Your monthly SNAP amount is not changing because of this waiver.

• Most groceries — like fruits and vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, and many pantry items — remain SNAP-eligible.

What is still SNAP-eligible

The following are explicitly not restricted under Florida's waiver:

• Plain or naturally flavored carbonated water (e.g., unflavored plain or sparkling water)

• Any beverage that is more than 50% vegetable or fruit juice by volume

• Beverages with less than 5 grams of added sugar

• Coffee, tea, and beverages that are substantially coffee- or tea-based

For full details, contact your local SNAP office or visit the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) website.

Keeping up to date

If you live in Florida and use the Forage app, we plan to:

• Update this page if Florida or USDA change the rules, and

• Share important reminders in the app or via push notifications so you know what to expect at checkout.