Florida Proposes Work Requirement for Older SNAP Recipients: New Bill Aims to Reshape Benefits System

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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Significant reforms may be on the horizon for recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Florida, as state legislators gear up for extensive healthcare changes slated for 2026.

The Republican-led Florida House of Representatives has announced a major healthcare initiative, titled Florida’s New Frontier in Healthcare, which will be a focal point in next spring’s legislative agenda.

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A key component of this legislative effort is HB 693, known as the Big Beautiful Healthcare Frontier Act. This bill draws inspiration from President Donald Trump’s deregulation and workforce expansion strategies within the healthcare sector.

SNAP Benefit changes

“These initiatives embody President Trump’s vision for healthcare, emphasizing fewer bureaucratic hurdles, increased frontline providers, and greater patient autonomy in choosing their care,” stated Rep. Mike Redondo, R-District 118, who introduced the bill. “The Big Beautiful Healthcare Frontier Act positions Florida not only to meet federal reform standards but to lead in their implementation, broadening access, bolstering our workforce, and enhancing healthcare outcomes for families throughout our state.”

According to the Florida Department of Children and Families, under the current law, SNAP recipients who are able-bodied adults without disabilities must meet the work requirements up to the age of 59 and are required to participate in the SNAP Employment and Training program.

These requirements do have some exceptions, including homeless people, veterans and former foster care youth who are 24 years old or younger.

However, under HB 693, the age cap would be raised to 64 years of age, meaning those who reach that age without disabilities will have to fulfill the work requirement if they want SNAP benefits. The bill would also expand work requirements for parents with children, only allowing an exception for parents who have children under the age of 14 in their home.

Other changes would include:

Limiting Medicaid, SNAP, and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) benefits for certain people living in Florida illegally.
Codifying federal prohibitions of payments to prohibited entities like abortion care providers
Creating verification measures to prevent SNAP payment errors

“Florida’s new frontier in healthcare means putting patients first and making sure taxpayer dollars are used wisely,” said Representative Josie Tomkow, Chair of the Health & Human Services Committee. “These reforms expand access to care, strengthen our healthcare workforce, and finally take meaningful steps to rein in prescription drug costs. From modernizing state policies to holding middlemen accountable, this package delivers practical solutions that directly benefit Florida families.”

De-regulation and workforce reforms

Other changes HB 693 proposes deal with removing regulatory measures to help increase the availability of healthcare services, increase competition, and lower costs.

These include:

Removing the requirement of a certificate-of-need to establish new nursing homes, intermediate care facilities for disabled people, and hospice care centers.
Removing the supervisory cap of physician assistants (PAs), allowing doctors to have as many as they need to expand patient capacity.
Joining interstate licensure compacts for PAs and EMS professionals to allow new talent to more easily work in Florida
Requiring healthcare providers to inform patients of out-of-network referrals for nonemergency services and making sure payments contribute to the deductible “when cost-effective.”
Allowing dental hygienists, under supervision of a dentist, to prescribe and administer fluoride, antimicrobial solutions, and local anesthesia under certain circumstances.

8 On Your Side has called Redondo’s Tallahassee and district office for comment on the bill and its reforms.