DCF Press Releases

February 4, 2025

Governor Ron DeSantis announced the Focus on Fiscal Responsibility Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026, providing $4.8 billion in funding for the Department of Children and Families (Department) to support and expand resources and services needed to best serve Florida’s children and families. This year’s budget continues to champion the Governor’s steadfast commitment to strong and resilient families by making major investments to bolster prevention services, increase access and availability of behavioral health resources, and enhanced technology advancements to further innovate the Department’s programs and systems.

December 11, 2024

Department of Children and Families (Department) Secretary Shevaun Harris announced Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) locations for Columbia, DeSoto, Lake, Lee, and Manatee counties. D-SNAP provides food assistance for Florida residents impacted by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton who are not receiving food assistance through the regular Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

November 27, 2024

The Department of Children and Families (Department) Secretary Shevaun Harris announced Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) locations for Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, and Taylor counties. D-SNAP provides food assistance for Florida residents impacted by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton who are not receiving food assistance through the regular Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). 

November 26, 2024

First Lady Casey DeSantis announced the second annual ‘Hope for the Holidays Toy Drive’ benefitting foster families, Hope Florida participants, and Florida families in need this Holiday season. Hope Florida, in partnership with Florida’s state agencies, will collect donations until December 13, 2024.

November 13, 2024

Department of Children and Families (Department) Secretary Shevaun Harris announced Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) locations for Citrus, Flagler, Highlands, Madison, Pasco, Volusia, and Wakulla counties. D-SNAP provides food assistance for Florida residents impacted by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton who are not receiving food assistance through the regular Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

November 6, 2024

Department of Children and Families (Department) Secretary Shevaun Harris announced a Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) location will be open for Hamilton, Lafayette, and Suwannee counties on Friday, November 8 through Sunday, November 10 for applicants to complete their in-person interview on-site.

November 5, 2024

Department of Children and Families (Department) Secretary Shevaun Harris announced a Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) location will be open for Jefferson County on Thursday, November 7 through Saturday, November 9 for applicants to complete their in-person interview on-site. D-SNAP provides food assistance for Florida residents impacted by Hurricane Helene who are not receiving food assistance through the regular Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Individuals who reside in Jefferson County who pre-registered online but did not have a chance to complete their D-SNAP phone interview can visit the D-SNAP location for an in-person interview. In-person interviews are not required if a phone interview was completed.

October 30, 2024

Department of Children and Families (Department) Secretary Shevaun Harris announced a Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) location will be open for Dixie, Gilchrist, and Levy counties on Friday, November 1 through Sunday, November 3 for applicants to complete their in-person interview on-site.

October 23, 2024

The Department of Children and Families (Department) Secretary Shevaun Harris announced that Florida’s application for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) has been approved. D-SNAP provides food assistance for individuals and families impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton who are not receiving food assistance through the regular Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

June 13, 2024

Governor Ron DeSantis signed his Focus on Florida’s Future Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25, allocating more than $4.6 billion to the Department of Children and Families (Department) that will continue to support strong and resilient families across the State of Florida.