Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced new restrictions on the use of state Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds, prohibiting recipients from purchasing pornography and other specified non-essential goods and services. The state is implementing these changes to its Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) program, which distributes federal TANF aid and other funds via EBT cards.

New Restrictions on Benefit Spending

On August 24, 2026, Governor Ron DeSantis announced an amendment to Florida’s TANF State Plan, stating that Florida would become the first state to restrict temporary cash assistance funds from being used on non-essential items, luxury services, and adult entertainment. The governor’s office described these as "first-in-the-nation restrictions" aimed at preventing the use of taxpayer-funded benefits for "inappropriate, luxury and non-essential items." The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) will administer these benefits through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.

The new policy specifically prohibits the use of TCA benefits for a range of goods and services. These include tobacco, nicotine, and vaping products; drugs and intoxicants; pornography; video games, entertainment tickets, theme park admission, and entertainment subscriptions; tattoos, spa services, tanning, and other luxury services; and psychic and fortune-telling services. The governor’s office stated that the restrictions cover "inappropriate, luxury and non-essential items."

Governor DeSantis held a press conference in Tampa, Florida, on August 24, 2026, where he discussed the policy changes. He stated that if someone is genuinely needy, the money should go towards helping that individual and their dependents. The governor also indicated that his administration has directed the Florida Department of Children and Families to implement these changes.

Purpose and Scope of the Program

Florida’s Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) program is part of the state's TANF plan. It provides money to eligible needy families with children. These benefits are intended to help eligible families cover ongoing basic needs such as food, clothing, rent, certain household products, and personal care. The average household receiving TCA currently receives approximately $250 per month. Florida also utilizes TANF funds to support the Relative Caregiver Program, which assists relatives caring for over 4,000 children across the state.

According to Governor DeSantis, taxpayer-funded assistance should help families with essential needs like putting food on the table, keeping the lights on, purchasing clothing, providing for their children, and overcoming barriers to independence. Kate Williams, the Florida interim secretary of the Department of Children and Families, stated that under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida continues to ensure government assistance serves as a bridge to greater stability and independence while safeguarding taxpayer resources.

The governor’s office emphasized that the amendment to the TANF State Plan is designed to ensure recipients cannot use taxpayer-funded benefits for "inappropriate, luxury and non-essential items." This move is intended to prevent individuals from funding "pleasures and vices" with TANF funds rather than using them for necessities.

Broader Context of Welfare Reform

This initiative follows previous actions by Florida leadership to reform welfare programs. A few months prior to this announcement, the state blocked Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients from using their benefits to buy soda, energy drinks, candy, and prepared desserts. Both Florida leadership and the U.S. government under President Donald Trump have prioritized moving people off government assistance and reducing perceived waste.

The governor’s office highlighted that Florida has become the first in the nation to set guardrails on its TANF State Plan to prevent taxpayer-funded benefits from being used for inappropriate, luxury, and non-essential goods and services. The state aims to continue supporting Floridians who genuinely need assistance while working to improve accountability and transparency in these programs.

Key Facts

  • Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced new restrictions on Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds on August 24, 2026.
  • The restrictions prohibit the use of Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) benefits for "inappropriate, luxury and non-essential items," including pornography.
  • Other prohibited items and services include tobacco, nicotine, vaping products, drugs, intoxicants, video games, entertainment tickets, theme park admission, entertainment subscriptions, tattoos, spa services, tanning, and psychic/fortune-telling services.
  • Florida is the first state to implement such restrictions on TANF benefits.
  • TCA benefits are distributed via EBT cards to help eligible families cover basic needs such as food, clothing, and housing.
  • Kate Williams is the Florida interim secretary of the Department of Children and Families.