Florida Utility & Energy Assistance Programs
Florida LIHEAP provides utility bill assistance through local community action agencies. Utility companies also offer payment plans and emergency assistance for customers facing disconnection.
Florida LIHEAP
Florida LIHEAP serves hundreds of thousands of households annually, with highest demand in summer cooling months.
What it provides: One-time utility bill payment assistance
Assistance: Direct payment to utility vendor; benefit amounts vary by agency and funding.
Eligibility: One benefit per program year; crisis assistance available for imminent disconnection.
Who may qualify:
- Households at or below 60% of state median income
- Families facing utility disconnection
- Renters with utilities in their name
Requirements:
- Recent utility bills
- Proof of income for all household members
- Photo ID and Social Security numbers
How to apply: Apply at your local LIHEAP provider; find your agency on the FloridaCommerce website.
Official source: Florida LIHEAP
FPL Care to Share Program
Care to Share supplements LIHEAP for FPL customers who have exhausted other assistance options.
What it provides: Emergency utility bill assistance funded by customer and corporate donations
Assistance: One-time payment toward past-due electric bill.
Eligibility: Must be referred by participating social service agency; one-time assistance per 12 months.
Who may qualify:
- FPL customers facing temporary financial hardship
- Households referred by social service agencies
- Customers with past-due balances at risk of disconnection
Requirements:
- Referral from approved agency (Salvation Army, United Way, etc.)
- Active FPL account
- Demonstration of temporary hardship
How to apply: Contact a participating social service agency in your area for referral to Care to Share.
Official source: FPL Care to Share
Florida Lifeline Assistance (Telephone/Internet)
Florida has one of the highest Lifeline enrollment rates nationally, helping low-income residents stay connected.
What it provides: Federal discount on phone and internet service for low-income households
Assistance: Up to $9.25/month discount on phone or internet service.
Eligibility: One Lifeline benefit per household; must recertify annually.
Who may qualify:
- Florida households at or below 135% of federal poverty level
- Participants in Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or other qualifying programs
- Residents on federally recognized tribal lands
Requirements:
- Application through participating carrier
- Proof of eligibility
- Annual recertification
How to apply: Apply through your phone or internet provider's Lifeline program or at lifelinesupport.org.
Official source: FCC Lifeline