FL H0385

Creates the People's Relief Program within the Department of Children and Families to provide grants to Florida residents experiencing economic hardship for housing, childcare, and health care expenses

Grants become available when utility costs or property insurance premiums exceed specified thresholds, statewide unemployment rises above a specified percentage, economic decline causes widespread hardship, or a natural disaster triggers a state of emergency declaration

Eligibility requires at least 1 year of Florida residency, evidence of changed circumstances affecting ability to pay utility, insurance, childcare, or health care obligations, and documentation of those expenses

Department of Children and Families must adopt rules establishing an online application, specific trigger thresholds, grant award procedures, and restrictions on fund use

Effective date: July 1, 2026, subject to legislative appropriation