Checked October 10, 2026
Help paying bills in Florida
Behind on your electric, gas or rent in Florida? Here are the real programs, who to call, and what to do first. All free.
Do these 3 things first
- Apply for LIHEAP online at floridaliheap.com. If you have a shutoff notice, say so: you may qualify for a crisis award.
- Call your power company and ask for a payment arrangement before the due date.
- Dial 2-1-1 for local rent, food and bill help.
Help with electric and gas bills
Florida LIHEAP (energy bill help)
Run by FloridaCommerce through local agencies. A Home Energy award can help once a year. A Crisis award can help if you have a disconnection notice or your power is already off, with more than one award possible per year up to $1,000 total. You may qualify by income or if someone in your home gets SNAP, TANF or SSI. Money depends on your county.
Got a shutoff notice?
Florida has no statewide winter or summer shutoff ban, so act before the due date. Call your utility, ask for a payment arrangement, and apply for a LIHEAP crisis award if you get a disconnection notice. If you can't resolve a problem with your utility, call the Florida Public Service Commission.
If your utility won't help: Florida Public Service Commission · 1-800-342-3552
Behind on rent
Florida does not have one statewide rent program open right now. Dial 2-1-1 for emergency rent help in your county, and check with your local community action agency (the same office that handles LIHEAP).
Food, health care and phone
SNAP (food), Medicaid and cash help
Apply through the state's MyACCESS site (Florida Department of Children and Families). Information line: 1-866-762-2237.
Lifeline (phone or internet discount)
A federal discount on one phone or internet plan if you get SNAP, Medicaid, SSI or meet income rules.
Elder Helpline
For adults 60+: 1-800-963-5337.
Lower the bills you pay every month
A 60-second check of your phone, car insurance, bank fees and credit. Free options first.
Make a plan for the next few months
Once the emergency is handled, see where your money goes and which bills to pay from each paycheck. The Budget Starter is free. The Debt Freedom Planner adds your debt-free date and a credit rebuild plan.
Dealing with it right now? The Hard Month Kit ($9) has printable call scripts, a hardship letter and a bill priority worksheet.
We sell the planner. It never changes the advice on this page. How we make money.
Watch out for scams
Real help programs never charge a fee to apply. Never pay with gift cards, wire transfers or crypto, and never give your login or PIN to anyone who calls you. Report scams at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Sources
Program details change. Confirm with the program before you rely on a date or amount.