AFPI Florida Urges Continued SNAP Reforms After USDA Error Rate Report

TALLAHASSEE, FL—The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) today released the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) recent release of Fiscal Year 2025 State Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Payment Error Rates.

Florida improved its SNAP payment error rate to 12.97% in Fiscal Year 2025, down from 15% the prior year, but the state remains above the 6% federal threshold set under recently enacted law. Beginning this year, states with elevated error rates must share in the cost of SNAP benefits, making continued improvements to program administration and accountability critical for Florida taxpayers, who must now fund more than $900 million in new SNAP spending.

Bob Rommel, Chairman of AFPI Florida, issued the following statement:

“Florida has made some progress in reducing its SNAP payment error rate, but the pace of that progress is insufficient. As Congress places greater emphasis on program integrity and accountability, Florida must implement reforms that improve eligibility verification, strengthen oversight, and modernize program administration, such as closing the Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility loophole that allows millionaires to qualify. Protecting taxpayer dollars and ensuring that assistance reaches those who truly need it are complementary goals, not competing priorities.”

Sarah Sims, Executive Director of AFPI Florida, added:

“As the Florida Legislature prepares for the next session, the state should revisit and build upon the program integrity reforms that were proposed last year to ensure Florida stays ahead of the curve.”

AFPI supports commonsense reforms that strengthen public confidence in safety net programs while protecting benefits for eligible families. By improving program administration now, Florida can reduce improper payments, strengthen accountability, and secure long-term fiscal stability under the new federal SNAP framework.

To learn more about AFPI Florida, click here.