TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a conservative Republican, said that his administration has issued "first-in-the-nation restrictions” that prohibit state Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) dollars from being used by benefit recipients on luxury and non-essential goods, specifically including pornography.
Florida administers federal TANF aid and other funds through its Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) program. These benefits are made available to qualifying residents of the state through EBT cards to help eligible families cover ongoing basic needs. These needs include food, clothing, rent, certain household products and personal care.
"Taxpayer-funded assistance should help families put food on the table, keep the lights on, purchase clothing, provide for their children and overcome barriers on the path toward independence," the governor said.
According to Gov. DeSantis's office, these restrictions cover "inappropriate, luxury and non-essential items." In addition to pornography, categories of goods or services specified on the list as prohibited include gambling, video games, tobacco and nicotine products, entertainment subscriptions, other drugs, intoxicants, alcohol, fortune-telling sessions and psychic services.
"Under Gov. DeSantis’ leadership, Florida continues to ensure government assistance serves as a bridge to greater stability and independence while safeguarding taxpayer resources," said Kate Williams, the Florida interim secretary of the Department of Children and Families.