Florida families to receive $450 check per child under new DeSantis initiative

Around 59,000 Florida families will receive checks for $450 per child as part of Governor Ron DeSantis’s new initiative with the state’s Department of Children and Families.

The program titled “Hope Florida — A Pathway to Prosperity” and started by First Lady Casey DeSantis will give each family a one-time payment of $450 per child.

The initiative hopes to "guide Floridians on an individualized path to prosperity by focusing on community collaboration between the private sector, faith-based community, nonprofits, and government entities to break down traditional community silos in an effort to maximize resources and uncover opportunities," the state said.

"I am on a mission to make sure that no child in Florida goes without hope, happiness, and a home," Casey DeSantis said Tuesday in Tampa. "That means doing everything we can to support those who have stepped up and welcomed these children into their homes, as well as local partners that are already lending families a helping hand.” 

The families that will be eligible for the payment include foster parents, relative caregivers, non-relative caregivers, families receiving TANF cash assistance, and Guardianship Assistance Program participants.

The funds for the initiative will come out of the state’s $35.5 million budget. Additionally, the state announced that a portion of the $70 million secured by DeSanti’s Freedom First budget will be used for mentorship programs for Florida’s children.

First Lady DeSantis also presented two checks of $5,000 each to two Tampa non-profits: Sleep in Heavenly Peace and A Life New Warehouse to harnesses the charity of the private sector to give funds to deserving local entities. 

“Our department is always looking for ways to build strong and resilient families, and these announcements will be an immense boost to our caregivers who are preparing to send children back to school this fall,” said DCF Secretary Shevaun Harris. “We are so grateful for the First Lady’s work to give Floridians the tools and community connections needed to raise happy, healthy children.”