Florida is setting a precedent by introducing new restrictions on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) set to take effect in 2026. This change is part of a pilot initiative that grants states the authority to restrict certain purchases made with SNAP benefits.

State officials in Florida are targeting the removal of certain unhealthy items from the list of products SNAP recipients can buy. The initiative aims to encourage healthier eating habits among those relying on this assistance.

As part of these changes, SNAP recipients in Florida will no longer be able to use their benefits to buy specific items starting next year. A key item on the list is soda, a popular beverage known for its high sugar content. This includes drinks made with carbonated water and sweetened with various types of sugars and artificial sweeteners, such as corn syrup and high-fructose corn syrup, among others.

However, it’s important to note that the restriction does not apply to plain or naturally flavored carbonated water, which remains eligible for purchase under the SNAP program.

• Soda — A beverage made with carbonated water that is flavored with added sugar or artificial sweeteners like corn sweetener, corn syrup, dextrose, fructose, glucose, high-fructose corn syrup, lactose, malt syrup, maltose, molasses, raw sugar and sucrose

  • Does not include carbonated water that is plain or naturally flavored

  • Does not include any beverage that is over 50% vegetable or fruit juice by volume

  • Does not include a beverage with less than five grams of added sugar

• Energy drinks — A beverage containing at least 65 milligrams of caffeine per eight fluid ounces that are advertised as being specifically designed to provide metabolic stimulation or an increase to the consumer’s mental physical energy

• Candy — A product involving the preparation of sugar or artificial sweeteners in combination with chocolate, fruits, nuts, caramels, gummies, and hard candies or other ingredients/flavorings in the form of bars, drops or pieces

• Prepared desserts — A processed, shelf-stable, ready-to-eat, pre-packaged sweet food intended for immediate consumption without any further preparation

The newly prohibited foods join a list of items that are already restricted under the SNAP welfare program, including alcoholic beverages, tobacco and hot foods.

But while the new rules were originally set to take effect on Jan. 1, an updated waiver modification shows that they will now kick off on April 20, 2026.

From there, the waiver will remain in effect for two years — through April 19, 2028. During this time, state officials will be responsible for reporting on the results of these changes.