LIHEAP · Guide
Florida LIHEAP: how to apply through your local agency, income limits and crisis help
Last updated 2026-10-24 · Reviewed against official sources · Editorial standards
Key takeaways
- FloridaCommerce, the Florida Department of Commerce, runs LIHEAP. It funds local agency providers, mostly community action agencies, and you apply through the one for your county.
- Florida's draft plan for federal fiscal year 2027 lists heating help from Oct. 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, cooling help from April 1 to Sept. 30, 2027, and crisis help all year.
- The draft plan estimates regular benefits of $200 to $700 and crisis help of up to $1,000. These are draft figures.
- FloridaCommerce lists an income limit of $32,155 a year for one person. Those figures match the federal limits for fiscal year 2026.
- In a life-threatening emergency, call 911. For other local help, call 211.
How LIHEAP works in Florida
FloridaCommerce applies for the federal money and sends it as grants to local agency providers. These are nonprofit agencies or local governments. The provider takes your application, decides and pays your utility company for you. Depending on the funds in your county, you may be able to apply more than once a year, but not every month. LIHEAP pays gas or propane bills only in winter, and only when gas or propane is your main heat. It does not pay water, sewer or phone bills.
Dates for 2026-2027
FloridaCommerce has posted a draft plan for federal fiscal year 2027. It lists heating help from Oct. 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, and cooling help from April 1 to Sept. 30, 2027. Crisis help runs all year, from Oct. 1, 2026, to Sept. 30, 2027. The plan is marked draft, so the dates can change.
Who can get LIHEAP in Florida
You may be eligible if your total income is no more than 60 percent of the Florida state median income or 150 percent of the poverty guidelines. You must also pay your home heating or cooling bills, live in Florida, and be a U.S. citizen, qualified alien or permanent resident.
| Household size | Maximum yearly income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $32,155 |
| 2 | $42,049 |
| 3 | $51,943 |
| 4 | $61,837 |
| 5 | $71,730 |
| 6 | $81,624 |
| 7 | $83,479 |
| 8 | $85,335 |
Federal rules required states to switch to the fiscal year 2027 figures by Oct. 1, 2026. On those, 60 percent of Florida's median income is $33,733 for one person and $64,873 for four. Ask your local provider which table it uses.
Benefits and crisis help
The draft plan estimates regular benefits from $200 to $700. Households with an older adult, a person with a disability or a young child get an added benefit. Crisis help is for a household that has lost, or may lose, home energy. It can pay up to $1,000, and more than one crisis benefit a year is possible. The provider must give some help within 48 hours, or 18 hours if a life is at risk.
How to apply
Call the local LIHEAP provider for your county. FloridaCommerce warns that lines are busy and many agencies take calls only at set hours, so keep trying. Bring your latest energy bill, any final shutoff notice, proof of income for everyone in the home, a photo ID, Social Security cards or numbers and proof of citizenship or permanent residence. To appeal a decision, contact the provider. Complaints go to the provider's supervisor or executive director.
Frequently asked questions
What if my power is about to be shut off in Florida?
Contact your local LIHEAP provider and ask for crisis help. If the situation is life-threatening, call 911. Call 211 to find other agencies that may help.
Can I get LIHEAP more than once a year in Florida?
It depends on the funds in your county. FloridaCommerce says you may be able to apply more than once a year, but not every month.
Is there help for older adults?
Yes. Older adults get priority for crisis help. FloridaCommerce also lists the Elder Helpline at 1-800-963-5337.
Sources
- ACF, LIHEAP Map: State and Territory Contact Listing: State agencies that run LIHEAP and their public inquiry lines. Read 2026-10-24.
- ACF, IM 2026-01 Attachment 4: State Median Income by household size, mandatory use in FY 2027: 60 percent of state median income for each state and household size. Read 2026-10-24.
- ACF, IM 2025-02 Attachment 4: State Median Income by household size, mandatory use in FY 2026: Last year's 60 percent of state median income figures (Florida: $32,155 for one person). Read 2026-10-24.
- U.S. Code, 42 U.S.C. 8623, Allotments (govinfo, 2024 edition): Energy crisis intervention: some help within 48 hours, or 18 hours when the situation is life-threatening. Read 2026-10-24.
- Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): What LIHEAP pays for, the National Energy Assistance Referral line 1-866-674-6327 (weekdays 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern), no fee and no direct grants to individuals, HHS fraud hotline 1-800-447-8477. Read 2026-10-24.