Menu

Utility Assistance for Single Mothers in Florida

Utility Assistance for Single Mothers in Florida

Last updated: September 2025

This guide gives you fast, real-world steps to keep the lights and water on in Florida, with plain-English instructions, screened resources, and direct contacts. You’ll find emergency actions, official programs, local charities, utility company help, regional contacts, and appeal steps—plus printable checklists. Use the linked resources in each paragraph to move quickly.


If You Only Do 3 Things – Emergency Actions to Take

  • Call your power or water utility and request a payment arrangement or medical-essential review right now; ask for the “medical essential” form if anyone in your home depends on electric-powered medical equipment. Use your utility’s customer line, like FPL customer support, Duke Energy Florida billing, or TECO payment assistance. For legal back‑up on medical-essential protections, see Florida Statutes §366.15, and if needed, call the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) at 1-800-342-3552. (source.fpl.com)
  • Apply for LIHEAP (energy bill help) through your local provider today; use the statewide finder to get the right office and phone number for your county. Start with FloridaCommerce LIHEAP, search your local LIHEAP provider, or go directly to Florida LIHEAP (Promise portal) when open. If the portal is paused, call Florida 211 for a live referral. (floridajobs.org)
  • If shutoff is pending, contact the Florida PSC to file a consumer complaint and ask for help after you call your utility (PSC can’t pay your bill but can help with regulated utilities). Use PSC Consumer Assistance, call 1-800-342-3552, and learn your shutoff rights in FAC 25‑6.105. You can also ask United Way’s Florida 211 to three-way call local agencies that can pledge funds. (floridapsc.com)

Quick Help Box — Key Numbers and Links to Keep Handy

How to Stop a Utility Shutoff in Florida Today

Act in this order. Keep notes, confirmation numbers, and copies of notices.

  • Call your power utility’s credit/billing line, request a same‑day payment arrangement, and ask for a short “hold” pending agency pledge. For FPL call 1‑800‑226‑3545 and ask about Care To Share after you set an arrangement; for Duke Energy Florida call 1‑800‑700‑8744; for TECO call 1‑888‑223‑0800. Then ask how to submit a pledge from LIHEAP or a charity. See FPL assistance, Duke Energy Florida customer help, and TECO payment assistance. (source.fpl.com)
  • If anyone in your home uses electric‑powered medical equipment (oxygen, feeding pump, in‑home dialysis), apply for your utility’s “medically essential” program right now; utilities must give special notices and extra time, but you still must pay. Start at FPL Medically Essential Service, see state protection in §366.15, and review local examples like GRU Medical Essential and Lakeland Electric medical program. (fpl.com)
  • Know Florida shutoff timing rules: investor‑owned electric utilities cannot disconnect non‑commercial customers between noon Friday and 8 a.m. Monday or right before listed holidays; notice rules apply. See FAC 25‑6.105, gas rules at FAC 25‑7.089, and you can call the PSC at 1‑800‑342‑3552 if a regulated utility isn’t following them. Municipal and co‑op utilities set their own rules, but many mirror PSC standards—ask for their tariff. (flrules.elaws.us)
  • File your LIHEAP application the same day using your county provider; LIHEAP can issue crisis pledges to stop disconnection. Use Florida’s LIHEAP page to confirm rules, the provider directory for phone numbers, and check if the Promise portal is accepting applications. (floridajobs.org)
  • If you can’t reach anyone, dial Florida 211, ask the specialist to three‑way call your utility, and request a same‑day pledge from Salvation Army/Catholic Charities if LIHEAP is paused in your county. Use utility charity links: FPL Care To Share, Duke Energy “Neighbors in Need”, OUC Project CARE. (fl211.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: escalate to the PSC (1‑800‑342‑3552) with your account number and dates/times you called; ask for a supervisor review and “hold for agency pledge.” Also contact your city/county water department for a payment plan—examples include City of Tampa Utilities payment help and Miami‑Dade WASD Customer Care. Finally, ask charities to pledge directly to your utility using their vendor portals (start with Salvation Army Florida and Florida 211). (tampa.gov)

Florida LIHEAP (Energy Bill Help): Eligibility, Benefits, and How to Apply

Florida’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay electric, gas, propane, or fuel bills and can stop a shutoff with a crisis pledge. Start at FloridaCommerce LIHEAP for state rules, check county intake lines via the provider directory, and see the federal LIHEAP Clearinghouse Florida profile for updated benefit ranges and dates. (floridajobs.org)

  • Eligibility: Florida uses either 60% of State Median Income (SMI) or 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)—whichever is used by the local agency—plus responsibility for the household energy bill. See income limits by household size on FloridaCommerce LIHEAP and confirm with your county. You can also verify state contacts on the federal ACF LIHEAP listing and get intake help via Florida 211. According to FloridaCommerce’s posted limits, a family of 3 shows $4,117.58 monthly max on one example table; always check your local provider’s current chart. (floridajobs.org)
  • Benefit amounts: For FY 2025, Florida’s typical maximums are 400–400–1,350 for regular heating/cooling, up to 2,000foryear‑roundcrisis,andupto2,000 for year‑round crisis, and up to 15,000 for weatherization-related work; amounts vary by county funding and disaster flexibilities. See the LIHEAP Clearinghouse Florida profile (updated March 18, 2025) and note that some counties post higher crisis caps during heat waves or storms—for example, Palm Beach County lists crisis up to $5,000 on its Utility Assistance page. Always call to confirm current caps before you apply. (liheapch.acf.hhs.gov)
  • Dates and seasons: Florida accepts crisis applications year‑round; cooling runs in the warm season and heating during cooler months. Statewide planned dates appear on the federal Program Duration table, but local intake can pause when funds are exhausted. Watch county alerts (e.g., Broward Family Success LIHEAP notices) and call your local line. (liheapch.acf.hhs.gov)
  • How to apply: Use your county’s intake portal or call center; some use the statewide Promise portal, others take phone or in‑person appointments. Find the right office in the FloridaCommerce provider directory and keep the utility account holder available to consent to a pledge. If your portal is closed, ask 211 to schedule you or refer you to a charity fund. (floridaliheap.com)
  • Processing time: Expect around 10–15 business days for non‑crisis awards and faster for shutoff emergencies; Broward advises “up to 15 business days,” and some offices process crisis cases in 72 hours. See Broward Family Success LIHEAP guidance and a local example from the City of Sanford (Seminole County). Keep paying what you can and keep your account active. (broward.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: if your county is paused or funds are out, ask your utility to hold your account for a charity pledge and contact Florida 211 for Salvation Army or Catholic Charities assistance; also check if your electric utility offers a company‑funded program like FPL Care To Share or OUC Project CARE. If a regulated utility won’t offer a payment plan or ignores notice rules, call the PSC at 1‑800‑342‑3552. (fl211.org)

Required Documents for Energy Help (LIHEAP/EHEAP)

Bring or upload clear photos of these items. If anything is missing, ask for an “incomplete file hold” so you don’t lose your spot.

What to do if this doesn’t work: ask your LIHEAP worker for acceptable alternatives (e.g., school record for a child’s SSN if card is lost), request an intake appointment with document scanning support, or dial Florida 211 and request a document help appointment through a community partner. If denied for missing documents, you have the right to appeal; ask your provider for appeal steps and deadlines (local example: Sanford LIHEAP appeal timeline). (fl211.org)

What LIHEAP Pays For (And What It Doesn’t)

LIHEAP commonly covers past‑due balances, deposits/reconnects, and fuel (propane/oil) costs; benefit levels vary by county and season. See the LIHEAP Florida profile for statewide caps, and review any local enhancements like Palm Beach County’s crisis cap on its Utility Assistance page. For elderly households (60+), EHEAP can pay extra crisis costs; start at Elder Affairs EHEAP. (liheapch.acf.hhs.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: if LIHEAP can’t pay water, you’ll need water‑department programs or charity funds; see Water Help below, and apply for your city’s program such as Tampa’s Customer Assistance Program or JEA’s emergency help via Neighbor to Neighbor. For immediate referral help, dial Florida 211. (tampa.gov)

Florida Shutoff Rules, Medical‑Essential Accounts, and Your Rights

Florida law requires enhanced notice and extra time for customers certified as “medically essential.” The statute defines medically essential equipment and requires annual doctor certification and 24‑hour pre‑disconnection attempts with in‑person notice if no phone contact; review §366.15 and start your utility’s form at FPL Medically Essential or local programs like GRU Medical Essential and OUC Medical Alert. If you qualify, still pay what you can and keep a backup power plan. (flsenate.gov)

Investor‑owned utilities must follow PSC rules on disconnections; utilities cannot disconnect after noon Friday or before certain holidays, and must give proper notice. Read FAC 25‑6.105 for electric and FAC 25‑7.089 for gas; if your utility is an investor‑owned company (FPL, Duke, TECO), the PSC can help you. Municipal and co‑op utilities set their own tariffs—check your city’s policy and ask for a supervisor if you have a medical or safety issue. Call the PSC at 1‑800‑342‑3552 or see contact details on PSC Consumer Assistance. (flrules.elaws.us)

Deposits and fees: PSC rules require utilities to publish deposit formulas and to refund deposits with interest after service ends; see FAC 25‑6.097 (Customer Deposits). If you’re hit with a new high deposit, ask about payment plans, auto‑pay discounts, or waivers tied to medical‑essential status—then verify in the utility’s tariff. For phone or internet savings, qualified households can apply for the federal Lifeline discount via the National Verifier to lower monthly costs. (flrules.elaws.us)

What to do if this doesn’t work: document dates of calls, get names and badge IDs, and call the PSC at 1‑800‑342‑3552 with your account number and shutoff notice; use the PSC if your utility is investor‑owned (FPL/Duke/TECO). For municipal or co‑ops, use the city’s utility director or governing board and ask for a “billing review” and a medical‑essential accommodation. As a backup for phone service, apply for FCC Lifeline and talk/text over Wi‑Fi to reach agencies. (floridapsc.com)

Water and Sewer Bill Help (LIHWAP Ended—Here’s What to Use Now)

The federal Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) ended in 2024; FloridaCommerce confirmed the program’s closeout. Use local water‑department programs and payment plans instead—examples include City of Tampa Payment Assistance, Miami‑Dade WASD Customer Care, and JEA Neighbor to Neighbor which can help electric and water. See the federal closeout notice at ACF LIHWAP Report (Jan. 10, 2025). (floridajobs.org)

Ask your city about base‑charge waivers or conservation credits. Tampa’s Customer Assistance Program (CAP) waives monthly base charges for qualifying low‑income accounts and requires a quick conservation step; apply through Tampa Utilities or the CAP portal. Outside Tampa, call your city’s customer service line for payment plans and hardship review; start at City of Tampa Utilities to see how a customer portal looks and then use your own city’s site, or dial Florida 211 for your water department’s hardship program. (tampa.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: ask your water utility for a supervisor payment review, request removal or spread of high leak charges, and seek a charity pledge via Florida 211. If you are in Jacksonville, ask JEA about a payment arrangement through Get Assistance. For seniors (60+), check EHEAP at your Area Agency on Aging via Elder Affairs. (fl211.org)

Weatherization and Lowering Your Bill Long‑Term

Apply for the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) to cut future bills through insulation, HVAC tune-ups, and repairs. Florida’s WAP is managed by FloridaCommerce; see eligible services and income limits at Florida WAP and find your local weatherization office via Community Action Agencies. Many public power utilities also offer free audits—examples include OUC Efficiency Delivered and Tallahassee’s Neighborhood REACH. (floridajobs.org)

Savings add up. State materials show typical low‑income households spend a larger share of income on energy; WAP upgrades reduce those costs each year. Review measures listed on Florida WAP and request a utility audit from your local provider’s conservation team—check OUC and your city’s utility conservation page. (floridajobs.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: if your WAP waitlist is long, ask for priority based on a shutoff crisis, a child under 12, a disabled family member, or high energy burden (criteria appear on Florida WAP). Also check your utility’s low‑income upgrades and community funds—see examples at OUC assistance and Tallahassee’s Project Share. (floridajobs.org)

Major Florida Utility Programs You Can Use

What to do if this doesn’t work: ask your utility to send you their partner list for charity funds (required by §366.15 for medically essential outreach), then call Florida 211 to locate appointment‑only churches and nonprofits that can pledge small amounts quickly. If you hit a roadblock with an investor‑owned utility, escalate to the PSC at 1‑800‑342‑3552. (flsenate.gov)

Tables: Quick Reference

Florida Energy Programs at a Glance

Program Who it helps Typical benefit Where to apply
LIHEAP (regular) Income‑eligible households with an energy bill 400–400–1,350 (varies by county and season) FloridaCommerce LIHEAP and Local Provider Directory (liheapch.acf.hhs.gov)
LIHEAP Crisis Shutoff, final notice, no fuel Up to 2,000typically;somecountieshigher(e.g.,PBCupto2,000 typically; some counties higher (e.g., PBC up to 5,000) LIHEAP profile (state caps) and Palm Beach County Utility Assistance (liheapch.acf.hhs.gov)
EHEAP (elderly crisis) Household includes someone 60+ with energy emergency Multiple crisis benefits per year up to state limits FL Dept. of Elder Affairs EHEAP or call 1‑800‑96‑ELDER (elderaffairs.org)
WAP (weatherization) Income‑eligible homes Energy‑saving repairs; work scope varies Florida WAP page and Find your CAA (floridajobs.org)
Utility charity funds Customers of each utility in crisis One‑time bill help (varies) FPL Care To Share, TECO Share, OUC Project CARE, JEA Neighbor to Neighbor (source.fpl.com)

Florida Shutoff Rules Snapshot (Electric)

Topic Rule/Protection Where to check
Friday/holiday cutoff limit No disconnections after noon Friday or day before listed holidays FAC 25‑6.105 (flrules.elaws.us)
Medical‑essential accounts Extra notice/time; annual doctor certification required §366.15, F.S., FPL Medically Essential (flsenate.gov)
PSC help Complaints for investor‑owned utilities; toll‑free hotline PSC Consumer Assistance (1‑800‑342‑3552) (floridapsc.com)

Major Utilities & Their Assistance

Utility Main line Assistance link
FPL 1‑800‑226‑3545 FPL Care To Share (source.fpl.com)
Duke Energy Florida 1‑800‑700‑8744 Neighbors in Need/Energy Neighbor Fund (duke-energy.com)
TECO 1‑888‑223‑0800 TECO Payment Assistance (tampaelectric.com)
OUC 1‑407‑423‑9018 OUC Project CARE (ouc.com)
JEA 1‑904‑665‑6000 Neighbor to Neighbor (jea.com)

Water/Sewer Help Examples

City Program Where to apply
Tampa Customer Assistance Program (base-charge waiver) Payment Assistance Programs (tampa.gov)
Miami‑Dade Customer Care and payment options WASD Contact (www8.miamidade.gov)
Jacksonville Payment arrangements and referrals JEA Get Assistance (jea.com)

Document Checklist (fast reference)

Item Tip
Photo ID + SSNs Acceptable documents listed by Orange County LIHEAP and Palm Beach County. (orangecountyfl.net)
Last 30 days of income Include pay stubs, SNAP/TANF/SSI award letters, child support; see Hillsborough County income charts. (hcfl.gov)
Current utility bill/shutoff notice Upload clear photos; keep account number handy for pledges; confirm with your county provider. (floridajobs.org)

Local Organizations, Charities, Churches, and Community Action Agencies

Start with the statewide directory of Community Action Agencies, then call Florida 211 to locate fast‑pledge funds from Salvation Army or Catholic Charities near you. FPL also lists county partners on FPL “Assistance by County”. (floridajobs.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: call your county Community Action office anyway; even if LIHEAP is paused, they may issue a limited crisis pledge or refer you to a partner agency—examples include Broward Family Success and Pinellas County Urban League LIHEAP. If online forms are offline, call the number on the provider directory and ask for a phone intake. (broward.org)

Diverse Communities: Tailored Help and Access Notes

  • LGBTQ+ single mothers: Ask 211 for inclusive agencies in your county and remind utility staff to use your chosen name on calls. For phone savings after leaving an abusive partner, the Safe Connections Act supports emergency Lifeline discounts—see USAC Safe Connections/Lifeline; apply using the Lifeline National Verifier. For statewide human services navigation, call Florida 211. Accessibility note: request large‑print forms and interpreter services; most state sites note Florida Relay 711 for TTY users. (usac.org)
  • Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: Register with your county’s Special Needs Registry to receive support in outages and hurricanes; see the Florida Department of Health Special Needs Shelters page and the statute §252.355 on the registry at the Florida Senate site. For medically essential electric service, use your utility’s form (e.g., FPL MESP) and keep backup power plans. (floridahealth.gov)
  • Veteran single mothers: Ask the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs about emergency aid that can cover utilities; call 1‑727‑319‑7440 and use 211 for local SSVF providers. While applying for LIHEAP via the state directory, also request a utility arrangement from your company’s assistance page and file through the PSC if needed. Accessibility note: ask for large-print applications and VA translation services. (floridajobs.org)
  • Immigrant/refugee single moms: You can apply for LIHEAP if you are a U.S. citizen or qualified non‑citizen; check status questions with your local LIHEAP office via the provider directory. For translation and phone discounts, apply through Lifeline and ask Florida 211 to locate bilingual intake sites. Accessibility note: ask for forms in Spanish or Haitian Creole when available. (floridajobs.org)
  • Tribal‑specific resources: If you’re a member of a federally recognized tribe, ask your tribal government if it operates LIHEAP or weatherization; use the state provider list to confirm service territory—start with Florida LIHEAP directory and the federal LIHEAP Clearinghouse Florida profile. Contact Seminole Tribe service offices for local referrals (see Seminole Tribe contacts); register medically essential with your local electric utility as needed. (floridajobs.org)
  • Rural single moms (co‑ops and small city utilities): Co‑ops and municipal utilities set their own shutoff/deposit policies; ask member services for payment plans and medical‑essential forms. Examples: Kissimmee Utility Good Neighbor Fund, Lakeland Electric programs, and Tallahassee Project Share. Use 211 to find nearby churches that pledge directly to co‑ops. (kua.com)
  • Single fathers: All programs here apply regardless of gender—use the same steps and directories: Florida LIHEAP, find your provider, and Florida 211. (floridajobs.org)
  • Language access: Ask every agency for interpreters; state pages often note Florida Relay 711 for TTY. If you need a water‑bill explanation in Spanish, many city sites offer Spanish versions (see OUC en Español toggle and Tampa Utilities). For telephone savings, apply to Lifeline. (ouc.com)

Resources by Region (with examples)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Reality Check: Funding, Queues, and Rate Increases

Funds run out—county portals pause when caseloads spike. Broward has posted temporary closures while processing; keep checking and call for crisis triage. See Broward LIHEAP notices and consider charity funds through your utility: FPL Care To Share or TECO Share. PSC‑approved rate changes and storm cost recoveries can raise bills, so plan your budget and ask for budget billing. (broward.org)

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

  • Apply for LIHEAP now via the state provider directory, then call your utility and request a hold for an agency pledge. For policy back‑up, note FAC 25‑6.105 and §366.15. (floridajobs.org)
  • If someone in your home relies on electric‑powered medical equipment, submit your utility’s medical‑essential form today; start at FPL MESP and keep backup power plans. (fpl.com)
  • For water bills, use local hardship programs such as Tampa CAP and ask 211 for water pledge partners; LIHWAP ended in 2024 per ACF report. (tampa.gov)

Application Checklist (screenshot‑friendly)

Troubleshooting: If Your Application Gets Denied

  • Ask for a written reason and the appeal instructions with deadlines; some agencies note a 15‑day appeal review (example: Sanford LIHEAP). Submit any missing documents quickly and ask to keep your place in line. Use Florida 211 to find free notary or scanning help if needed. (sanfordfl.gov)
  • Request a utility payment plan while you appeal; cite medical‑essential status if applicable. Provide your LIHEAP case number and ask for a “do not disconnect” hold pending review. See examples at TECO assistance and JEA payment arrangements. (tampaelectric.com)
  • If you believe the agency made an error, contact FloridaCommerce to confirm policy and your provider assignment; start at Florida LIHEAP and escalate only after you attempt the local appeal. (floridajobs.org)

FAQs (Florida‑specific)

  1. How much help can LIHEAP give in Florida right now?
    Typical FY 2025 caps are 400–400–1,350 for regular heating/cooling and up to 2,000forcrisis;somecountiesincreasecapsduringheatwavesordisasters(PalmBeachlistscrisisupto2,000 for crisis; some counties increase caps during heat waves or disasters (Palm Beach lists crisis up to 5,000). Confirm with your county’s office. See the LIHEAP Florida profile and Palm Beach County Utility Assistance. (liheapch.acf.hhs.gov)
  2. How long will my LIHEAP application take?
    Non‑crisis cases often take 10–15 business days; some crisis cases process in about 72 hours depending on county workload. See Broward LIHEAP timelines and Sanford LIHEAP FAQ. Call your provider to confirm. (broward.org)
  3. Can LIHEAP pay my water bill?
    No—LIHWAP ended in 2024. Use city programs such as Tampa CAP and charity pledges via Florida 211. The program closeout is in the ACF LIHWAP report. (tampa.gov)
  4. What are my rights if I have life‑sustaining medical equipment at home?
    Ask for the “medically essential” designation with your utility; Florida law requires extra disconnection protections and notices, but not a bill waiver. See §366.15 and your utility’s page, such as FPL MESP. (flsenate.gov)
  5. My power company says I missed the cutoff—can they disconnect me on Friday afternoon?
    Investor‑owned utilities cannot disconnect between noon Friday and 8 a.m. Monday or right before specific holidays. See FAC 25‑6.105. If they proceed anyway, call the PSC at 1‑800‑342‑3552. (flrules.elaws.us)
  6. Who do I call if my utility won’t work with me or I think they violated rules?
    Call the PSC at 1‑800‑342‑3552 for investor‑owned utilities and file a complaint; provide your account number, dates, and what you asked for. See PSC Consumer Assistance. (floridapsc.com)
  7. Are there programs for seniors in my home?
    Yes—EHEAP serves households with someone 60+ during an energy crisis. Start at Elder Affairs EHEAP or call 1‑800‑96‑ELDER; your utility may also have senior payment options. See OUC assistance. (elderaffairs.org)
  8. What happens if my county’s LIHEAP portal is closed?
    Keep checking and call the local number for phone scheduling; ask 211 to find a charity pledge to hold your account. For local examples see Broward LIHEAP notices and Pinellas Urban League LIHEAP. (broward.org)
  9. Can I get help if I’m in a rural area with a cooperative utility?
    Yes—apply through the same LIHEAP provider list and ask your co‑op about hardship funds. Look for local programs like KUA Good Neighbor and city initiatives like Project Share (Tallahassee). (kua.com)
  10. Are there phone or internet discounts I can use?
    Yes—apply for the federal Lifeline discount through the National Verifier. If you recently left abuse, ask about Safe Connections Act emergency Lifeline support. (usac.org)

Spanish Quick Summary (Resumen en Español)

Esta guía fue traducida con herramientas de IA. Verifique siempre con las agencias oficiales.

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

Last verified September 2025, next review April January 2026.

This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using only official sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur – email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

Disclaimer

This content is for general information and navigation only. Always confirm current program rules, benefit amounts, and availability with your local LIHEAP office, your utility, or the relevant state/federal agency. Funding amounts and timelines change based on demand and appropriations; call to confirm before making financial decisions. For emergencies involving life‑sustaining medical equipment, contact 911, your utility’s outage line, and your physician.

🏛️More Florida Resources for Single Mothers

Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in Florida

Related Posts