Last updated: July 16, 2026
Bottom line
If you are behind on an electric, gas, propane, wood, coal, or other home energy bill in Florida, start with your utility company and the LIHEAP agency serving your county. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program can help some income-qualified households with heating and cooling costs, deposits, reconnection costs, and certain late or disconnection fees.
Florida utility help is local. One county may take online applications while another uses appointments, phone intake, or paper forms. As of July 16, 2026, the statewide LIHEAP portal says it is not accepting applications. Do not wait for that portal to reopen. Use the county provider locator and contact the agency that serves your home.
LIHEAP does not promise to pay the whole balance or stop a shutoff. Funding can run low, and the utility may require you to pay the part that assistance does not cover. Call the utility before the shutoff date and ask about a payment plan, short extension, agency pledge hold, medical program, or company hardship fund.
For national energy-help basics, use ASMOM’s LIHEAP utility guide. For other Florida benefits, start with the Florida help page.
If shutoff is close or service is off
- Call the utility. Ask for the shutoff or restore amount, a payment plan, and an agency-pledge hold.
- Call county LIHEAP. Give the shutoff date and ask whether crisis intake is open.
- Dial 2-1-1. Use Florida 211 to find local funds and charities.
- Protect medical needs. Ask for the medically essential service form and make an outage plan.
- Challenge errors. Ask for a utility supervisor. For a regulated utility, use the PSC complaint portal or call 1-800-342-3552.
Call 911 when loss of power creates a life-threatening emergency. Applying does not guarantee that service will stay on.
ASMOM’s Florida emergency guide covers food, shelter, rent, and other urgent needs while you work on the utility bill.
Where to start
I have a final notice
Call the utility and county LIHEAP provider. Ask for crisis review, the amount needed to stop shutoff, and the utility’s pledge process.
I am behind
Apply before the account reaches final notice. Ask the utility about budget billing, an installment plan, and company assistance.
I need water help
LIHEAP does not pay water or sewer bills. Call the water utility for a payment plan, hardship program, or leak adjustment.
My bills stay high
Ask about weatherization, an energy audit, and free conservation programs. These options do not normally pay an overdue bill today.
Keep the account number, service address, shutoff date, total balance, income records, and the names of everyone in the home ready. Do not send original documents unless the agency tells you to do so.
Quick Florida utility help table
| Need | First place to try | What to ask | Reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric or fuel bill | County LIHEAP provider | Home Energy or Crisis award | Local funding and intake rules vary. |
| Final shutoff notice | Utility company | Hold, arrangement, or pledge rules | An application alone may not stop shutoff. |
| Person age 60 or older | EHEAP or local aging agency | Energy-emergency assistance | The home must meet age, income, and crisis rules. |
| Medical equipment | Electric utility | Medically essential service form | The status does not erase the bill or prevent outages. |
| Water or sewer bill | Local water utility | Plan, hardship fund, or leak review | Federal LIHWAP funds are no longer available. |
| Phone or internet | Lifeline | Monthly service discount | Only one standard Lifeline benefit is allowed per household. |
How Florida LIHEAP works
FloridaCommerce receives federal LIHEAP funds and sends them to local agencies. Those providers take applications, verify eligibility, make decisions, and send approved payments to energy companies. The Florida LIHEAP page explains the state program and links to local help.
LIHEAP can cover electricity, natural gas, propane, wood, coal, or another refillable home fuel. It may pay a past-due bill, deposit, restoration charge, late fee, or disconnection fee.
It cannot pay water, sewer, phone, internet, meter-tampering fees, or returned-check fees. Gas or propane used only for cooking or hot water may not qualify.
Home Energy awards
Florida’s LIHEAP questions page says a household may receive one Home Energy award each year. The year resets one year after the previous Home Energy award. The amount depends on household size, gross income for the prior month, and whether the home includes a child, older adult, or person with a disability.
Crisis awards
Crisis help may apply after disconnection or a nonpayment warning. Florida lists a $1,000 program-year maximum, which resets October 1. The utility may require another payment when the award does not cover the balance.
Income and eligibility rules
A household may qualify through income or receipt of SNAP, TANF, or Supplemental Security Income. It must pay home energy costs, live in Florida, and include at least one U.S. citizen or qualified noncitizen.
FloridaCommerce lists the following annual screening figures. The provider may review gross income from the last 30 days.
| Household size | Published annual limit | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $32,155 | Report gross income before deductions. |
| 2 | $42,049 | Include income for all household members. |
| 3 | $51,943 | SNAP, TANF, or SSI may support categorical eligibility. |
| 4 | $61,837 | The provider still verifies the household and bill. |
| 5 | $71,730 | Funding must be available in the county. |
| 6 | $81,624 | Ask the provider about a larger household. |
| 7 | $83,479 | Confirm the current limit before applying. |
| 8 | $85,335 | Confirm the current limit before applying. |
These are screening limits, not benefit amounts. Missing proof, prior awards, an ineligible bill, or unavailable funds can still affect the decision.
How to apply through your county
The statewide online application is paused. Use the provider locator for the agency, phone number, and intake method in your county.
| Step | What to do | What to save |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Find the provider | Select the county where you live. | Agency name and phone number |
| 2. Ask about intake | Confirm whether intake is online, by phone, appointment, or paper. | Date, worker name, and instructions |
| 3. State the crisis | Give the shutoff date or say service is disconnected. | Case or confirmation number |
| 4. Send proof | Submit every requested page in the approved way. | Upload, fax, or mailing receipt |
| 5. Check the account | Ask the utility whether a pledge or payment posted. | Pledge amount and remaining balance |
| 6. Read the decision | Review the reason, award, and appeal instructions. | Full decision letter |
Florida says initial review may take up to 15 business days. Missing proof or heavy demand can slow the case, so keep calling the provider and utility.
Use ASMOM’s documents checklist to organize the bill, notice, income records, and household proof.
Medically essential electric service
Florida law gives added notice protections to some public-utility customers who need electricity for medically essential care. The customer must complete the utility’s process and obtain physician certification.
Under the medical service law, a public utility must try to contact an enrolled customer at least 24 hours before scheduled disconnection for nonpayment. It must also share assistance sources and cannot demand an extra deposit only for this status.
This is not free electricity
Medical status does not cancel the bill, prevent every disconnection, or guarantee power during storms and equipment failures. Ask the utility how often the medical form must be renewed and make a backup plan with the medical provider and county emergency management office.
Municipal utilities and rural cooperatives may use different medical-alert rules. Ask your company for its written policy.
Families caring for someone with a disability can also use ASMOM’s Florida disability guide for related support.
Energy help when an older adult lives at home
The Emergency Home Energy Assistance program helps some low-income households with at least one person age 60 or older during a documented energy emergency. The crisis may involve a delinquent bill, shutoff notice, lack of fuel, or another qualifying home-energy problem.
Eligibility includes an income test and a home-energy emergency. Funds are limited and handled through local aging agencies. Call the Elder Helpline at 1-800-963-5337 or contact the Area Agency on Aging serving your county.
A household should not assume it can receive both LIHEAP and EHEAP for the same charge. Ask the local office which program should process the bill.
Water and sewer bill help
Florida LIHEAP cannot pay water or sewer charges. The temporary federal Low Income Household Water Assistance Program has ended, and the federal LIHWAP notice says households cannot receive new benefits at this time.
Call the water utility before shutoff. Ask about a payment plan, hardship fund, deposit arrangement, leak adjustment, senior or disability program, and charities allowed to place a pledge on the account.
Local programs differ. For example, the Tampa assistance page lists a Customer Assistance Program that waives monthly water and wastewater base charges for qualifying account holders. A city program normally serves only its own customers.
If the bill rose because of a leak, ask for the utility’s written leak-adjustment policy. Keep repair receipts, plumber notes, photos, and meter readings.
Major utility company programs
Call the number on your bill and ask the company to check every option. Company programs can change, and charity funds may close when money runs out.
| Utility | Current help path | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Power & Light | FPL county assistance | Local agency referrals, Care To Share, extension, and budget billing |
| Duke Energy Florida | Duke payment assistance | Share the Light, installment plan, and due-date extension |
| Tampa Electric | TECO Share | Third-party charity intake and flexible payment options |
| OUC | OUC assistance programs | Project CARE, medical alert, extension, and energy help |
| Other utilities | PSC utility finder | Correct company contact and whether the PSC regulates it |
OUC currently says Project CARE may provide up to $500 during a 12-month period for a qualifying household facing temporary hardship. An award depends on eligibility and available funds.
Lowering future utility bills
Weatherization Assistance Program
Florida’s weatherization program helps eligible households improve home energy efficiency. Work may include air sealing, insulation, solar screens, minor repairs, or repair or replacement of some heating, cooling, or water-heating equipment after an energy review.
The program is not emergency bill payment. Local agencies decide eligibility, scope of work, and scheduling. Florida lists a household income limit of up to 200% of the federal poverty level. Use the weatherization office locator to contact the provider serving your county.
Phone and internet costs
The federal Lifeline program can reduce eligible phone or internet service. A household may qualify through income or programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI. Only one standard Lifeline benefit is allowed per household.
ASMOM’s phone and internet guide explains the application and common problems.
Documents to gather
Ask the local provider for its exact list. Common requests include:
| Document | What it proves | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|
| Photo identification | Identity of the main applicant | Ask which government IDs are accepted. |
| Energy bill | Account, service address, and balance | Download the full bill, not only a payment screen. |
| Shutoff notice | Crisis and deadline | Make sure the disconnection date is readable. |
| Income records | Gross income for the prior month | Include every page and household member. |
| Benefit letters | SNAP, TANF, SSI, or other income | Use a current letter when possible. |
| Household details | Names, birth dates, and requested numbers | Ask what is required for nonapplicants. |
| Citizenship or status proof | Program status requirement | At least one household member must meet the rule. |
| Lease or landlord note | Responsibility when the bill is not in your name | Show how utilities are charged to you. |
Use only the provider’s approved upload, mail, fax, or in-person method for sensitive records.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting for the statewide portal. It is currently closed, so contact the county provider directly.
- Calling only LIHEAP. The utility must explain the shutoff amount, pledge rule, and payment options.
- Assuming an application stops shutoff. Confirm that the utility received a hold or agency pledge.
- Leaving out income. Report all required household income, even when one person is not applying.
- Using LIHEAP for water. Water and sewer help must come from local programs.
- Treating medical status as a guarantee. Keep paying what you can and maintain an outage backup plan.
If help is denied, delayed, or missing
Ask the LIHEAP provider for the reason in writing. A decision may involve income, missing proof, prior awards, an ineligible bill, or unavailable funds.
Florida directs denied applicants to the provider for appeal instructions. Ask for the deadline, review method, evidence address, and fair-hearing steps for a delayed case.
If an approved payment is missing, contact the provider’s supervisor and ask the utility whether it received a pledge.
For a billing or shutoff dispute, complete the utility’s complaint process. Municipal utilities and rural cooperatives may have complaint routes outside the PSC.
Use ASMOM’s denied benefits guide to track deadlines. For legal or landlord-related shutoff problems, check Florida legal help.
Backup options when funds are not enough
- Local agencies: Use the Community Action list and ask about energy help, rent, food, and Community Services Block Grant funds.
- Food costs: Apply for benefits and pantries through ASMOM’s Florida SNAP guide.
- Cash assistance: Check Florida TANF help when the family has very low income and children.
- Housing costs: Use the Florida housing guide when rent pressure is causing the utility debt.
- Medical bills: Check Florida healthcare help to reduce other monthly costs.
- Local practical help: Use the Florida community guide for county and nonprofit resources.
If a partner or former partner is controlling the utility account, withholding money, or threatening shutoff, use a safer device and review ASMOM’s Florida safety guide before sharing plans.
Phone scripts
Calling the utility
“I am calling about account number ____. My shutoff date is ____ and I can pay ____ today. Please check every payment arrangement, extension, agency pledge hold, hardship fund, medical program, and budget-billing option.”
Calling the LIHEAP provider
“I live in ____ County. My energy service is [past due, scheduled for shutoff, or disconnected]. Is crisis intake open, what documents do you need, and how will the utility know my application is being reviewed?”
Calling about a denial
“I received a LIHEAP decision dated ____. Please explain the exact reason, the appeal deadline, where I send proof, and how I request a fair hearing or supervisor review.”
Calling the water utility
“I need to avoid water shutoff. Do you offer a payment plan, hardship fund, leak adjustment, base-charge discount, or a charity pledge? What amount is required to keep service on?”
Resumen en español
Si no puede pagar la luz, gas, propano u otro combustible del hogar en Florida, llame primero a la compañía y a la agencia LIHEAP de su condado. El portal estatal de LIHEAP no acepta solicitudes en este momento, pero las agencias locales pueden tener su propio proceso.
Pregunte por ayuda regular o de crisis, un plan de pago, una extensión y una pausa mientras llega una promesa de pago. LIHEAP no paga agua, alcantarillado, teléfono o internet. Para agua, llame a la compañía local y pregunte por planes, ayuda por dificultad o ajustes por fugas.
Si alguien usa equipo médico eléctrico, pida el formulario de servicio médico esencial. Esta protección no elimina la deuda ni garantiza electricidad durante huracanes o apagones.
Frequently asked questions
Is Florida LIHEAP accepting applications?
The statewide portal is closed as of July 16, 2026. Contact your county provider because local intake methods and availability differ.
How much can Florida crisis LIHEAP pay?
Florida lists a $1,000 program-year crisis maximum. More than one award may be issued, but the total cannot exceed that limit.
Can LIHEAP stop an electric shutoff?
It may help when crisis funds are available and a provider sends a pledge in time. Confirm any hold or pledge directly with the utility before the shutoff date.
Does Florida LIHEAP pay water bills?
No. LIHEAP covers home energy costs. Contact the water utility, Community Action, or 211 for local payment plans, hardship funds, and leak-adjustment programs.
What does medically essential status do?
It can add notice and contact protections for qualifying public-utility customers. It does not erase the bill, prevent every disconnection, or guarantee power during an outage.
How long can LIHEAP review take?
Florida says initial review may take up to 15 business days. Missing documents and local demand can cause delays.
What can I do after a LIHEAP denial?
Ask the local provider for the written reason, appeal deadline, and fair-hearing steps. Send proof on time and request a supervisor review when needed.
Last updated: July 16, 2026. Next review: October 16, 2026.
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Last verified July 16, 2026, next review October 16, 2026.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.