Florida TaxWatch calls on state to hire private contractors, nonprofits to reduce SNAP errors and expenses

A state government watchdog group is recommending that Florida officials hire more private contractors and nonprofits to help deal with federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) requirements.

Florida TaxWatch released a report called “Oh Snap! Federal Policy Changes Threaten the Stability of Florida’s SNAP Program.” The analysis details issues that SNAP will face as part of the congressional approval of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act this year and how Florida’s budget responsibilities for that program could skyrocket if errors aren’t reduced.

“The federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 altered SNAP policies in ways that could dramatically affect state budgets and operations. Perhaps most significantly, one provision establishes a tiered matching fund requirement for states with SNAP payment error rates higher than 6%,” said Dominic M. Calabro, CEO and President of Florida TaxWatch.

He went on to say Florida has one of the highest SNAP payment error rates in the country, at 15.13%. That could result in more penalties for the state, requiring a matching fund rate as high as 10%.

Calabro said an analysis of Fiscal Year 2023 shows Florida could have been forced to pay more than $1 billion to cover those errors if these provisions had been in effect.

“Florida must manage this much more effectively to protect our taxpayers and ensure only those who qualify receive the lawful benefits that they are legally entitled to receive. Understanding and preparing for the coming changes is essential to safeguarding food security and fiscal stability in the state of Florida,” Calabro said.

Florida manages SNAP administration through the Office of Economic Self-Sufficiency, which is part of the Department of Children and Families (DCF).

The Florida TaxWatch report suggests that the state hire more efficient private contractors or nonprofit organizations to help in the administration of the SNAP program instead of relying solely on state agencies.

“Without bringing in outside assistance, it is highly unlikely that the state of Florida can reduce the SNAP error rate to sufficient levels as to avoid significant financial penalties. Therefore, outsourcing this work will be money well spent,” the TaxWatch report said.

“Florida TaxWatch urges the state to take immediate action to procure a contractor to assist in reforming SNAP in Florida to reduce payment error rates and implement the new federal SNAP work requirements to avoid penalties.”

Florida TaxWatch Executive Vice President and General Counsel Jeff Kottkamp said there’s still plenty of leeway for the state to stave off the increasing financial burden of SNAP funding distribution and administration.

“The good news is that Florida now can hire private contractors and nonprofits to improve the administration of SNAP. Private contractors often have expertise, superior technology, greater staffing flexibility, and better risk management, all of which could enhance the quality of SNAP,” Kottkamp said.