Can I use my CalFresh EBT card in Florida during a 2-month trip?

Yes, you can absolutely use your CalFresh EBT card in Florida and any other state you pass through! CalFresh benefits work nationwide at any authorized SNAP retailer. You don't need to notify your county worker about the trip since it's temporary, but make sure you don't miss any important deadlines while you're away. If you have a SAR7 or recertification due during those two months, you'll still need to submit them on time.

Yep u can use the card anywhere but watch out cuz some stores in touristy areas don't take EBT especially like small convenience stores. Walmart and publix (their big grocery chain there) both take it for sure tho. Also florida is EXPENSIVE in summer so ur benefits might not go as far!!

JUST BE CAREFUL you dont accidently use it at disney or something!!! EBT cant buy hot prepared food and all those tourist places try to charge you for EVERYTHING. also if u get a semi annual report form while ur gone MAKE SURE U FILL IT OUT or theyll cut your benefits when u get back home!!!!

While everyone is correct that you can use your EBT card in any state, I want to mention something important: if you're gone for more than 30 days, technically you should report it to your county worker. The rule is that California residency is required for CalFresh, and extended absences *could* trigger questions about residency. For a 2-month trip, if you're maintaining your California home and definitely returning, you're fine - but it's good practice to document your temporary travel plans.

I had this same situation last year when I visited my sister in Georgia for the summer. You're absolutely allowed to use CalFresh benefits in other states - it's a federal program (SNAP) that's just administered by California. But trying to reach my worker before I left was IMPOSSIBLE. I kept getting disconnected or waiting for hours. I finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that held my place in line and called me back when a real person was available. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 It was honestly worth it because I got to speak directly with my worker who noted in my file that I was traveling but maintaining CA residency. Made things much smoother!

btw my cousin said Florida has different rules for what u can buy with EBT but thats NOT TRUE!!! the rules are federal so its the same everywhere. no alcohol no cigarettes no hot food no vitamins same as california.

UPDATE: I called using that Claimyr service and finally got through to my worker! She said everything is fine - I can travel and use my benefits in Florida. She made a note in my file about my travel plans and confirmed I can submit my SAR7 online through BenefitsCal while I'm away. She also mentioned making sure my phone number and mailing address are current in case they need to contact me. Thanks everyone for your help!

when i went to georgia the food was so different i ended up buying stuff i never cook lol. good luck with your trip! just remember your pin and dont lose your card cuz getting a replacement out of state is a NIGHTMARE

Safe travels! One more tip - download the USDA's SNAP Retailer Locator app before you go. It'll help you find authorized stores that accept EBT wherever you are in Florida. Super helpful when you're in unfamiliar areas and want to make sure a store takes your benefits before you do all your shopping. The app works offline too once you've loaded the area you're visiting.

Just wanted to add - if you're doing a road trip, gas stations along highways often don't accept EBT, so stock up on snacks and drinks at regular grocery stores before hitting long stretches of highway. Also, farmer's markets in Florida might accept EBT through their SNAP matching programs, which could help stretch your benefits further for fresh produce! Have an amazing trip and don't stress too much - you've got all the info you need now.

This thread has been so helpful! I'm planning a similar trip to Texas next year and had the same concerns about using CalFresh out of state. It's great to see how supportive this community is with practical advice. One thing I'd add for anyone else reading this - if you're traveling during summer months like Kiara, consider that your food budget might need to stretch differently because of the heat. You'll probably want more cold drinks and fresh foods that don't need cooking, which can sometimes be pricier than shelf-stable items. Also, if you're staying in places without full kitchens, factor in that you might need to buy smaller quantities more frequently rather than doing big grocery hauls. Safe travels to everyone planning trips!

As someone who's also new to CalFresh, this thread has been incredibly informative! I had no idea you could use EBT cards nationwide - I thought they were state-specific. The practical tips about Florida grocery chains, tourist areas not accepting EBT, and planning for different food costs due to heat are so valuable. I'm not planning any long trips soon, but it's reassuring to know that if an emergency or opportunity came up, I wouldn't have to worry about losing access to food assistance. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - it really helps newcomers like me understand how the system actually works in real-world situations!

As a new CalFresh recipient, this entire thread has been incredibly reassuring! I was actually hesitant to even take a weekend camping trip to Oregon because I wasn't sure if my benefits would work there. Learning that EBT cards work nationwide is such a relief - it opens up so many possibilities I didn't think I had. The detailed advice about Florida-specific stores, tourist areas, and practical tips like downloading the SNAP Retailer Locator app shows how knowledgeable this community is. I'm grateful for members like you all who take the time to share real-world experiences rather than just repeating official policy. It makes navigating CalFresh as a newcomer so much less intimidating when you know there are people who genuinely want to help others succeed with the program!

This thread is amazing! As someone who just started receiving CalFresh benefits last month, I had so many of the same concerns about traveling. I was actually planning to cancel a family reunion in Texas this fall because I thought my EBT card wouldn't work there and I couldn't afford to buy all my food out of pocket. Reading everyone's experiences and practical tips has completely changed my perspective. The advice about the SNAP Retailer Locator app, documenting travel with your caseworker, and being prepared for different food costs in other states is invaluable. Thank you Kiara for asking this question and everyone else for sharing such detailed, helpful responses - you've made it possible for newcomers like me to feel confident about traveling while on CalFresh!