A new report from the United Way’s ALICE project reveals a troubling 47% of Florida households don’t earn enough to cover basic living expenses.
ALICE stands for “asset-limited, income-constrained and employed” and refers to households that are above the poverty line but earn less than what the organization says is needed to afford the basics depending on household composition and location. This includes housing, child care, food, transportation, health care and technology, plus taxes and a contingency fund that equals 10% of a household’s budget.
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The report, which focuses on data from 2023, says the average “survival budget” in Florida ranged from $33,804 for a single adult up to $86,688 for a family of four with two adults and two children in child care. Of the state’s nearly 9 million households, 13% lived below the federal poverty line while 34% were considered ALICE. The poverty line in 2023 was $14,580 for individuals and $30,000 for a family of four.
In some areas, the “survival budget” was much higher. Monroe County, for example, was among the most expensive places, with necessities costing single adults $45,948 and two adults with two kids in child care $106,608.
How are families coping?
The ALICE classification shines a spotlight on households who may earn too much to qualify for traditional aid programs but not enough to meet the rising cost of living. This includes Florida’s senior households, which make up the largest portion of this group by age.
“More and more households 65 and older are now classified as ALICE,” Ernest Hooper, Chief Communications Officer at United Way Suncoast, told ABC Action News in a story published May 19. “They’re living paycheck to paycheck and not saving money.”
That includes people like Leonora Gaspar, who’s disabled and on a fixed income. She relies on organizations like Feeding Tampa Bay for some free meals.
“It helps a lot,” she told ABC Action News. “The rent, it’s more expensive.”
Other residents in need pointed to skyrocketing food costs.
“I’m spending at least $300 to $400 just on food,” Felicia Acosta told ABC Action News. She says her husband died last year and she provides for her three grandchildren.
Florida’s high cost of living compounds the issue. As of May 9, Insure.com ranked Florida’s cost of living at 9.35% higher than the national average.
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Help your family make ends meet
Compared to other states, Florida’s cost of living is on the higher end. For families struggling to close the gap, here are some practical steps:
Call 211 for local help: United Way operates a free 211 hotline that connects people to local nonprofits, food assistance, childcare programs, rent relief and more.
Apply for benefits: ALICE households may still qualify for support like SNAP, Medicaid for children or subsidized child care. Don’t assume you’re ineligible or that others need it more — these programs exist to help families.
Revisit your housing options: If you’re renting, consider renegotiating your lease or exploring income-based housing programs. Housing is often a family’s single biggest expense — and the hardest to change — so start there. If possible, consider sharing housing with extended family or friends to reduce expenses.
Cut food costs without sacrificing nutrition: Shop at local markets, consider bulk stores and use community food pantries as a supplement when needed. If you have children in public school, ask the school social worker about additional food and support programs.
Build toward financial security: Even saving $10 or $20 a week in a high-yield savings account can provide a buffer. You can also track your spending and find areas to trim.
Connect with mutual aid groups: Some neighborhoods have hyper-local support networks where community members share resources like gently used clothing, extra food, school supplies or household goods. Search online or on social media for a group near you.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
