Having a reliable phone number isn’t a luxury in Florida – it’s a lifeline. Whether you’re getting hurricane alerts, scheduling a telehealth appointment, applying for a job or simply checking in with family, the ability to make and receive calls matters. That’s why the federal Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity programs exist: they help households with modest incomes stay connected by subsidizing phone and data service. Yet many Floridians don’t realize they qualify. This guide explains who is eligible, which companies participate and how you can sign up.
Overview of Florida’s Lifeline Program
Lifeline is a federal benefit that provides a monthly subsidy to reduce the cost of phone service for low‑income customers. Florida doesn’t run its own state‑funded program – instead, it relies on the national Lifeline benefit and partners with telephone companies that agree to offer discounted plans. The Florida Public Service Commission oversees outreach and publishes information to help residents find approved providers.
Who Qualifies?
You can qualify for Lifeline in Florida in one of two ways:
- Income‑based: Your household income is at or below 135 % of the federal poverty guidelines.
- Program‑based: Someone in your household receives benefits from certain federal assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Section 8 Housing, Veterans Pension or Tribal programs.
Only one Lifeline discount is allowed per household. Note: the separate Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) stopped accepting new enrollments in February 2024 and officially ended on June 1, 2024 due to lack of funding. Should the ACP be revived, households that qualify for Lifeline will typically be eligible for this additional discount as well.
Participating Service Providers
To receive a free or discounted phone you must enroll through a participating company. Major Lifeline providers in Florida include:
- SafeLink Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
- Q Link Wireless
- Access Wireless
- enTouch Wireless
- Life Wireless
- AT&T Florida (landline option)
Most providers offer a free Android smartphone along with unlimited talk and text and several gigabytes of data each month. Coverage and available data allowances vary, so choose the company that best serves your area.
Plan Details by Provider
- Life Wireless – unlimited talk and text plus about 4.5 GB of high‑speed data each month; includes a free smartphone and features like voicemail, call waiting and caller ID.
- TAG Mobile – plan offers unlimited talk and text and up to 15 GB of high‑speed data; bring your own device or upgrade to a discounted smartphone.
- Assurance Wireless – around 4.56 GB of data, 3,000 minutes and unlimited texts; comes with a free Android smartphone and no activation fees.
- SafeLink Wireless – unlimited talk and text with a free smartphone; data allowance varies by ZIP code and current promotions.
- TruConnect – free plan with 4.5 GB of data, unlimited talk and text and free international calls to over 200 countries; includes a SIM kit or phone.
- Q Link Wireless – similar to SafeLink and Assurance, offering unlimited talk and text with data; customer support reviews are mixed.
- enTouch Wireless – smaller provider offering free SIM cards and sometimes a free phone; talk and data allowances vary.
- Straight Talk – not a dedicated Lifeline plan but provides a $10 monthly discount on plans with at least 4.5 GB of data; bring your own phone.
- AT&T Florida (landline) – provides a Lifeline discount on traditional home phone service.
How to Apply
Getting started is straightforward:
- Confirm eligibility. Check your income against the guidelines or verify that you participate in a qualifying assistance program.
- Find a provider. Use USAC’s “Companies Near Me” tool or the Florida PSC website to locate companies serving your ZIP code.
- Apply. You can apply directly with your chosen provider or through the National Verifier at lifelinesupport.org.
- Submit documentation. Be prepared to provide ID and proof of income or program participation.
- Pick a plan. Select the plan that meets your needs – most include unlimited talk and text and up to 4–6 GB of data.
- Activate. Once approved, you will receive a phone or SIM card. Follow the activation instructions and test your service.
- Recertify each year. You must confirm your eligibility annually to keep your benefit.
What’s Included?
Free government phone plans in Florida generally include unlimited voice minutes, unlimited text messaging, voicemail, caller ID and call waiting. Data allotments range from about 4.5 GB to 6 GB per month depending on the provider. Some companies allow you to bring your own device if it’s compatible with their network.
Keeping Your Benefit
After you’re enrolled, you must use your phone at least once every 30 days, recertify annually and notify your provider if your eligibility changes. If you move, update your address with your Lifeline carrier. For help, contact your provider, the Florida Public Service Commission or the Lifeline Support Center.
Additional Resources
Lifeline Support Center: 1-800-234-9473 – lifelinesupport.org
Florida Department of Children and Families (ACCESS Florida) – for SNAP and Medicaid assistance
- Florida Public Service Commission: 1-800-342-3552
- Lifeline Support Center: 1-800-234-9473 – lifelinesupport.org
- Florida Department of Children and Families (ACCESS Florida) – for SNAP and Medicaid assistance
- 2-1-1 Florida helpline – connects you with local resources
- Community organizations such as libraries, senior centers and nonprofits often host sign-up events and can help you apply
Staying connected is vital for safety, education and employment. If your household meets the income or program requirements, you can receive a free phone and monthly service at no cost through Florida’s Lifeline providers. Don’t leave this benefit unused – check your eligibility and apply today.
2025 Income Limits for Lifeline (135% of Federal Poverty Guidelines)
| Household Size | Maximum Annual Income (2025) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $21,128 |
| 2 | $28,553 |
| 3 | $35,978 |
| 4 | $43,403 |
| Each additional person | $7,425 |
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