Losing your Florida EBT card does not have to mean losing access to your SNAP benefits. Florida's Department of Children and Families (DCF) makes the replacement process straightforward: call EBT Customer Service at 1-888-356-3281 any time of day, report the loss, and a new card arrives by mail within 5 to 7 business days. Your balance stays intact while your old card is deactivated.
This guide walks through every step for replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged Florida EBT card through the ACCESS Florida system, including what to do if your benefits were used without your permission.
What to Do First When Your Florida EBT Card Is Lost
The moment you realize your card is missing, your top priority is deactivation. An undeactivated card can be used by anyone who finds or steals it -- your PIN is the only protection standing between your balance and unauthorized spending.
Call 1-888-356-3281 right away. This is the Florida EBT Customer Service line, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. An automated system handles card deactivation even outside business hours.
If you know your 16-digit card number, have it ready. If you do not have it, the automated system lets you enter any 16-digit combination to reach a live representative who can look up your account by name, Social Security Number, or date of birth.
Step-by-Step: How to Replace Your Florida EBT Card
Step 1: Call EBT Customer Service
Dial 1-888-356-3281. This line is available 24/7. When the automated system answers, you can:
- Enter your 16-digit card number to proceed automatically
- Enter any 16 digits to bypass the automated menu and reach a live agent
Step 2: Verify Your Identity
A representative will ask you to confirm your identity before making any changes to your account. Have the following ready:
- Social Security Number
- Date of birth
- Phone number associated with your account
- Current mailing address
Step 3: Report the Card Lost, Stolen, or Damaged
Tell the representative what happened. Your current card will be deactivated immediately, blocking any further use.
Step 4: Confirm Your Mailing Address
The representative will confirm where to send your replacement card. If you have recently moved, this is the time to update your address. Your address on file with DCF must match, so if you need to make a change, you may also need to update it through your MyACCESS account at myaccess.myflfamilies.com.
Step 5: Wait for Your New Card
Replacement EBT cards arrive by USPS First Class Mail within 5 to 7 business days. Your existing PIN automatically transfers to the new card, so you will not need to set a new one unless you choose to change it.
If your card has not arrived after 7 business days, call 1-888-356-3281 again to inquire about the status.
Replacing Your Card Online Through MyACCESS
You can also request a replacement card through your MyACCESS account at myaccess.myflfamilies.com. Log in with your MyACCESS username and password, navigate to your EBT card information, and submit a replacement request. The online option works well if you prefer not to call, though phone deactivation happens faster.
The MyACCESS portal is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What Happens to Your Benefits During Replacement
Your SNAP balance is tied to your account, not to the physical card. When your old card is deactivated, your balance remains in your account and transfers automatically to your new card. You will not lose any benefits simply because your card was lost.
The only risk to your balance is if someone uses your card before you report it lost. This is why reporting immediately matters.
How to Change Your PIN
If you suspect someone knows your PIN, or if you simply want to set a new one after receiving your replacement card, call 1-888-356-3281 and follow the prompts to select a new PIN.
PIN change tips:
- Choose a number that is not your birthday or a repeated digit pattern
- Do not share your PIN with anyone, including family members or caseworkers
- Change your PIN if you ever use your card at a terminal that looks tampered with or has an attached device you do not recognize
If Your EBT Benefits Were Stolen
EBT card skimming is a real problem in Florida. Criminals attach hidden devices to card readers at grocery stores and gas stations to capture card numbers and PINs, then clone the cards and drain balances.
Federal Reimbursement Program Ended in December 2024
From 2022 through December 20, 2024, a federal program allowed states to replace SNAP benefits stolen through card skimming. That program expired on December 20, 2024, and Congress did not extend it. As of 2026, stolen SNAP benefits are not eligible for federal reimbursement.
Florida DCF confirms this on its official site: benefits stolen after December 20, 2024 cannot be replaced through the federal program.
Steps to Take If Your Benefits Were Stolen
Even without federal replacement coverage, taking these steps matters:
- Report the card lost immediately by calling 1-888-356-3281 to stop further losses
- File a dispute within 90 days of the unauthorized transaction by calling EBT Customer Service at 1-888-356-3281
- File a police report with your local law enforcement agency -- this creates an official record of the theft
- Report to Florida DCF through the ACCESS Florida Customer Call Center at 1-850-300-4323 (weekdays)
How to Protect Your Benefits Going Forward
| Protection Step | Why It Matters |
|---|
| Change your PIN regularly | Limits window of exposure if card data is captured |
| Check your balance often | Spot unauthorized charges quickly |
| Inspect card readers before use | Look for loose parts, extra attachments, or mismatched colors |
| Cover the keypad when entering your PIN | Prevents shoulder surfing and hidden camera capture |
| Use chip-enabled terminals when available | Florida is transitioning to chip-enabled EBT cards |
Contacting ACCESS Florida for Case Questions
The EBT Customer Service line handles card-specific issues. For questions about your SNAP case, eligibility, or benefit amounts, use these contacts:
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|
| EBT Card Issues (lost, stolen, balance) | 1-888-356-3281, available 24/7 |
| ACCESS Florida Customer Call Center (case questions) | 1-850-300-4323, Monday through Friday |
| Online account management | myaccess.myflfamilies.com |
| Local ACCESS Service Center | Find your nearest office at myflfamilies.com |
Florida EBT Card Replacement: Common Situations
My card was damaged but I still have it
Call 1-888-356-3281 and report the card as damaged. The representative will deactivate the old card and order a replacement. Do not cut or destroy the card until your replacement arrives, in case you need any numbers from it.
I never received my card after applying
If you were approved for SNAP but never received an EBT card, call 1-888-356-3281. An EBT card is not automatically mailed when a case is approved in all situations. Confirm with the representative that a card has been issued and request a replacement if needed.
My card works but I forgot my PIN
Call 1-888-356-3281 and follow the prompts to reset your PIN. You do not need to replace the card itself.
I found my card after reporting it lost
Once a card is deactivated, it cannot be reactivated. You will need to wait for the replacement card that was ordered when you reported the loss.
I moved and need to update my address
Update your address through your MyACCESS account at myaccess.myflfamilies.com or by calling the ACCESS Florida Customer Call Center at 1-850-300-4323. Make sure the address is updated before requesting a replacement card so it goes to the right location.
Replacement Card Timeline
| Action | Timeframe |
|---|
| Card deactivation after reporting | Immediate |
| Replacement card processing | Same business day |
| Card delivery by USPS First Class Mail | 5 to 7 business days |
| Follow-up if card not received | After 7 business days |
Check Your Eligibility for Other Florida Benefits
While waiting for your replacement card, it is a good time to confirm you are receiving all the benefits your household qualifies for. Florida residents may qualify for additional assistance programs beyond SNAP, including Medicaid, utility assistance through LIHEAP, and WIC.
Use the free Benefits Navigator screener at benefitsusa.org/screener to find out which programs you may qualify for based on your household income and size. The screener takes about two minutes and checks eligibility for over 11 programs at once.
For a full overview of Florida assistance programs, visit our Florida benefits guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a replacement Florida EBT card?
Replacement EBT cards arrive by USPS First Class Mail within 5 to 7 business days after you report your card lost, stolen, or damaged by calling 1-888-356-3281.
Will my SNAP balance be lost if my EBT card is lost?
No. Your balance stays in your account and transfers automatically to your replacement card. The only risk to your balance is if someone uses the card before you report it lost, which is why calling 1-888-356-3281 immediately is important.
Can I report my Florida EBT card lost online?
Yes. You can request a replacement through your MyACCESS account at myaccess.myflfamilies.com. However, calling 1-888-356-3281 is the fastest way to deactivate the card and protect your benefits.
What if my EBT benefits were stolen through skimming?
As of December 21, 2024, the federal program that reimbursed stolen SNAP benefits through card skimming has expired. Benefits stolen after that date are not eligible for replacement. Report the theft to EBT Customer Service at 1-888-356-3281, file a police report, and dispute the transaction within 90 days.
Do I get a new PIN with my replacement card?
No. Your existing PIN transfers to your replacement card automatically. If you want to change your PIN, call 1-888-356-3281 after receiving your new card.
Is there a fee to replace a Florida EBT card?
Florida may charge a small replacement fee (typically around $5.00) that is deducted from your SNAP benefit balance, depending on the reason for replacement and how many replacements have been requested. Cards reported stolen may be replaced without a fee. Confirm with the representative when you call.
What number do I call for Florida EBT customer service?
The Florida EBT Customer Service number is 1-888-356-3281, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For questions about your SNAP case that are not related to the card itself, call the ACCESS Florida Customer Call Center at 1-850-300-4323 on weekdays.
Can I use my old EBT card number to check my balance while waiting for a replacement?
Once your old card is deactivated, it cannot be used. You can still check your balance by calling 1-888-356-3281 and navigating to the balance inquiry option, or by logging into your MyACCESS account at myaccess.myflfamilies.com.
