47% of Florida households don't make enough to cover the basics — and a growing number of them are 65 and up. Why seniors in the Sunshine State are struggling on a 'survival budget’

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.

Invest in real estate without the headache of being a landlord

Imagine owning a portfolio of thousands of well-managed single family rentals or a collection of cutting-edge industrial warehouses. You can now gain access to a $1B portfolio of income-producing real estate assets designed to deliver long-term growth from the comforts of your couch.

The best part? You don’t have to be a millionaire and can start investing in minutes.

Learn More

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.