How to Replace a Florida EBT Card and Change Your PIN

If you use a Florida EBT card for SNAP (food assistance) or cash benefits and it is lost, stolen, damaged, or not working, you usually need to cancel the old card and request a replacement as soon as possible. You may also want or need to change your PIN (Personal Identification Number) for security.

This guide explains, in plain English, how the process typically works in Florida and what to expect. HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational resource only. It is not a government agency, benefits office, or application portal. To actually replace your card or change your PIN, you must use official Florida benefit systems, hotlines, or local offices.

Understanding the Florida EBT Card

In Florida, EBT is usually called the ACCESS Florida EBT card. It works like a debit card and is used to access:

• SNAP (food assistance)
• TANF or other cash assistance, if approved

You cannot get cash or food benefits directly from HowToGetAssistance.org. All actions, like replacing your card, changing your PIN, or checking your balance, must go through official Florida EBT and ACCESS Florida channels.

When You Should Replace Your Florida EBT Card

You should request a replacement Florida EBT card if:

• Your card is lost
• Your card is stolen
• Your card is damaged (cracked, demagnetized, bent, or unreadable)
• The card won’t swipe or chip-read at stores or ATMs
• You never received your first card or a replacement that was mailed
• Your name has legally changed and you want the card to match official records

In most cases, the first step is to call the official Florida EBT customer service number on the back of your card (or the number listed on the Florida Department of Children and Families/ACCESS Florida website) and follow the prompts for “card lost, stolen, or damaged.”

How to Replace a Florida EBT Card

In Florida, card replacement is usually handled through the state’s EBT customer service line and/or the ACCESS Florida system. Processes can change, but typically you have three main options:

1. Replace Your Card by Phone (Most Common)

You can usually:

1. Call the official Florida EBT customer service hotline.
   • This number appears on the back of the card and on official Florida EBT materials.
2. Choose the option for “card lost or stolen” or “replacement card.”
3. Verify your identity. You may be asked for:
   • Your full name
   • Your date of birth
   • The last 4 digits of your Social Security number (if on file)
   • Your mailing address
4. Confirm your current address where the new card should be mailed.
5. Ask when you can expect the new card to arrive and whether there is any replacement fee.

📌 Important:
Once you report your card as lost or stolen, the old card is typically deactivated. You usually cannot use it again, even if you find it later.

2. Replace Your Card Online (If Available)

Florida’s benefits management is usually handled through ACCESS Florida, the state’s online benefits portal.

Depending on current state procedures, you may be able to:

1. Log into your official ACCESS Florida account.
2. Go to the section for EBT card management or a similar heading.
3. Look for an option like “Request replacement card”.
4. Verify your identity and address.
5. Submit the replacement request.

Not all features are always available online, so many people still need to call the EBT hotline even if they use the website for other tasks.

3. Replace Your Card In Person (Local Office)

Some people prefer or need to handle card issues at a local office, especially if:

• They do not have phone or internet access
• They are having trouble verifying their identity or address
• There is a problem with mail delivery

In Florida, replacement support is generally handled through Department of Children and Families (DCF)/ACCESS Florida service centers or partner community agencies. A local office may:

• Help you contact the EBT hotline
• Help verify your identity and address
• Provide information on the status of a replacement

Most offices do not print EBT cards on the spot; cards are usually mailed to you, but local procedures may vary.

How Long a Replacement Florida EBT Card Takes

Timelines can change, but commonly:

• Mailing time: A replacement card may take 5–10 business days to arrive by mail.
• Some areas may see cards arrive earlier or later, depending on mail delivery times.

If it has been longer than the timeframe given by the EBT hotline or ACCESS Florida, you can:

• Call the EBT customer service line to check the status.
• Confirm that your mailing address is correct in your case file.
• Ask whether you should request another card.

Does a New Card Affect Your Benefits?

Typically:

• Your balance stays the same; benefits are tied to your account, not to the physical card.
• A new card number is issued, but your PIN and balance may remain the same unless you change the PIN.
• Any future benefits loaded to your account go to the new card after it is activated.

If you are worried about fraud or unauthorized use, ask the EBT hotline about:

• Changing your PIN
• How to review recent transactions
• Whether they can flag or investigate suspicious activity

How to Change Your Florida EBT PIN

Your PIN is the 4‑digit code that lets you use your EBT card. You may want to change your PIN if:

• You forgot your PIN
• You think someone else may know it
• You believe your card or information was skimmed or compromised
• You were required to reset your PIN after ordering a new card

Common ways to change your Florida EBT PIN include:

1. Change Your PIN by Phone

1. Call the official Florida EBT hotline.
2. Select the option for “PIN change” or “reset PIN.”
3. Enter your card number and follow the automated prompts.
4. You may be asked for identity verification (date of birth, last 4 of SSN, etc.).
5. Choose a new 4‑digit PIN.
   • Avoid using obvious numbers like 1234, 0000, or your birth year.
6. Confirm the PIN when asked.

In many cases, the new PIN is active right away, and you can use it as soon as you activate your card or make your next purchase.

2. Change Your PIN Online (If Offered)

If the Florida EBT or ACCESS portal allows PIN changes online, typical steps include:

1. Sign in to your official EBT/ACCESS account.
2. Go to card settings or a similar section.
3. Choose “Change PIN”.
4. Enter your current card information.
5. Create and confirm your new PIN.

If you have any doubts about whether a site is official, contact the EBT hotline or DCF/ACCESS Florida directly before entering card details.

3. Change Your PIN Using an Automated System at a Retailer (Less Common)

Some states allow PIN changes at designated EBT kiosks or customer service terminals in certain stores. If Florida uses this system in your area, you may:

• Insert or swipe your EBT card
• Verify your identity
• Choose a new PIN

Ask the EBT hotline or your local benefits office whether this is available where you live.

Replacement vs. PIN Change: What’s the Difference?

Below is a simple summary of when you need a replacement card vs. when you just need a new PIN:

If you are unsure, the EBT customer service line can explain which step is best based on your situation.

What You May Need Ready When You Call or Visit

To speed up a replacement or PIN change, it helps to have:

• Your full legal name
• Your date of birth
• The last 4 digits of your Social Security number (if on file)
• Your current mailing address
• An active phone number (if you have one)
• Your EBT card number, if your card is damaged but still in hand

Some local offices may ask for photo ID (like a driver license or state ID) if you visit in person for help.

Common Issues and How to Handle Them

1. “My card never arrived.”

If you were told a card was mailed but never got it:

• Call the EBT hotline and explain that you did not receive your card.
• Verify your mailing address.
• Ask whether the card was returned as undeliverable.
• Request that another card be mailed if needed.

If you have unstable housing or mail access, ask your local ACCESS Florida office or a local community agency about options, such as using a trusted mailing address, if allowed.

2. “Someone used my benefits without my permission.”

If you see charges or withdrawals you do not recognize:

1. Call the EBT hotline immediately and report suspected fraud or unauthorized use.
2. Ask about:
   • Blocking the card
   • Getting a replacement card
   • Changing your PIN
   • Whether any investigation or dispute process is available

Some benefits may not be refundable once spent, but the official hotline or your local DCF/ACCESS office can tell you what options exist under current rules.

3. “I tried to change my PIN, but it didn’t work.”

If your PIN change doesn’t seem to take effect:

• Double-check that you are using the correct card (old vs. new).
• Make sure you followed all automated prompts until the system confirmed your new PIN.
• Wait a short time and try again, or contact the EBT hotline for support.
• If needed, visit or call your local ACCESS Florida office for assistance.

How to Make Sure You’re Using an Official Florida Channel

Because EBT involves your benefits and personal data, it’s important to avoid scams. Some general safety tips:

• ✅ Use phone numbers listed on:
  • The back of your EBT card
  • Official mail from Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) or ACCESS Florida
  • The state’s official benefits website (check that the web address clearly indicates a Florida government site)
• ✅ Be cautious if:
  • A caller contacts you unexpectedly asking for your full card number and PIN.
  • A website offers to “double your food stamps”, sell EBT benefits, or promises fast approval for a fee.
  • Anyone asks you to share your PIN by text, email, or social media.

You can usually confirm you’re on an official path by:

• Calling the EBT hotline number on your card directly, not a number found in an ad or social media post.
• Contacting DCF/ACCESS Florida using contact details from a printed notice you already trust.
• Dialing 211 to ask for help locating your local benefits office or the state SNAP/EBT office.

Extra Help if You’re Having Trouble

If you have trouble replacing your card or changing your PIN, you might reach out to:

• Local ACCESS Florida customer service centers
  – For help checking your case information and contact details.
• Community assistance organizations (food banks, legal aid, community action agencies)
  – Some staff can help you understand the process or make calls with you.
• 211
  – To find nearby organizations that can help with benefits navigation and basic needs support.

Remember:
HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site. It cannot issue EBT cards, change your PIN, access your case, or check your balance. Those actions must go through the official Florida EBT systems, ACCESS Florida portal, or local DCF offices.