If you receive benefits in Florida from the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program -- formerly known as food stamps -- the Florida Department of Children and Families issues you an Electronic Benefits Transfer card to access your benefits. A lost or stolen EBT card must be reported immediately to protect your benefits.
Canceling and Replacing Your Card
As soon as you realize you don't have your EBT card, call Florida's EBT Customer Service line at 1-888-356-3281. This toll-free number is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When you call, an automated system will ask you to enter the 16-digit number on the EBT card. If your card has been stolen, you may not know that number. However, if you remain on the line, the system will provide you more options. Pressing "2" brings you to a new menu to cancel your card. To cancel your card and request a new one, you must speak with a customer service representative. After you make this call, your old card will no longer work. You will receive your replacement card in the mail, although it may take up to seven days.
Protecting Your Benefits
Even if your EBT card is stolen, the thief won't be able to use it unless he knows your PIN. However, if he knows your PIN, he can access all of your benefits, and Florida doesn't replace stolen benefits. For this reason, DCF recommends you never write your PIN on your card, keep it anywhere near your card or share it with anyone. If someone finds out your PIN, call the EBT Customer Service line and change it.