Tallahassee, FL — Today, the Desantis-appointed Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) approved a highly contentious $7 billion rate hike for Florida Power & Light (FPL) customers. It is the largest rate hike in U.S. history. With today’s approval, 12 million Floridians will pay, on average, over $14/month more come January 2026. Next year, FPL customers will pay an additional $175/annually in energy, fuel, and taxes, and by January 2028 bills will be $289 more annually.

Food & Water Watch analysis finds that from December 2020 to January 2026, the average FPL customer using 1000 kWh/month will see bills go up by 45%, or $513 more annually.

The rate hike was approved despite sustained public outcry. Last month, 29 Florida elected officials sent a letter to Governor DeSantis and his Public Service Commission urging them to reject FPL’s rate hike proposal. This echoed calls from advocates, the Manatee County Commission, the City of Pembroke Pines, and the Office of Public Counsel (OPC) opposing the rate hikes.

“Four years ago, FPL was awarded one of the largest rate hikes in U.S. history. Today, they’ve made history again at nearly double that amount. This shameful decision illustrates why our state energy regulators cannot be trusted to ensure that families have reliable, affordable energy,” said Food & Water Watch Senior Florida Organizer Brooke Ward. “People are not asking for diamonds or gold — while greedy utilities keep raking in record profits, regular Floridians want to be able to afford running their air conditioners and heaters. The legislature must pass affordable energy legislation this session to ensure fair electricity prices.”

The PSC’s decision rubber-stamps the special interest groups who entered into a closed-doors settlement proposal with FPL. Residential customer advocates and the Office of Public Counsel were left out of the settlement. Revenue from all customers will now subsidize increased discounts on large companies’ energy usage during peak times, according to the OPC. Under this deal, the OPC also reported that FPL shareholder profits will be the highest in the lower 48 states with a return on equity at 10.95%. To guarantee these shareholder profits, half of every dollar FPL requested will go toward those profits and associated taxes. 

In 2025, FPL customers paid an additional $12 more monthly in storm recovery charges from 2024’s storms. The approval for those charges expires in January 2026.

Yoca Arditi-Rocha, CEO of The CLEO Institute, stated, “rate hikes like this deepen the affordability crisis facing Florida families. The recent election made it clear that people want regulators who protect customers, not utilities. Floridians deserve an energy system that lowers bills, increases resilience, and puts the public first.”

“By approving this rate hike, the PSC has handed FPL another blank check while Floridians struggle to keep the lights on,” said Alyssa White, Climate Justice Organizer of Florida Student Power. “This is a slap in the face to every family, student, and small business already drowning in high bills. Our communities deserve an energy system that puts people over profit, and we will continue to build the power to make that happen!”

“Today’s decision by the Public Service Commission is a profound disappointment,” said Mary Gutierrez, Director and Environmental Scientist for Earth Ethics. “Approving yet another rate hike for Florida Power & Light places an unacceptable burden on families already struggling with high utility bills. Floridians deserve protection—not rubber-stamped increases that put corporate profits ahead of people.”

“It is an outrage that the Florida Public Service Commission approved yet another rate increase for Florida Power and Light. FPL is a for-profit company that operates as a monopoly in our community, extracting endless profits while our people struggle to make ends meet in this economy”, said Sarah Brummet with the Party for Socialism and Liberation. “That they would approve increased profits for the millionaires who run FPL is more evidence that the Public Service Commission is a captured regulatory body which betrays the public interest rather than defending it. If the PSC won’t defend our interests, the people will. It is time to build a movement that can end the monopoly FPL has over our state!”

“What we are hearing from people all around the state is ‘we can’t afford this!’” said Brian Lee, Campaigns Director at ReThink Energy Florida. “Working families have already been seeing their grocery and insurance bills rise and now their energy burden is increasing as well.  Florida’s legislature and governor need to take action to make Florida affordable again.”

“Today, the Public Service Commission had the opportunity to live up to its mission and ensure fair prices for ALL customers. Instead, they chose to hand FPL the highest rate increase in Florida history at the expense of struggling families and small businesses. FPL is one of the most profitable companies in the state, and yet the PSC chose to give them a handout while Floridians scrape by, juggling the cost of everyday necessities like groceries, medication, and child care,” said Catalyst Miami Climate Justice Program Manager, Maria Claudia Schubert-Fontes. “Last year alone, FPL disconnected roughly 3 million Floridians across the state for nonpayment. These newly-approved rate increases will undoubtedly leave even more of our neighbors in the dark. Throughout the rate case process, residential customers overwhelmingly voiced opposition to higher energy bills. The Commissioners ignored ratepayers and ignored their duty, making it clear to all that their loyalty is to corporate interests and NOT to the people of Florida.”

“The decision made today by Florida’s Public Service Commission is extremely disappointing. As the largest rate hike in US history for a utility like this, this will not only affect Black and Brown, low-income communities, but every Floridian in the state at a time where many are struggling to keep up with grocery prices, medication, rent, and now even higher electricity bills. Our communities deserve commissioners that will look out for them, and that have the leadership to stand up against corporate greed,” said Katina Rentas Negrón, Florida Rising’s Climate Justice Campaigner. “The fight is not over. We will continue to fight for affordable, reliable, and clean energy for every Florida resident.”

“Blank checks for FPL’s billionaire business-class investors and big. unaffordable utility bills for Florida families – that’s the exact opposite of what the PSC should be doing. This failure to regulate FPL, a monopoly, for-profit, mega- business is unacceptable. The PSC must start regulating utilities in the public’s interest and stop making life harder for real Floridians,” said 

Jyoti Parmar, Clean Energy Organizer, Sierra Club of Florida.

“This decision hurts the people who are already struggling with higher power bills. FPL made this so-called ‘settlement’ with special interests so the utility can make even higher profits. They will rake in the money by charging small businesses and hard-working Floridians billions more in electricity rate increases,” said Bradley Marshall, attorney with Earthjustice representing Florida Rising, the League of United Latin American Citizens of Florida, and the Environmental Confederation of Southwest Florida in the rate case. “We look forward to reviewing the written decision and expect that this case will be appealed to the Florida Supreme Court, where we look forward to presenting our case.”

This is the second base rate hike the PSC has approved this month alone. The PSC approved Tampa Electric’s (TECO) 2026 base rate adjustment on November 4, which spiked people’s bills by an additional 6%. According to Food & Water Watch analysis, TECO customers will now pay 82% more than what they were paying 5 years ago, come January. TECO is expected to file for a new base rate increase in January.

Press Contact: Grace DeLallo [email protected]

If rate hike is approved, over 5.3 million Florida families will see $360+ added to bills over two years

NEWS RELEASE

Florida – The Florida Public Service Commission will begin hearing arguments today during the technical hearings for Florida Power & Light’s (FPL) near-$10 billion rate case. Hearings were to begin in August, but were postponed following a last-minute settlement proposal between FPL and corporate and large-scale energy user customers.

“Florida Power & Light’s astronomical rate hike request is nothing short of a betrayal of the customers they claim to represent,” said Brooke Ward, Senior Florida Organizer for Food & Water Watch. “While everyday Floridians brace for higher bills, FPL is cutting backroom deals with special interests — out of sight, out of mind. DeSantis’ utility regulators who are supposed to be watchdogs for the public have instead become lapdogs for Florida utilities, rubber-stamping deals that hurt ratepayers. The timing is no accident: as the legislature gavels in today, it is clear our elected leaders must step up and protect Floridians from this assault on affordable energy. Floridians deserve transparency, fairness, and an energy system that serves them — not corporate profits.”

Over the next two weeks, the PSC will hear evidence before deciding whether to approve FPL’s rate hike. A final decision is expected later this year.

Florida Rising Deputy Campaigns Director MacKenzie Marcelin said, “At customer service hearings, through public comments submitted in the docket, and at community events, the average FPL residential customer has made it abundantly clear that they do not want to see their electricity bills increase. The following two weeks will reveal whether the Public Service Commission is truly listening to the voices of residential consumers or whether the noise from special interest groups, such as FPL, Publix, and Walmart, will drown out the voices of the masses. In a time when health insurance costs are rising, food prices are increasing, and people are struggling to pay rent, the Public Service Commission must meet the moment and listen to the voices of the public and reject the deal that only increases profit for the 1% and instead choose the better deal that is fair and just for all of us.”

Earthjustice Attorney Bradley Marshall — representing Florida Rising, League of United Latin American Citizens of Florida, and Environmental Confederation of Southwest Florida in the rate case — said, “We look forward to proving over the next two weeks that FPL’s rate request increase is excessive and will disproportionately burden Florida’s hard-working families and small businesses.”

“FPL’s proposed increase will make it even harder for working families to keep the lights on. Last year, FPL shut off power to over 1 million households for nonpayment. These families were left in the dark while FPL raked in profits for their shareholders,” said Catalyst Miami Climate Justice Program Manager Maria Claudia Schubert-Fontes. “Under their current proposal, 50 cents of every dollar FPL collects from customers goes to their shareholders’ pockets and paying taxes—not servicing their customers! We need the Public Service Commission to ensure fair rates for Florida families.”

CLEO Institute CEO Yoca Arditi-Rocha said, “Regulators are supposed to protect Floridians, not rubber-stamp utility wish lists. At a time when affordability fears are being felt across party lines, stretched by the cost of living, we can’t afford another huge rate increase.  FPL’s hike puts profit over people and regulators must protect all Floridians.”

“Florida families are already struggling with skyrocketing costs for housing, food, and insurance. The last thing they can afford is yet another hike in their utility bills. Any increase would deepen the burden on households already making impossible choices each month,” said ReThink Energy Florida Co-Executive Director Kim Ross. “Floridians deserve utility regulators who put people first, prioritizing affordability and reliability over corporate profits. The Public Service Commission must act as a watchdog for the public it serves.”

Florida Student Power Climate Justice Organizer Alyssa White said, “FPL does not represent us. Young people and families across Florida are already struggling to keep up with rising costs, and these rate hikes will make it even harder to make ends meet. Our communities have shared their voices, yet decisions continue to prioritize corporate profits over the people who live here. Regulators have the opportunity and responsibility to put families and young people first, to ensure that everyone has a fair chance to thrive without being burdened by skyrocketing utility bills.”

MEDIA ADVISORY

For Immediate Release

September 18, 2025

PRESS CONTACT: [email protected] 

WHAT: 2025 City of Miami Mayoral Candidate Forum

WHO: Florida Rising Together, Florida Student Power, Miami Freedom Project for Democracy, Equality Florida, Engage Miami, Miami Workers Center, Catalyst Miami, The CLEO Institute, SAVE, Escarment Foundation for the Needy, United & Unlimited Inc., LocShotz Media

WHEN: Saturday, September 20th, 2025, 6:00 PM

WHERE: Little Haiti Cultural Complex Center Auditorium, 212 NE 59th Terrace, Miami, FL 33137

MIAMI, FL — Local and statewide organizations are set to gather for the “2025 City of Miami Mayoral Candidate Forum,” a town hall focused on ensuring community members and voters across Miami have the opportunity to engage with the candidates seeking to represent them. 

At the forum, community members will have the opportunity to meet and hear from eight mayoral candidates. Among them: Laura Anderson, Christian Cevallos, Alyssa Crocker, Ijamyn Gray, Michael A. Hepburn, Eileen Higgins, Ken Russell, and Xavier Suarez. The forum will be moderated by State Senator Dwight Bullard.

The forum will center the voices of residents from all generations and backgrounds, creating a space where meaningful dialogue can take place around the issues that matter most to our communities.

###

About Florida Rising Together: Florida Rising Together is a 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to advancing economic and racial justice across the state by building power in historically marginalized communities. Our organization develops leaders who will help shift power, enabling communities to decide their own destinies.

About Florida Student Power: FLSPN is a registered 501(c)(3). Through political education, organizing skills, and issue based and electoral campaigns we are building power among young people and fighting for a people-powered Florida.

About Miami Freedom Project for Democracy: MFP for Democracy is a 501(c)3 that develops civic education programs, leadership training, and communication strategies for South Florida’s Latine and immigrant communities.  

Catalyst Miami is a nonprofit that works to build power with frontline communities throughout Miami-Dade County to collectively advance justice and achieve shared prosperity. This is how we move toward our ultimate vision of a just society where everyone can lead healthy, prosperous, self-determined lives.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

August 29th, 2025 

Contact: [email protected] 352-792-5361 | [email protected] 305-504-0348 

MEDIA ADVISORY

Miami-Dade Residents and Community Organizations Call on County Leadership to Invest in Essential Services, Not Cut Them

MIAMI, FLORIDA — Catalyst Miami, Engage Miami, PACT, Transit Alliance, Miami Freedom Project, and Miami Workers Center are gathering on September 4th at 3:00pm at the Stephen P. Clark Government Center before the County Budget Hearing to demand a budget that meets the needs of Miami-Dade’s residents. As we face a housing crisis and growing threats to immigrant communities, residents are speaking out against proposed cuts that would eliminate the Office of New Americans,  reduce housing advocacy staff from seven to five, slash $1 million from eviction diversion, and eliminate MetroConnect. Together, these departments and services provide essential support - helping tenants avoid eviction, connecting families to housing and legal aid, and ensuring residents who rely on microtransit options can get to work or a doctor’s appointment. 

When public dollars are taken away from essential services, it’s Black and Brown working-class Miamians who are hit the hardest. These proposed cuts are part of a larger pattern of disinvestment in neighborhoods that have long been excluded from decision-making. With cost of living skyrocketing, residents need more support, not less. Our county budget must reflect community priorities and invest in services that prioritizes Miami-Dade families. 

Public dollars should be used to fund crucial services, not to provide handouts to private corporations like the FIFA World Cup, which is receiving a  $46 million subsidy while our communities suffer. We call on County leadership to prioritize people over developer interests - investing in housing, transit, and community services- not pouring more into the Sheriff’s already inflated $1 billion budget while we face a $400 million shortfall. Our communities deserve a budget that meets people’s needs.

Event Details: 

When: Thursday, September 4th  2025, 3:00 PM EST

Where: Stephen P. Clark Government Center 111 NW 1st St, Miami, FL 33128

Hosted by: Engage Miami, Catalyst Miami, PACT, Transit Alliance, Miami Freedom Project, and Miami Workers Center

Rejection comes after FPL settled with corporate and large-scale energy users, shifting financial burden onto residential and small business customers

NEWS RELEASE

Florida — Today, Florida Power & Light (FPL) rejected joining a settlement brought forth by the Office of Public Counsel (OPC), Floridians Against Increased Rates, and EarthJustice — representing Florida Rising and League of Latin American Citizens. The proposal outlines slashing FPL’s rate request nearly in half and lowers the return on equity (ROE) below the current level.

Even with the parties’ proposed settlement, this would have continued to be the largest rate hike in United States history at over $5 billion, and FPL would have continued having the highest ROE in the U.S., seconded by Tampa Electric. FPL settled with corporate and large-scale energy users for $7 billion.

“It’s not right that FPL gets to call the shots and dictate how much of their paychecks Florida families fork over each month. Families are struggling to make ends meet, in part because corporations like FPL prioritize their profits at our expense,” said Brooke Ward, Senior Florida Organizer with Food & Water Watch. “Even when FPL can come out ahead, they still want more. We need our elected officials to stand up and demand the Public Service Commission protect Florida ratepayers and prevent these egregious rate hikes from taking more and more of our hard earned dollars.”

The filing comes after the Public Service Commission (PSC) postponed weeks of contentious testimony that was set to begin on August 11. FPL argued that the pause was necessary since witnesses were protected by non-disclosure agreement regarding the corporate settlement. OPC and residential customer advocates were excluded from the previous settlement, prompting today’s offer, rejected by the utility.

“Today, consumer and environmental justice advocates put forward a fair settlement that cut FPL’s rate request nearly in half and lowered their profit margins—while still granting them the largest rate hike in U.S. history and one of the highest returns in the nation. This was a good-faith effort to balance fairness for Florida families with FPL’s demands,” states Mary Gutierrez, scientist and Director with Earth Ethics. “Yet, FPL rejected it—not because it wasn’t enough, but because they want even more. That rejection shows exactly where their priorities lie, and it isn’t with the people of Florida.”

“FPL’s unwillingness to compromise on a $5 billion dollar rate hike — which would still be the largest rate hike in US history — is yet another example of FPL prioritizing profit over people. All eyes should be on the PSC to stand up to monopolies and to protect average Floridians that want access to affordable, clean, and reliable energy,” said Yoca Arditi-Rocha, CEO of The CLEO Institute. “If the PSC continues to rubber stamp bad deals for consumers, then lawmakers owe it to their constituents to right this wrong and reform the PSC process.”

“Florida families and small business owners make up the overwhelming majority of FPL’s customers—we keep their business running. And yet, FPL has refused to come to the table with the intervening parties who represent us. Just last week, FPL filed its settlement agreement prioritizing corporate customer interests while excluding residential customer advocates from negotiations,” said Maria Claudia Schubert-Fontes, Climate Justice Program Manager, Catalyst Miami. “Our state has the highest property insurance rates in the country, plus some of the highest rents and lowest wages—we can’t afford higher utilities too. We’re tired of FPL giving us “energy saving tips” while they charge us more to benefit their shareholders.”

Technical hearings were postponed at 11th hour after utility & other corporate clients reached a settlement, likely to additionally raise residential electricity bills

NEWS RELEASE

FL  – On Monday afternoon, the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) indefinitely postponed Florida Power & Light’s (FPL) nearly $10 billion rate case. Two weeks of expert testimony was set to begin on Monday afternoon, but FPL argued that their witnesses are now protected by non-disclosure, given the company’s newly announced settlement with corporate customers. The Office of Public Counsel and residential customer advocates were excluded from the settlement. 

The Office of Public Counsel, who opposed the postponement, has argued that FPL is overcharging residential customers. Advocates were looking forward to hearings as an opportunity for cross examination and further discovery. 

“Florida families deserve transparency, not backroom deals,” said Brooke Ward, Senior Florida Organizer for Food & Water Watch. “The Public Service Commission must reject any attempt to skip a full public hearing or deny a full and fair review of the original request. This is not a compromise — it’s massive corporations cutting corners to avoid scrutiny and keep customers in the dark. Limiting transparency only protects profits, not people. We’re calling for due process, full hearings on the merits, and real protection for residential customers.”

Without due process and a full hearing, advocates argue the deal brokered between industrial, corporate customers and the utility could mean higher bills for everyday Floridians. The Public Service Commission will be issuing a new schedule once the settlement agreement is filed.

“FPL has struck a settlement with intervening parties who largely represent commercial customers, such as AI data centers, industrial users, and fuel retailers. However, the PSC’s decision to grant FPL a suspension disregards the residential customers’ right to due process,” said Maria Claudia Schubert-Fontes, Climate Justice Program Manager, Catalyst Miami. “Florida residential customers make up 93% of FPL’s total customer base. At a time when the average Floridian is struggling to afford their basic needs and communities throughout the state are experiencing extreme heat advisories that hike up their light bill, residential customer interests should not come secondary to the interests of large commercial companies.”

“Are you kidding me?” asks Mary Gutierrez, Director of Earth Ethics, Inc. and environmental scientist. “This settlement doesn’t just feel unfair—it is disproportionately harmful to residential customers. Between subsidizing large businesses, minimal rate relief, and opaque decision-making, those least able to absorb higher bills are being asked to carry the load. Enough already. Enough with the greed of large organizations, enough with the groups charged with protecting the public not doing their job.”

“The PSC’s decision to halt public hearings on FPL’s rate hike is troubling because rate-setting should be transparent and public, not shaped by backroom deals with Florida’s largest corporate powers. If the PSC signs off on anything close to the nearly $10 billion in requested rate hikes, Floridians will be saddled with higher bills while FPL keeps burning climate-warming methane gas, raking in record profits, and locking Floridians into decades of costly electricity. This is a textbook case of profit over people,” said Raymer Maguire, Director of Campaigns and Policy at The CLEO Institute.

If approved, customers could see $360 more added to bills over two years

Florida – Tuesday afternoon, consumer advocates, legal experts, and Congressional Representative Kathy Castor (D-FL) held a press conference that highlighted the national and statewide implications of Florida Power & Light’s near-$10 billion rate hike proposal. If approved, this would be the largest utility rate hike in U.S. history. 

Advocates and experts are calling on the Public Service Commission to ensure fair, just, and reasonable rates for customers. Earlier this summer, the Florida Office of Public Counsel provided expert testimony that FPL should decrease rates by $620.5 million in 2026 instead of increasing  rates by $1.545 billion during the same period. 

Four years ago, the PSC approved FPL’s nearly $5 billion rate hike. Since then, customer bills have skyrocketed by an average of $400 in annual costs over the last four years. Advocates speaking on behalf of customers in the Panhandle and South Florida highlighted the financial burden this rate increase would have on families. 47% of Floridians already can’t afford the cost of living and are struggling to pay for utilities. During the press conference, Attorney Bradley Marshall shared that from March 2024 to February 2025, FPL shut off 1.216 M residential customers for non-payment — about a fifth of all their residential customers. 

“Florida’s energy affordability crisis should be a wake up call to those around the country. Corporate utilities in multiple states have been asking for record-setting rate hikes and won’t stop unless our legislators take action,” said Brooke Ward, Senior Florida Organizer with Food & Water Watch. “Families are suffering under the crushing weight of continually rising utility bills. Floridians need our elected officials and regulators to stand up and put people over profit. We need action toward an affordable and clean energy future now.”

“Floridians need relief from skyrocketing electric bills, but too often utility companies and politicians secretly act to make energy more expensive and boost shareholder profits rather than serve the public,” said U.S. Representative Kathy Castor (FL-14). “Ratepayers should not fund utility lobbying and political campaigns that disadvantage working families and small businesses. My Ethics in Energy Act will help protect consumers and ensure utilities like Florida Power and Light are using ratepayer dollars responsibly – not for lobbying for their own profit. I am grateful to my many partners across the country who are leading the way to expand cleaner, cheaper energy and protect our people, planet, and pocketbooks.”

“Floridians are already stretched thin with spiraling housing, insurance costs, and now FPL – the largest utility in Florida – wants the biggest rate increase in American history. Families shouldn’t have to choose between paying their power bill and putting food on the table,” said Susan Glickman, VP of Policy & Partnerships for The CLEO Institute. “We call on the PSC to protect the public interest, not corporate profits. FPL executives are making record salaries while Floridians have to cut back on A/C during record heat.”

“The proposed rate hike places an unnecessary economic burden on already struggling families, forcing many to choose between keeping the lights on and meeting basic needs like food, medicine, and housing,: states Mary Gutierrez, Director and Environmental Scientist at Earth Ethics, while Florida Power & Light rakes in record profits, our communities are left to shoulder the cost—this is not energy justice, it’s corporate greed.”

“Florida communities deserve a utility company that works for the people, not one that exploits them,” said Alyssa White, Climate Justice Organizer with Florida Student Power Network. “This proposed rate hike from FPL is not about necessity; it’s about greed. While everyday Floridians struggle with housing, food, and education costs, FPL is racking up profits and sidelining its responsibility to the public. We need energy justice now, not higher bills.”

“We need housing—they raise the rent. We need electricity—and monopoly companies like FPL raise rates again and again. It’s happening right in front of us—we see it, but we don’t always recognize it as the privatization of public goods. This isn’t just unfair—it’s a system that thrives by putting profit over people,” states Christopher Arriaza, Co-Chair of the Power U Environmental Justice Committee. “But Florida can lead. We can set the standard for utility justice. We can push back against corporate greed—but only if we come together and demand that those elected, and those appointed—like the Public Service Commission—serve us and act in the interest of the people.”

“Florida is in dire need of a Public Service Commission that will look after them, and not corporations that are only looking out for their profits,” said Katina Rentas Negrón, Climate Justice Campaigner at Florida Rising. “If approved, the proposed rate hike would further increase the cost of living for our low-income, Black, and Brown communities that are already struggling to make ends meet due to climate change, housing affordability, health, and insurance costs. Floridians deserve energy justice, and not more corporate greed.” 

“Florida Power & Light’s proposed rate hike would hit older Floridians hardest, especially those on fixed incomes who are already stretched thin,” said Zayne Smith, Senior Advisor of Advocacy at AARP Florida. “Rising electric bills mean difficult choices like skipping meals or medication just to stay cool. These costs strain household budgets and ripple through the economy as older residents cut back on essentials and small businesses feel the squeeze. Regulators must protect Florida’s most vulnerable and prioritize customer interests over corporate profits.”

“Hardworking Floridians have not seen changes in their wages, yet the cost of living has steadily increased. While our communities struggle to make ends meet on the same income, they also face more frequent heat waves and cold fronts, leading to skyrocketing electric utility bills,” said Maria Claudia Schubert Fontes, Climate Justice Manager for Catalyst Miami. “FPL’s latest rate request would generate 50 cents of profit for every dollar at a time when the company has already shut off more than a million residential customers due to nonpayment. This increase will undoubtedly leave more residential customers in the dark.”

Press Contact: Grace DeLallo [email protected]

Devastating Medicaid Cuts Threaten Care for Millions in the Sunshine State

HIGHLIGHTS:

• 2M Floridians at Risk: Massive healthcare cuts could double Florida’s uninsured population.
• Frozen Funding: Key financing tool capped, blocking the state from filling federal gaps.
• Barriers to Care: Red tape and new fees will hit people with disabilities hardest.
• $295B SNAP Cuts: Food aid slashed; states face higher costs and tighter rules.
• Immigrant Coverage Stripped: Most lawfully present immigrants lose access to Medicaid, Medicare, and ACA coverage.

FLORIDA  — July 3, 2025 — Leaders from Florida Health Justice Project, Florida Policy Institute, Florida Voices for Health, SEIU Florida, and UnidosUS condemn Congress’s rushed passage of the so‑called “Big, Beautiful Bill”—a dangerous betrayal of millions of Florida workers and families, now rightly dubbed the “Big UGLY Bill.” 

While cynically sold as tax relief and border security, this bill will only gut Medicaid and devastate Florida’s most vulnerable communities by shifting costs onto working families, overwhelming hospitals, and crippling local economies that rely on a healthy, stable workforce. The Congressional Budget Office warns that as many as 17 million Americans could be uninsured by 2034, with Floridians among those hit hardest.

“This is not reform; it’s a repeal of essential care,” said Martha Baker, RN, President of SEIU Florida and SEIU Local 1991, representing nurses, doctors, and healthcare professionals at Jackson Health System in Miami, FL. “Disabled Floridians will lose life‑saving home care, our hospitals will bleed, and families will drown in paperwork.”

“Medicaid protects Floridians, young and old, especially our most at‑risk community members,” added Roxey Nelson, Executive Vice President of 1199SEIU, the state’s largest union of healthcare workers. “This bill pulls the rug out from under them, depriving care, dignity, and stability. As a union of caregivers, we’re especially appalled that these dangerous cuts are to pay for more massive tax giveaways to big business and the ultra-wealthy.”

What's at Stake for Florida:

• Nearly $1 trillion nationwide in healthcare cuts over the next decade—slashing at least 2 million Floridians off of Medicaid and Health Insurance Marketplace insurance and doubling the state’s uninsured population.
• A key funding mechanism used by Florida and 48 other states is frozen at current levels, preventing the state from using this funding method to make up for federal shortfalls caused by the bill. 
• More frequent and burdensome eligibility checks and fees disproportionately harm disabled individuals, escalating medical debt and administrative red tape. 
• SNAP Cuts of $295B: Massive rollback over 10 years; states will shoulder more admin costs, leading to stricter eligibility enforcement.  Due to new rules, some states may drop SNAP altogether.
• The bill attacks immigrant health coverage, limiting participation in Medicaid and also Medicare and ACA tax credits to green card holders, Cubans, Haitians, and residents of the Marshall Island/Micronesia, and barring coverage for all other lawfully present immigrants, such as individuals with Temporary Protected status, refugees, asylees, survivors of domestic violence and trafficking, and Dreamers. 

“Even though millions of Floridians are already struggling to make ends meet, congressional leaders and the Trump administration have pushed through a plan that guts health care funding-- among other critical programs and services--while providing tax cuts skewed to the wealthiest households. The massive cuts that Congress has included in the reconciliation bill is an act of cruel disregard for the lives of millions of Americans. Floridians will lose much-needed health care coverage, and our state will be left footing the bill for the loss in federal funding. Additionally, our state is already projecting a nearly $7 billion deficit by fiscal year 2028. Now is the worst time for our state to be left footing a massive bill to preserve current SNAP and Medicaid benefit levels." 

Sadaf Knight, CEO of Florida Policy Institute 

“Floridians expect their elected leaders to focus on improving everyday life and lifting the American standard of living. When you talk to people across the state, you hear what really matters: earning a solid wage so their kids don’t go to bed hungry, affording health care without having to choose between rent and insulin, and ensuring aging parents get routine checkups to watch their grandchildren graduate. In short, they want relief from the economic burdens that are robbing them of both dignity and the chance at a full life. Today’s federal budget bill betrays that vision. It makes clear that Florida Republicans have chosen the mere possibility of salvaging their political careers over the well-being of the Floridians they were elected to serve." 

Jared Nordlund, Florida State Director, UnidosUS

“Because of the countless advocates and community members who called and emailed, members of Congress voted today with a full sense of what might happen next. If they’re confident their vote won’t cut programs, the real test of their intent will be how they respond in a year or two when we're back here shining a light on these problems.”

Scott Darius, Executive Director, Florida Voices for Health

“It may take some time, but Floridians will come to see and feel first-hand the effects of the attack on their healthcare by some of their own elected officials. The effects will be wide and deep. Floridians will long remember this betrayal by those entrusted to represent them.”  

Lynn Hearn, Legal Director, Florida Health Justice Project

“We are extremely concerned about the devastating impact these cuts to healthcare and SNAP will have on our most vulnerable. Due to a lack of health insurance and delayed care, we have clients who have lost limbs and eyesight. Instead of addressing the issue, our legislators just voted to make it worse.”

Zelalem Adefris, CEO, Catalyst Miami

Medicaid Enrollee Impact Statements 

Source: Florida Health Justice Program

Jorge Luis, Citrus County

“Medicaid has been a game changer. Thanks to this program, I have medical equipment that allows me to have a better life. The life of a quadriplegic person is not an easy life, but thanks to Medicaid I have received tools that have allowed me to be more productive and to have an easier life. Without Medicaid, I will lose everything. It’s not only the dependency of a wheelchair; it’s also all the medical supplies that are needed, and without Medicaid, I will probably be dead because I don’t have the financial means to get all that it takes for my care. Without that help, I won’t be able to be productive. I’m not asking for help to stay home and do nothing, I’m asking for help because I want to continue to be productive as anyone else in this country.”

Betsy, Duval County

“Polly has a developmental disability. She receives Medicaid as an adult with disabilities, and her medical and other needs are very much supported and served through Medicaid. Medicaid supports her care coordination. It supports the medical and behavioral services that support her every day. It supports the day program that she attends, and the transportation to and from that day program. It also supports the care that we access at home and assists me in being able to sustain full-time employment and continue to take care of her as well. 

“Our sponsored employer healthcare plan Polly won’t be eligible for it because of her unique situation as a dependent adult; she would not qualify under our insurance. For us, Medicaid is an essential part of our lives and is an essential part of supporting Polly. Even if we were wealthy, we wouldn’t have what we need for Polly”.

Dyna, Palm Beach County, FL

“My mom is 66 years old and she has had multiple strokes. Due to the severity of the strokes, she became disabled, and she has been enrolled in a long-term care program through Medicaid. She relies on caregivers for her daily living because the stroke left her with left-side paralysis and also with aphasia. She forgot how to read, write, and speak. I call them the silent voices, people like my mom, who just suffer quietly.

“Medicaid has a really profound impact in my mom’s life, and mine as well. I am able to continue working, and have my mom also living her life. The caregivers have been really important for us because it allows my mom the safety to be alone, she is living through them (the caregivers) because she can not do anything by herself anymore.. If something were to happen, she can not call 911 to get help”.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: 

Aidil Oscariz, [email protected] 
Asheena Moses, [email protected]

***MEDIA ADVISORY: Tuesday, July 1 at 10 a.m.***

Florida Faith Leaders Undertake ‘Hail Mary’ Effort to Stop Massive Cuts to Health Care and Food Assistance

STATEWIDE, Fla. - Faith groups are sounding the alarm on the devastating impact that proposed federal cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) would have on Florida families.

This week, faith leaders will join Catalyst Miami and Florida Impact for a virtual press conference, during which speakers will call upon Florida’s congressional delegation to reject health care and food assistance cuts included in reconciliation legislation.

The Senate is expected to pass the bill by tonight or early tomorrow morning; after the Senate approves the bill, it will return to the House. According to Politico, “lawmakers have been advised the House could start voting on the bill as soon as 9 a.m. Wednesday."

WHO: Speakers-

• Rev. Sharon Austin- Florida United Methodist Justice Ministries

• Rev. Pam Dedea- United Methodist Temple

• Pastor. Willie Lawrence- Greater Missionary Baptist Church

• Rev. Catherine Montgomery and Rev. Cn. Beth Troflat, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and Outreach

• Rabbi Jessica Jacobs, Temple Beth Sholom 

WHAT: Virtual press conference featuring faith leaders opposed to health care and food assistance cuts

WHEN: Tuesday, July 1 at 10 a.m. (ET)

HOW TO RSVP: Click here to register. Members of the media: Please register in advance if you would like to participate in the Q&A. 

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Florida Impact is dedicated to advancing health equity by ending hunger for all Floridians. We mobilize communities to maximize access to federal, state, and local food and nutrition programs with a focus on Florida's most vulnerable populations.

Catalyst Miami is a nonprofit that works to build power with frontline communities throughout Miami-Dade County to collectively advance justice and achieve shared prosperity. This is how we move toward our ultimate vision of a just society where everyone can lead healthy, prosperous, self-determined lives. 

The proposed $9B increase follows two other recent rate hikes by FPL

FORT LAUDERDALE — Residents opposed to Florida Power & Light’s (FPL) proposed $9 billion rate hike – the largest in U.S. history – will voice their concerns at an upcoming town hall this Wednesday, April 9th at 6pm ET.

If approved, the proposed 23 percent rate increase would mark the second rate hike this year alone, following the 10 percent increase approved by the Florida Public Service Commission in December to cover the costs stemming from the 2024 hurricane season. It would also represent the third hike since 2021 when the PSC approved a 20 percent increase, which at the time was the largest in history, at $5 billion. Collectively, this means that Florida residents may soon be paying over $600 more annually for their energy bill than they were just five years ago.

WHO:

Catalyst Miami, Faith in Florida, Florida Rising, ReThink Energy, The CLEO Institute, Central Florida Jobs with Justice, Earth Ethics, Florida Student Power, local residents

WHAT:

Town Hall on High Utility Bills and FPL Rate Hike

WHEN: 

Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at 6pm ET

WHERE:

New Hope Baptist Church - 1321 NW 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311

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About Catalyst Miami

Founded in 1996 by Daniella Levine Cava, Catalyst Miami is a nonprofit that works to build power with frontline communities throughout Miami-Dade County to collectively advance justice and achieve shared prosperity. This is how we move toward our ultimate vision of a just society where everyone can lead healthy, prosperous, self-determined lives. Learn more about the organization at www.catalystmiami.org.

Media Contacts: 
Maria Claudia Schubert-Fontes, [email protected]