04/05/2026
THE KEY INCOME-BASED METRICS OF POVERTY
Federal Poverty Level (FPL): The standard metric, where a household's annual cash income falls below guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (e.g., in 2017, a family of four was in poverty if earning below $24,300).
ALICE/Poverty Thresholds: Defined as the combined percentage of households that are either below the official poverty line or are ALICE (above the federal poverty line but unable to afford basic necessities like housing and childcare).
150% of FPL (School Readiness): It is advocated that eligibility for State benefits be adjusted, such as the School Readiness childcare program, from 150% of the FPL ($46,800 for a family of four) to 85% of the State Median Income, arguing the 150% FPL threshold forces a "fiscal cliff" where families lose benefits despite needing them.
"Fiscal Cliff" Effect: Defined as the poverty experience in terms of marginal income increases, where small raises for working families result in a net loss of benefits, specifically in childcare.
Key Findings in Recent Reports (2025–2026):
Childhood Poverty Rate: 16.5% of Florida's children (approximately 711,576) live in poverty.
Concentration: Poverty is highly concentrated, with roughly half of the state's children in poverty living in only 15% of Florida's zip codes.
TallyHunger.com
