Who will be getting $450 checks in the mail in Florida, and when are they arriving?

Florida families, be on the lookout. A $450 check may be in your mailbox.

The one-time, $450-per-child payment will help about 59,000 families in the state amid rising inflation. The money can be used for anything, but the state recommends it be used for back-to-school expenses or filling up at the pump, according to a letter signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The checks are part of first lady Casey DeSantis’ Hope Florida — A Pathway to Prosperity initiative, which aims to empower foster and adoptive families in the state and create public-private partnerships. The program was unveiled in a July release.

The checks are making their way to mailboxes as Florida observes a back-to-school tax holiday, which runs through Aug. 7.

The $35.5 million used to provide the checks came from a COVID-19 stimulus package, which allocated $1 billion to assist needy families affected by the pandemic.

Not everyone is eligible for a check, according to information provided by Beatriz Lopez de Martinez, Florida Department of Children and Families’ south region spokeswoman.

The money will be sent to select foster parents, relative and non-relative caregivers, guardianship assistance program participants and families receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. Checks will be mailed directly to the families and will arrive before the end of the tax holiday.

“We are going beyond government by bringing community partners to the table to meet the needs of foster and adoptive families,” Casey DeSantis said. “I am on a mission to make sure that no child in Florida goes without hope, happiness and a home.“

Want to know more?

People with questions about the checks can call 850-300-4323.