Is a 4th Stimulus Check Coming to Floridians? Here’s What You Should Know
No surprise checks have been approved — but proposals and rumors keep circulating. This guide explains what's real, what isn't, and what Floridians should watch for.
Introduction — why this matters
Money in the mail changes lives. For many Floridians — juggling rent, groceries, and rising utility bills — the idea of a surprise federal check is appealing. But policy is procedural: bills must pass both chambers of Congress and be signed by the President before the Treasury and IRS can pay out anything.
Stimulus checks vs rebates — short primer
Quick definitions matter because the proposals you read about in social posts are often rebates (tax credits) dressed up as “stimulus checks.” That nuance affects who qualifies, how fast money arrives, and who administers the payments.
A quick history: the three COVID-era stimulus payments
We received three major rounds of Economic Impact Payments during the pandemic. Below is a visual timeline you can scan at a glance.
These were enacted by Congress (CARES Act, December 2020 relief, American Rescue Plan). If you missed claiming parts of the third payment, taxpayers had until April 15, 2025 to claim through the Recovery Rebate Credit.
What the rumor mill is saying (and why to be skeptical)
Social posts claim amounts between $1,390 and $5,000 — but no payment is scheduled. The Internal Revenue Service and major fact-checkers have said taxpayers should not expect surprise checks without Congressional authorization.
Fact-check: AP reported the IRS said no new stimulus checks would be issued in the summer of 2025. (See Sources.)
The American Worker Rebate Act of 2025 — the most concrete proposal
Senator Josh Hawley introduced S.2475 (the American Worker Rebate Act of 2025). It would use tariff revenue to fund rebates — a refundable tax credit of at least $600 per eligible person.
Status: introduced in the Senate (S.2475) and referred to committee — not yet law. Any distribution would require passage by both chambers and the President’s signature.
Why passing another round of checks is difficult
Even popular ideas can stall because of budget constraints, inflation concerns, and political disagreements. Bills must be scored (e.g., CBO), negotiated, and funded; that takes time and votes.
What this means for Floridians
Florida has not announced a statewide “inflation relief” or stimulus check program akin to a few other states. If the federal government approves a rebate, Floridians would be eligible under the same federal rules as residents of other states.
Scam warning — how to protect yourself
Scams spike whenever new benefits are rumored. The IRS and FTC publish guidance: never give personal data to an unsolicited caller or click links in suspicious messages.
Outlook — short, medium, and political factors
Short term (late 2025): unlikely. The Hawley bill is an introduced bill, not law. Medium term: possible but uncertain if tariff revenue and bipartisan support align. Politically, the idea of rebates can resurface around elections, but passage requires compromise.
Economist viewpoint: Targeted relief (credits for the poor, energy assistance) tends to be more effective and politically durable than broad, one-off payments.
FAQ — quick answers
- Q: Is the IRS sending a 4th stimulus check?
- A: No — the IRS has not announced any new federal stimulus payments. See IRS Newsroom.
- Q: What is the American Worker Rebate Act?
- A: A Senate bill (S.2475) proposing rebates funded by tariffs; introduced in 2025 but not passed. Read the bill text at Congress.gov.
- Q: Can Florida issue its own check?
- A: States can issue refunds or rebates, but Florida has not announced any statewide inflation rebate as of Sep 27, 2025.
- Q: Where can I check my federal refund?
- A: Use the IRS Where’s My Refund? tool.
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