Fla. wins $11.5 million food stamp bonus

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida's food stamp program has been named the nation's most accurate in paying benefits for the second year in a row, earning an $11.5 million bonus from the federal government.

The Florida Department of Children and Families on Monday also announced its program has been rated the most improved in a separate category - handing benefit denials and closures. Two years ago, Florida was most improved in payment accuracy.

Florida's award is the largest ever given to a state since the U.S. Department of Agriculture started the bonus program in 2003.

Florida's program is the nation's fourth largest, providing more than $4 billion in benefits to more than 3.5 million people last year.