Transferring WIC from Ohio to Florida
Ask for one thing before the move: the VOC card. Federal WIC rules (7 CFR 246.7) require every state to accept it as proof of your certification. Once in Florida, Florida Department of Health transfers you in at an appointment — no new income screening until your current period ends.
Official Florida WIC agency: Florida Department of Health ↗
Your step-by-step checklist
Before you move
- 1
Ask your current WIC clinic for a VOC card
Before you leave Ohio, ask your local county WIC clinic for a Verification of Certification (VOC) card. Federal rules (7 CFR 246.7) require your new state to accept it, so your certification moves with you for the rest of its period. Ohio WIC operates through local agencies in all 88 counties; statewide clinic-appointment line: 1-800-686-1754.
Ohio Department of Health ↗
Moving week
- 2
Carry the VOC with your moving documents
Your current state's WIC food benefits stop working after you leave its issuing system, but the VOC keeps your certification alive.
After you arrive
- 3
Contact Florida Department of Health and book a transfer appointment
Bring the VOC and proof of your new address. With a valid VOC you are enrolled without a new income screening until your current certification period ends. Stated timing: up to 20 days.
Florida Department of Health ↗
Ohio vs Florida: the numbers that decide it
| Ohio (old state) | Florida (new state) | |
|---|---|---|
| Program name | Ohio WIC | Florida WIC |
| Agency | Ohio Department of Health | Florida Department of Health |
| Income limit | 185% of the federal poverty level (federal, same in every state) | 185% of the federal poverty level (federal, same in every state) |
| Accepts VOC transfer card | Yes (federally required) | Yes (federally required) |
Verified 2026-08-08 (Ohio) and 2026-08-08 (Florida) against the official sources cited below.
Moving with more than one benefit?
The checklist generator merges Medicaid, SNAP, WIC, unemployment, and TANF into one ordered to-do list for this exact move.
Build the full Ohio → Florida checklistCommon questions
What exactly is the VOC card?
The Verification of Certification is a document your current WIC clinic issues that proves you are certified. Federal rules (7 CFR 246.7) require every state agency to accept it, so Florida enrolls you without a new income screening until your certification period ends.
What if I forgot to get a VOC before leaving Ohio?
Call your old Ohio clinic — many can send the VOC or verify your certification for Florida Department of Health directly. If that fails, you can apply fresh in Florida; WIC's income limit is the same 185% of the federal poverty level in every state.
Will my Ohio WIC benefits card work in Florida?
No — WIC benefits are issued on each state's own system, so the Ohio card stops working. Your certification transfers via the VOC; Florida Department of Health reissues the food benefits on Florida's system.
Where do I actually apply in Florida?
Through Florida Department of Health. Official WIC pages for both states are cited at the bottom of this page.
Related guides
Official sources
Every fact above was checked against these official pages. Last verified.
- Ohio Department of Health WIC — accessed 2026-08-08
- Florida DOH — WIC — accessed 2026-08-08
- Florida DOH (Lee County) — Moving with WIC — accessed 2026-08-08