Application Instructions for Florida Section 8
Step 1
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides Florida Section 8 services through the Public Housing Authority (PHA). Households that include individuals, as well as families, can apply for assistance to pay for decent housing. This program is managed at a local level in cities across Florida by PHA offices.
To qualify for a Florida Section 8 Program, you must meet a low-income. If you do qualify, you can be enrolled in the Housing Choice Voucher Program. This allows you to:
- Live in subsidized housing projects
- Rent a privately-owned apartment, townhome, condo, or single family home
With the Housing Choice Voucher Program, you are required to live in a place that is safe and sanitary according to HUD and Florida PHA stipulations. This can be either project-based housing or a private residence. You have the choice on whether to live in subsidized housing or in private housing, based on availability in your area.
Florida Section 8 requires households to pay up to 30 percent of their adjusted income toward rent. An adjusted income is the amount of money remaining after all other expenses have been paid for the month. These expenses typically include utilities and food. When you apply for Section 8 in Florida you will receive a stipend based on your household adjusted income over time. If your household income were to increase, it is your responsibility to contact your local PHA office to update your information.
Who can Qualify for Section 8?
The main purpose of Section 8 assistance in Florida is to provide affordable access to housing. As such, you must be unable to afford housing with your household income. This is calculated according to how much each household member over 18 earns. The household income must be considered low-income to be applicable for Florida Section 8. Check the Income Limits Summary to determine what level your household income meets.
When you apply for Section 8 you must also meet other requirements as set by HUD for all Section 8 programs. These include your:
- Age
- State of residence
- Citizenship status
- Previous rental history
- Assets
- Criminal background
In theory, if you are over 18, low-income, a full-time resident of Florida, and a US citizen with no assets and a clean background and rental history, then you will be eligible to apply for Florida Section 8. Keep in mind priority is granted to individuals or households with special needs, such as disabilities or an elderly individual. Additionally, households considered as very low-income or extremely low-income are going to receive priority over low-income households.
How to Apply
Contact a Florida PHA office in your city or region to apply for the Florida Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. Note that some of the PHA offices only handle Section 8, while others strictly work with low-rent and subsidy housing. You may want to apply for each type of affordable housing assistance to increase your chances of getting approved more quickly. Also note that you will likely be placed on a waiting list as Section 8 assistance is limited in availability.
Some Florida Section 8 waiting lists are always open to applicants. These include:
- Brevard County
- Washington County
There are other waiting lists in Florida that have been closed indefinitely. When you submit your application, if you are placed on a waiting list, the PHA office will provide you with additional details. You can keep up with the waiting list announcements by checking with your PHA office or in your local newspaper. After you are taken off the waiting list and approved for Florida Section 8 services, it is time to find an affordable rental in Florida.
If you would like additional information contact the Miami Field Office or Jacksonville Field Office for your local HUD provider.