Section 8 Housing Florida 2024

Section 8 housing, a federal assistance program in the United States, provides rental assistance to low-income families. Section 8 housing in Florida, including how to apply, eligibility criteria, and the benefits it offers.

How to Apply for Section 8 in Florida

Table of Contents

Applying for Section 8 housing in Florida involves several steps:

Check Eligibility:
The first step is to check if you meet the eligibility criteria. This includes income limits which vary by county and are set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Application Process:
If eligible, you can apply through the local Public Housing Agency (PHA). The application requires details about your income, family composition, and current housing situation.

Waiting List:
Due to high demand, there may be a waiting list. Applicants are usually served on a first-come, first-served basis.

Selection:
Once your name reaches the top of the waiting list and funding is available, the PHA will contact you.

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Can a Single Person Qualify for Section 8?

Yes, a single person can qualify for Section 8. The program is not limited to families, and single individuals who meet the income, citizenship, and eviction history requirements can also qualify.

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Benefits of Section 8 Housing in Florida

Section 8 housing offers several benefits:

Affordability:
The program pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord, making housing more affordable for low-income households.

Choice:
Participants can choose any housing that meets the program requirements, including their present home.

Flexibility:
Vouchers are portable and can be used anywhere in the U.S. where a PHA administers a Section 8 program.

How long does it take to get approved for Section 8 in Florida?

The typical timeline for Section 8 approval in Florida is between two and four weeks. However, this timeline can vary based on location, individual circumstances, the availability of housing vouchers, and the number of applicants on the waiting list. It’s advisable to contact your local housing authority to inquire about the expected timeline for approval in your area.

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What happens if my income changes while I am in the program?

Yes, your income can change after you’re in the Section 8 program. However, it’s essential to report any changes in your income to your Public Housing Agency (PHA) promptly. Your rent subsidy is adjusted based on your current income, and failing to report changes can lead to overpayment or underpayment issues.

If your income increases significantly, it could affect your eligibility for the program. The income limits for Section 8 housing are set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and are updated annually1. If your income exceeds these limits, you may no longer qualify for the program.

Here are some examples of income changes that should be reported to the PHA:

Increased wages or salary
New employment
Unemployment
Social Security benefits
Child support or alimony payments
Retirement benefits
Disability benefits
Bonus or overtime pay

What happens if my landlord raises the rent?

If your landlord decides to raise the rent while you’re in the Section 8 program, they must first submit a request to the local Section 8 office. The rent increase can only be implemented once per year and it can only happen on your re-certification date. All tenants must receive a written 30-day notice of their rent increase for it to be valid.

In most circumstances, if the rent increase is approved, the Housing Authority will cover the increased amount, and it will not change the amount that you, as a tenant, have to pay. However, if the landlord requests an increase that is higher than the payment standard and it is approved, or if HUD lowers its fair market rents, you may be required to pay the extra rent on top of what has already been agreed upon. In these cases, tenants are required to have a 90-day written notice informing them of the increase

Can Section 8 help with utilities?

Yes, the Section 8 program can help with utilities. If you live in a Section 8 rental unit and have very little income, you may be eligible for a Utility Reimbursement to help you pay for any utilities that are not included in the rent and some churches also help in utilities expenses..

Participants in the Housing Choice Voucher Program, which is a part of Section 8, typically pay approximately 30% of their income for rent and utilities. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has defined Total Tenant Payment (TTP) for “rent” to include both shelter and the costs for reasonable amounts of utilities.

However, the exact procedures and benefits can vary by location and individual circumstances. It’s always a good idea to contact your local housing authority for the most accurate information.

Please note that these are general guidelines and do not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a professional for advice related to your specific situation.

How can I find affordable apartments in Florida?

Finding affordable apartments in Florida can be done through various online platforms. Here are some resources you can use:

Zillow

Zillow offers a wide range of cheap apartments for rent in Florida. You can filter the results based on your budget, preferred location, and other criteria.

RentCafe:
RentCafe lists cheap apartments for rent in Florida, with prices starting from $350. You can filter the results based on your preferences.

Affordable housing

This website provides listings of low-income apartments and affordable housing for rent in Florida.

Section 8 Florida eligibility criteria

The eligibility criteria for Section 8 housing in Florida are as follows:

Residency:
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or have eligible immigration status, and must be Florida residents.

Income Limits:
Section 8 eligibility is largely based on household income. Every year, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) establishes income limits based on county, median income, and family size.

The income limit is broken into three categories:

Low Income (80% of median income)

Very Low Income (50% of the median income)

Extremely Low Income (60% of the very low-income level/30% of the median income)

In most cases, a family’s household income must fall into the very low or extremely low categories to be eligible for Section 8 assistance.

Criminal History:
Applicants must have no recent convictions for drug-related or violent crimes.

Housing Requirements:
The Section 8 program will help pay for housing, but only if it meets the program requirements. Essentially, a housing unit must be safe and sanitary to be eligible. Section 8 voucher recipients are also required to pay 30% of their adjusted income towards the rent.

Please note that these are general guidelines and the exact procedures can vary by location and individual circumstances. It’s always a good idea to contact your local housing authority for the most accurate information.

Waiting Lists in Florida

Waiting lists for Section 8 housing in Florida can vary greatly depending on the demand and availability of housing vouchers in different areas. Here are some key points to note:

There are 106 housing authorities with voucher programs serving about 2,896,593 renter households in Florida. Over the last three years, there have been 43 waiting lists open in Florida. As of now, there are 2 open Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waiting lists in Florida.

The Miami-Dade County, Florida Section 8 Waiting List opened on February 5th, 2024, and closed on February 19th, 20241.

The Charlotte County, Florida Section 8 Waiting List opened on January 31st, 2024, and closed on February 21st, 20241.

Housing Authorities in Florida

There are numerous Housing Authorities in Florida that administer the Section 8 program and other affordable housing initiatives. Here are a few examples:

Jacksonville Housing Authority:
Located at 1300 Broad Street, Jacksonville, Florida 322021.
Orlando Housing Authority:
Located at 390 North Bumby Avenue, Orlando, Florida 328031.
Area Housing Commission:
Located at 1920 West Garden Street, Pensacola, Florida 325021.
Daytona Beach Housing Authority:
Located at 211 North Ridgewood Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida 321141.
Northwest Florida Regional Housing Authority:
Located at 5302 Brown Street, Graceville, Florida 324401.
Sanford Housing Authority:
Located at 94 Castle Brewer Court, Sanford, Florida 327711.
Panama City Housing Authority: Located at 2315 Ruth Hentz Avenue, Panama City, Florida 324051.

Fair Market Rents for Section 8 Housing in Florida

Fair Market Rents (FMRs) are used to determine payment standard amounts for the Housing Choice Voucher program, including Section 8 housing. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) annually estimates FMRs for metropolitan areas and nonmetropolitan counties.

In Florida, the maximum Section 8 payment varies depending on the location and size of the unit. For example, in Miami-Dade County, the maximum payment for a one-bedroom unit is $1,379, while the maximum payment for a four-bedroom unit is $2,513. In Hillsborough County, the maximum payment for a one-bedroom unit is $1,212, while the maximum payment for a four-bedroom unit is $2,2132.

Income Limits for Section 8 Housing in Florida

The income limits for Section 8 housing in Florida are primarily based on the median income for the area and the size of the household1. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sets these limits annually12. The income limit is broken into three categories:

Low Income: 80% of median income
Very Low Income: 50% of the median income
Extremely Low Income: 60% of the very low-income level or 30% of the median income
In most cases, a family’s household income must fall into the very low or extremely low categories to be eligible for Section 8 assistance. For example, in Miami-Dade County, a household of four must earn no more than $44,100 per year to qualify for Section 81.