Florida has one of the highest demands for rental assistance in the country. Between rising rents in Miami, Orlando, and Tampa, and a limited supply of affordable units, the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program remains one of the most sought-after benefits in the state. This guide covers who qualifies in 2026, what the income limits look like across different Florida counties, and how to get on a waiting list.
What Is Section 8 in Florida?
Section 8 is the federal Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and managed locally by Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) throughout Florida. When you receive a voucher, you pay a portion of your rent and the PHA pays the difference directly to your landlord.
Florida has dozens of PHAs, including the Miami-Dade Public Housing and Community Development department, the Orlando Housing Authority, the Tampa Housing Authority, and many county and city-level authorities. Each PHA manages its own waitlist and sets local payment standards, but all follow HUD's federal eligibility rules.
Who Qualifies for Section 8 in Florida?
To be eligible for the Housing Choice Voucher program in Florida, you must meet all of the following requirements.
Income Limits
Your household's gross income must fall below HUD's income limits for your area. Section 8 uses Area Median Income (AMI), not the Federal Poverty Level. HUD sets limits at three tiers:
- 30% AMI: Extremely low income. HUD requires PHAs to give at least 75% of new vouchers to households at or below this threshold.
- 50% AMI: Very low income. The standard maximum to receive a voucher when first issued.
- 80% AMI: Low income. Generally not eligible for initial voucher issuance, but relevant for other HUD programs.
Income limits vary significantly by county because local median incomes differ. Here are examples from several Florida counties at the 50% AMI threshold (effective April 2025, used for 2026 program year):
Miami-Dade County (50% AMI Income Limits)
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 person | $43,400 |
| 2 persons | $49,550 |
| 3 persons | $55,750 |
| 4 persons | $61,950 |
| 5 persons | $66,950 |
| 6 persons | $71,900 |
| 7 persons | $76,850 |
| 8 persons | $81,800 |
Leon County / Tallahassee (50% AMI Income Limits)
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 person | $32,250 |
| 2 persons | $36,950 |
| 3 persons | $41,550 |
| 4 persons | $46,150 |
| 5 persons | $49,850 |
| 6 persons | $53,550 |
| 7 persons | $57,250 |
| 8 persons | $60,950 |
For other Florida counties, look up your area's limits at the HUD Income Limits database or contact your local PHA directly.
Citizenship and Immigration Status
At least one member of the household must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. Eligible non-citizens include lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, and certain other immigration categories. You will need to provide documentation for each household member, such as a Social Security card, U.S. passport, or alien registration documents.
Mixed-status households (where some members are eligible and some are not) may still receive a prorated benefit based on the number of eligible members.
Social Security Numbers
All household members who are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens must provide valid Social Security numbers. Certain elderly individuals and those with specific immigration circumstances may be exempt.
Criminal Background
A criminal history does not automatically disqualify you, but certain convictions do. You are ineligible if any household member:
- Has been convicted of manufacturing or producing methamphetamine on federally assisted housing premises
- Is subject to a lifetime sex offender registration requirement
For other felonies or drug-related convictions, the PHA reviews the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation. Most PHAs look at activity within the past 3 to 5 years. Each housing authority has its own written standards, so the outcome can vary.
Eviction History
Being evicted from a Section 8 unit for drug-related criminal activity makes you ineligible for three years from the date of eviction. Voluntary repayment of any amounts owed to a PHA may help restore eligibility in some cases.
Florida-Specific Priority Groups
Florida PHAs are allowed to give priority to certain applicants. Common priority categories include:
- Families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness
- Victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking
- Veterans and their families
- Residents being displaced by public housing demolition or renovation
- Families with extremely low incomes (at or below 30% AMI)
Priority status does not guarantee faster processing in all PHAs, but it can move you up the waitlist in jurisdictions that use a preference system. Check with your local PHA to see which preferences apply.
What Counts as Income?
HUD counts most regular income sources when determining eligibility. This includes:
- Wages, salaries, and tips
- Self-employment income (net after business expenses)
- Social Security, SSI, and SSDI payments
- Child support and alimony received
- Pension and retirement income
- Unemployment compensation
- Net rental income
Income sources that are generally not counted include tax refunds, one-time gifts, foster care payments, and certain educational scholarships or grants.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Florida
Because Section 8 is administered locally, you apply to a specific PHA, not a central state office. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Find open waitlists.
The biggest challenge with Section 8 in Florida is that most waitlists are closed most of the time. Start by checking which PHAs currently have open waitlists. Resources like HUD's PHA directory and AffordableHousing.com track open lists. You can also call individual PHAs directly.
Step 2: Apply to multiple PHAs.
You do not need to live in a PHA's jurisdiction to apply. Florida residents can apply to any PHA in the state. Applying to multiple open lists increases your chances significantly.
Step 3: Submit your application.
Applications can be completed online, by mail, or in person depending on the PHA. You will typically need:
- Proof of identity for all household members (photo ID, birth certificates)
- Social Security cards for all household members
- Proof of current address
- Income documentation (recent pay stubs, benefit award letters, tax returns)
- Immigration documents if applicable
Step 4: Wait for your name to be called.
Florida's Section 8 waitlists are long. Depending on the PHA, wait times range from several months to many years. Some large PHAs like Miami-Dade use a lottery system to assign waitlist positions when lists open.
Step 5: Attend your eligibility interview.
When your name reaches the top of the list, the PHA will contact you for a formal eligibility interview. Bring all required documentation. The PHA will verify your income, household size, and eligibility status at that time.
Step 6: Receive your voucher and find housing.
Once issued a voucher, you typically have 60 to 120 days to find a qualifying rental unit. The unit must:
- Pass a HUD Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection
- Have rent that is reasonable compared to similar units in the area
- Have a landlord willing to participate in the program
You can use your voucher at any qualifying private rental unit in Florida, or port it to another state if needed.
Florida PHAs With Major Section 8 Programs
Here are some of the largest PHAs managing Housing Choice Vouchers in Florida:
| PHA | Area Served | Contact |
|---|
| Miami-Dade PHCD | Miami-Dade County | (786) 469-4100 |
| Orlando Housing Authority | Orlando area | (407) 895-3300 |
| Tampa Housing Authority | Tampa area | (813) 341-9101 |
| Jacksonville Housing | Duval County | (904) 630-3892 |
| Broward County Housing Authority | Broward County | (954) 739-1114 |
| Palm Beach County Housing Authority | Palm Beach County | (561) 684-2626 |
| Hialeah Housing Authority | City of Hialeah | (305) 888-9744 |
How Much Rent Assistance Will You Get?
The amount of assistance you receive depends on two things: the Payment Standard set by your local PHA and your household's adjusted gross income.
PHAs set Payment Standards as a percentage of HUD's Fair Market Rents (FMRs) for the area. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent. The voucher covers the difference, up to the payment standard. If you choose a unit with rent above the payment standard, you pay the extra amount out of pocket.
Florida's coastal metros have some of the highest Fair Market Rents in the state. HUD updates FMRs annually. For 2026 FMR figures by county, check HUD's Fair Market Rents page.
Using the Screener to Check Your Eligibility
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free eligibility check at benefitsusa.org/screener. The screener checks your household against multiple programs, including Section 8, in a few minutes. It does not require a Social Security number or create any application on your behalf.
You can also visit the Florida benefits overview page to see what other assistance programs may be available based on your situation, including SNAP, Medicaid, and utility assistance through LIHEAP.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for Section 8 in Florida in 2026?
Income limits vary by county and household size. In general, you must earn no more than 50% of the Area Median Income for your county to receive a voucher initially. For a family of four in Miami-Dade, that is approximately $61,950 per year. In Tallahassee, it is approximately $46,150. Check HUD's database or your local PHA for the exact limit in your area.
Can I apply for Section 8 if I have an eviction on my record?
Yes, in most cases. A general eviction does not automatically disqualify you. However, if you were evicted from a Section 8 unit specifically for drug-related criminal activity, you are ineligible for three years from the eviction date. Other evictions are reviewed by the PHA on a case-by-case basis.
How long is the Section 8 waitlist in Florida?
It depends heavily on the PHA. Some smaller housing authorities in rural Florida may have shorter lists. Larger urban PHAs in Miami, Orlando, and Tampa often have waitlists measured in years, and some keep their lists closed for extended periods. The average open-list window in Florida has been around 253 days historically.
Do I have to live in Florida to apply to a Florida PHA?
No. You can apply to any PHA in the state regardless of where you currently live. You also do not have to live in the PHA's service area before applying. This matters because it allows you to apply to multiple open lists at once.
Can I use my Florida voucher in another state?
Yes. This is called "portability." Once your voucher is issued and you have used it in Florida for at least 12 months (the initial lease term), you can request to port it to another state. The receiving PHA must agree to absorb or bill your original PHA.
Does Section 8 cover the full rent?
No. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted gross monthly income toward rent. The voucher covers the remainder, up to the local Payment Standard. If your chosen unit costs more than the Payment Standard, you cover the difference in addition to your 30% share.
What happens if my income changes after I receive a voucher?
You are required to report income changes to your PHA. Your benefit amount will be recalculated. If your income rises above the program limits, you may lose eligibility at your next annual recertification. If your income drops, your subsidy may increase.
Are undocumented immigrants eligible for Section 8?
No. Section 8 requires at least one household member to be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. Undocumented individuals are not eligible. Mixed-status households may receive a prorated benefit based only on the eligible members of the household.
What documents do I need to apply?
You will typically need government-issued photo ID for adults, birth certificates or other identity documents for children, Social Security cards for all household members, recent pay stubs or benefit award letters showing income, and immigration documents for non-citizen household members. Exact requirements vary by PHA.
Where can I find currently open Section 8 waitlists in Florida?
Check the HUD PHA directory for Florida at hud.gov/states/florida, or use tracking sites like AffordableHousing.com and AffordableHousingOnline.com that list open and upcoming waitlists by state.
