Unlike SNAP, Medicaid, and cash assistance, housing assistance in Florida is not applied for through ACCESS Florida. Each county or city is served by its own local Public Housing Authority (PHA), and you apply directly with that agency.
Before you apply: Waitlists for Section 8 vouchers commonly close for extended periods due to high demand — sometimes for years. Always check directly with your local housing authority for current status.
Two main programs
Housing Choice Vouchers vs. Public Housing
Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
This program helps low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities afford housing in the private rental market. Participants find their own housing, and the voucher covers a portion of the rent paid directly to the landlord.
Public Housing
This program provides rental housing directly through units owned and managed by the local housing authority, at rents residents can afford based on income.
Get started
How to apply
- Find your local housing authority — visit your county page for the specific agency serving your area.
- Check current waitlist status by calling directly, since many waitlists open only periodically.
- Submit a written application when the waitlist is open, providing income, asset, and household composition documentation.
- Wait to be contacted — when your name reaches the top of the list, the housing authority verifies eligibility before issuing a voucher or unit offer.
HUD Florida resource line: 1-800-955-2232