Cocoa, FL

Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Cocoa, Florida

There is 1 open waiting list in the Cocoa area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Cocoa, Florida and updates statuses nightly. Below you will find every PHA in the area with current waitlist status, program types, and direct application links.

If no lists are currently open in Cocoa, we recommend applying to nearby cities as well. There is no limit to the number of waiting lists you can join, and many housing authorities accept applications from non-residents.

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Agencies
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Open Now
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Closed

Affordable Housing in Cocoa, Florida

Cocoa, Florida is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 1 waiting list is accepting applications in the Cocoa area. There are also 17 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.

Housing programs available in Cocoa include Mainstream, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Mainstream (1 open).

Latest Opening

Housing Authority of the City of Cocoa opened its Mainstream waitlist .

About Housing in Cocoa, Florida

For individuals and families seeking affordable housing assistance in Cocoa, Florida, the primary agency serving the area is the Housing Authority of the City of Cocoa. This authority currently manages four housing assistance programs. It is important for applicants to note that while one waiting list is presently open, three others are closed to new applications.

The open waiting list is specifically for the Mainstream program, which provides housing assistance. Programs for Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), and Public Housing are currently closed to new applicants. In total, there are approximately 221 assisted housing units available in the Cocoa area. Eligibility for assistance is based on income, among other factors. For example, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL MSA is $49,950 per year, as of FY2025. The Florida Housing Finance Corporation also works to expand housing opportunities statewide.

Applicants are encouraged to regularly monitor the Housing Authority of the City of Cocoa's announcements for any changes in waitlist status. When applying, it is crucial to prepare all necessary documentation and to submit accurate and complete information to ensure your application can be processed efficiently.

How to Apply for Section 8 in Cocoa

To apply for housing assistance in Cocoa, Florida, submit an application directly to Housing Authority of the City of Cocoa, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 1 waiting list is accepting applications — apply as soon as possible, as open enrollment periods can close with short notice. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

Before applying, gather the following documents for all household members: government-issued photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements), and proof of current address. For a family of four in this area, income must be below $49,950/year (Very Low Income threshold) to qualify for most programs. Having these ready before a waitlist opens can be the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.

Housing programs available in Cocoa include Mainstream, Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV). Applying to multiple program types simultaneously improves your chances of receiving assistance. After submitting, you will be placed on the waiting list based on the date of your application and any applicable preferences (veterans, elderly, disabled, working families, or local residents).

Cocoa, Florida Section 8 Income Limits

To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Cocoa, Florida, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $49,950 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $99,900.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $21,000 $35,000 $55,950
2 Persons $24,000 $40,000 $63,950
3 Persons $27,000 $45,000 $71,950
4 Persons $32,150 $49,950 $79,900
5 Persons $37,650 $53,950 $86,300
6 Persons $43,150 $57,950 $92,700
7 Persons $48,650 $61,950 $99,100
8 Persons $54,150 $65,950 $105,500
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $99,900 Effective April 1, 2025
How do income limits affect my eligibility?

Housing authorities in Cocoa use these income limits to determine who qualifies for rental assistance. Your total household income before taxes is compared against the limit for your household size.

Very Low Income (50% AMI) — Most Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and Public Housing programs require your income to be at or below this level. This is the primary eligibility threshold.

Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households at this level often receive priority on waiting lists. By law, housing authorities must allocate a portion of vouchers to extremely low-income families.

Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and locally funded initiatives, accept applicants up to this threshold. Contact individual housing authorities below for their specific requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there open Section 8 waiting lists in Cocoa?
Yes — there are currently 1 open waiting list in Cocoa, Florida. Click into any housing authority above marked "Open" for application details and official portal links.
Can I apply for Section 8 in Cocoa if I don't live there?
In most cases, yes. While some PHAs give preference to local residents, there is no federal rule requiring you to live in a city to apply for its waiting list. Many applicants apply to housing authorities in multiple cities and states simultaneously to increase their chances of receiving assistance.
How long is the wait for Section 8 in Cocoa?
Wait times vary depending on demand, funding, and your priority status. National averages range from 6 months to 5+ years. Cocoa wait times depend on the specific housing authority and program type. Contact the PHA directly for current estimates, and consider applying to multiple PHAs to improve your chances.
All housing authorities in Florida