Fort Lauderdale, FL

Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

There are 2 open waiting lists in the Fort Lauderdale area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Fort Lauderdale, 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 Fort Lauderdale, 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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Open Now
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Closed

Affordable Housing in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Fort Lauderdale, Florida is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 2 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Fort Lauderdale area. There are also 8 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.

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

Latest Opening

Housing Authority of the City of Fort Lauderdale opened its Public Housing waitlist .

About Housing in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Fort Lauderdale, Florida is served by dedicated resources to help residents access affordable housing. The primary entity managing these programs locally is the Housing Authority of the City of Fort Lauderdale (HACFL). Across the area, there are approximately 3,405 assisted housing units available, demonstrating the community's commitment to providing housing support.

As of now, the Housing Authority of the City of Fort Lauderdale currently has two open waiting lists and two closed ones. Programs with open waiting lists include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) and Public Housing. Other vital programs offered in the area, such as Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) and the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program, currently have closed waiting lists. Income eligibility is a key factor; for instance, a family of four seeking very low income housing assistance in Fort Lauderdale would need an income at or below $57,650 per year (based on FY2025 limits).

Prospective applicants should regularly check with the HACFL for updates and specific application details. Additionally, the Florida Housing Finance Corporation serves as the state housing agency, offering further information and resources related to affordable housing initiatives throughout Florida.

How to Apply for Section 8 in Fort Lauderdale

To apply for housing assistance in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, submit an application directly to Housing Authority of the City of Fort Lauderdale, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 2 waiting lists are 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 $57,650/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 Fort Lauderdale include Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), RAD, 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).

Fort Lauderdale, Florida Section 8 Income Limits

To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Fort Lauderdale, FL HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $57,650 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $96,200.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $24,250 $40,350 $64,550
2 Persons $27,700 $46,100 $73,800
3 Persons $31,150 $51,850 $83,000
4 Persons $34,600 $57,650 $92,200
5 Persons $37,650 $62,250 $99,600
6 Persons $43,150 $66,900 $107,000
7 Persons $48,650 $71,500 $114,350
8 Persons $54,150 $76,100 $121,750
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $96,200 Effective April 1, 2025
How do income limits affect my eligibility?

Housing authorities in Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale?
Yes — there are currently 2 open waiting lists in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Click into any housing authority above marked "Open" for application details and official portal links.
Can I apply for Section 8 in Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale?
Wait times vary depending on demand, funding, and your priority status. National averages range from 6 months to 5+ years. Fort Lauderdale 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