Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Key West, Florida
All waiting lists in Key West are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving Key West, 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 Key West, 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.
Affordable Housing in Key West, Florida
Key West, Florida is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Key West are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical.
Housing programs available in Key West include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), RAD, Mainstream.
Get Notified When Lists Open
No waitlists are currently open near Key West. We check every housing authority nightly and can notify you the moment something opens. Sign up for real-time alerts.
About Housing in Key West, Florida
Key West, Florida is served by two primary housing authorities: the Housing Authority of the City of Key West and the Monroe County Housing Authority. These agencies collectively manage approximately 1,103 assisted housing units in the area. Currently, all seven known affordable housing waiting lists are closed, with no new applications being accepted at this time.
Residents in Key West may find various types of housing assistance programs available, including Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, Affordable Housing programs, RAD, and Mainstream vouchers. While these programs exist, their specific waiting lists are presently closed. For prospective applicants, the very low-income limit for a family of four in Monroe County, FL, for Fiscal Year 2025 is $65,150 annually, which indicates a common income eligibility threshold for many of these programs.
Individuals seeking affordable housing in Key West are advised to regularly check the official websites of the Housing Authority of the City of Key West and the Monroe County Housing Authority for any updates regarding future waiting list openings. The Florida Housing Finance Corporation also serves as the state housing agency, providing broader resources and information on housing initiatives across Florida. Proactive monitoring of these local resources is crucial given the current closure of all local waiting lists.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Key West
To apply for housing assistance in Key West, Florida, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the Key West area (listed above). All waitlists are currently closed, but openings happen with as little as 48 hours 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 $65,150/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 Key West include other, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, Other, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), RAD, Affordable Housing, Mainstream. 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).
Key West, Florida Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Key West, Florida, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Monroe County, FL area. A family of four must earn less than $65,150 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $118,000.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $27,400 | $45,650 | $73,000 |
| 2 Persons | $31,300 | $52,100 | $83,400 |
| 3 Persons | $35,200 | $58,650 | $93,850 |
| 4 Persons | $39,100 | $65,150 | $104,250 |
| 5 Persons | $42,250 | $70,350 | $112,600 |
| 6 Persons | $45,400 | $75,550 | $120,950 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $80,800 | $129,300 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $86,000 | $137,650 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Key West 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.