Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Key West, Florida
There are 4 open waiting lists in the Key West area right now. 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. Right now, 4 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Key West area.
Housing programs available in Key West include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Mainstream, RAD.
Latest Opening
Housing Authority of the City of Key West opened its Affordable Housing (Seniors) waitlist on Apr 27, 2026.
About Housing in Key West, Florida
Federal rental assistance in Key West, Monroe County is administered by 2 housing authorities: Housing Authority of the City of Key West and Monroe County Housing Authority. Together they administer roughly 1,103 assisted housing units — 640 public housing units and 463 Housing Choice Vouchers.
Section 8 Waitlist tracks 16 waiting lists across these agencies. As of Feb 10, 2026, 4 are accepting applications.
HUD sets income eligibility for this area as Monroe County, FL. A four-person household qualifies as Very Low Income at or below $65,150 per year, and as Low Income at or below $104,250 (HUD FY2025 limits).
Housing Authorities in Key West
Housing Authority of the City of Key West
Key West, Florida · FL013
Monroe County Housing Authority
Key West, Florida · FL144
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). Right now, 4 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 $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 Affordable Housing (Seniors), Affordable Housing (Old Town - Geraldine Complex), Affordable Housing (Geraldine Street Complex), Affordable Housing (Senior), Other - Poinciana Gardens Senior Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Other Senior and Disabled, Public Housing, Senior/Disabled Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Other, RAD, 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.