Last Updated

22 hours ago

About Housing Authority of the City of Key West

The Housing Authority of the City of Key West (PHA Code: FL013) is located in Key West, Monroe County, Florida. It manages approximately 849 assisted housing units, including 259 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) and 590 Public Housing units.

Currently, all waiting lists for the Housing Authority of the City of Key West are closed. This includes programs such as Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, and other available programs like Affordable Housing, Mainstream Vouchers, and RAD, which also have closed waiting lists at this time.

Prospective applicants should note that the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Monroe County, FL area is $65,150 per year. Given the current closed status of all waiting lists, applicants will need to monitor the Housing Authority directly for any future announcements regarding openings.

Other Programs

8 programs

These programs are administered by this housing authority but do not have active waitlist openings at this time. Statuses are verified nightly and subscribers will be notified when changes are detected.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
Closed

The waiting list was last opened for one week in April 2015 and accepted applications by mail, placing 100 qualified applicants on the list by random lottery.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Other
Closed

The Poinciana Gardens Senior Housing waiting list for 1st and 2nd floor affordable housing units is currently closed and serves seniors and individuals with disabilities.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV)
Closed

The waiting list for Garden View Apartments 1-bedroom units on Stock Island, a Project-Based Voucher program, has closed to new applications.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Public Housing
Closed

The waitlist for Jack T. Murray Senior Citizen Complex (1 and 2-bedroom units for seniors) opened on March 19, 2026, but is currently closed. HUD income limitations apply, and Local and Working Preferences are available.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Official Portal
other
Closed

The Poinciana Gardens Senior Housing waiting list for 1st and 2nd floor affordable housing units is currently closed. This property serves seniors and individuals with disabilities in Key West, Florida. For information about when the waiting list may reopen, contact the Housing Authority at (305)...

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Affordable Housing
Pending

The Housing Authority of the City of Key West, Florida, currently owns and operates 581 affordable housing units. These properties have income requirements and are available to low to moderate-income families. To apply, visit the Housing Manager Portal online. Applicants without online access may...

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Official Portal
Mainstream Voucher
Pending

Mainstream Vouchers provide rental assistance specifically for non-elderly persons with disabilities. The program helps individuals transition out of institutional settings or avoid institutionalization by subsidizing housing costs in the private market.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD)
Pending

No active waitlist information is currently available for the Rental Assistance Demonstration program.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.

Status History

Public Housing Closed 2 days ago
Public Housing Opened 2 days ago
Public Housing Closed 3 days ago
Public Housing Opened 5 days ago
PBV Closed Mar 27, 2026
Public Housing Closed Mar 25, 2026
Public Housing Opening Soon Mar 23, 2026
Public Housing Opened Mar 21, 2026
PBV Opened Mar 20, 2026
PBV Closed Feb 27, 2026
HCV Closed Feb 26, 2026
Public Housing Closed Feb 24, 2026
HCV Opened Feb 24, 2026
Public Housing unknown Feb 19, 2026
HCV Closed Feb 19, 2026
Public Housing Closed Feb 18, 2026
HCV Closed Feb 18, 2026

Official Application

Apply directly through the official Housing Authority of the City of Key West portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

Go to Official Site

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 1400 Kennedy Dr
City Key West, FL 33040
PHA Code FL013
Section 8 Units 259
Public Housing Units 590

Important Notices

  • Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.

  • Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.

How to Apply at Housing Authority of the City of Key West

1

Check Current Status

All 5 waiting lists at Housing Authority of the City of Key West are currently closed. Lists typically open with short notice — sometimes as little as 48 hours. The status at the top of this page is updated nightly.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Housing Authority of the City of Key West, you will typically need: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. For a family of four, income must be below $65,150/year to qualify in this area. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.

3

Submit Your Application

Apply directly through the official Housing Authority of the City of Key West portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf. If applying online, take a screenshot of your confirmation page for your records.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Housing Authority of the City of Key West, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Housing Authority of the City of Key West manages approximately 849 assisted housing units (259 Section 8, 590 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Key West. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Housing Authority of the City of Key West

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Housing Authority of the City of Key West provides rental assistance that allows you to choose any privately-owned rental unit that meets program requirements. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remainder up to the Fair Market Rent for Key West. This program serves approximately 259 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

Other closed

The Other program at Housing Authority of the City of Key West provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Key West. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

PBV Project-Based Voucher closed

Project-Based Vouchers at Housing Authority of the City of Key West are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Key West. Unlike the standard Housing Choice Voucher, PBV assistance stays with the property — not with you. However, after one year of occupancy, you may request a standard portable voucher. PBV waitlists often move faster because fewer applicants know about them.

Public Housing Public Housing closed

Public Housing units at Housing Authority of the City of Key West are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Housing Authority of the City of Key West manages approximately 590 Public Housing units in Key West. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.

other closed

The other program at Housing Authority of the City of Key West provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Key West. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Affordable Housing closed

The Affordable Housing program at Housing Authority of the City of Key West provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Key West. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed

Mainstream Vouchers at Housing Authority of the City of Key West are specifically designated for non-elderly individuals with disabilities. These vouchers work like standard HCVs but are reserved for this population and often have separate, shorter waitlists.

RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration closed

The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Housing Authority of the City of Key West converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Key West maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Housing Authority of the City of Key West free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Housing Authority of the City of Key West administers 8 programs (HCV, Other, PBV, Public Housing, other, Affordable Housing, Mainstream, RAD) — none of which charge an application fee. If any website or person asks you to pay money to apply, it is a scam. Always apply directly through the housing authority's official portal or in person at their office at 1400 Kennedy Dr, Key West, FL.
How long is the wait at Housing Authority of the City of Key West?
Wait times at Housing Authority of the City of Key West depend on demand in Key West, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 849 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on April 5, 2026 when the Public Housing list changed from "open" to "closed." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Housing Authority of the City of Key West directly for current estimated wait times.
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of housing authority waiting lists you can join simultaneously. There are 1 other housing authorities within 100 miles of Housing Authority of the City of Key West, including Monroe County Housing Authority (2 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in Florida and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in Florida.
How do I contact Housing Authority of the City of Key West?
You can reach Housing Authority of the City of Key West by phone at (305) 296-5621. Their office is located at 1400 Kennedy Dr, Key West, FL 33040. You can also email them at sterlingr@kwha.org. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Housing Authority of the City of Key West?
Income limits for Housing Authority of the City of Key West are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Monroe County, FL (currently $118,000). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $65,150. Most Section 8 and Public Housing programs require your household income to be at or below this level. See the full income limits table below.

Housing Authority of the City of Key West Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Housing Authority of the City of Key West are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Monroe County, FL. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $65,150. Limits are set annually by HUD and vary by household size.

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
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $118,000 Effective April 1, 2025
What do these income limits mean?

Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. This is the threshold for the lowest-income tier of assistance. Many housing authorities give preference to applicants at this level.

Very Low Income (50% AMI) — The standard eligibility threshold for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and most Public Housing programs. Your household income must be at or below this limit to qualify.

Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and certain local initiatives, use this higher threshold. Check with this housing authority for specific program requirements.

Nearby Housing Authorities

Applying to multiple housing authorities increases your chances of receiving assistance. These PHAs are closest to Housing Authority of the City of Key West — including across state lines.