Lake City, FL

Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Lake City, Florida

There is 1 open waiting list in the Lake City area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Lake City, 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 Lake City, 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 Lake City, Florida

Lake City, 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 Lake City area. There are also 3 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.

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

Latest Opening

Columbia County Housing Authority opened its Public Housing waitlist .

About Housing in Lake City, Florida

Affordable housing assistance in Lake City, Florida, is primarily administered by the Columbia County Housing Authority. This agency manages approximately 80 assisted housing units within the area. Currently, one waiting list is open for new applications, while another is closed.

The Columbia County Housing Authority offers several programs designed to assist low-income families. These include Public Housing, Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Mainstream Vouchers, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), and Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) programs. While most program waitlists are currently closed, the Public Housing program is accepting applications. Eligibility for these programs depends on various factors, including income. For instance, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Columbia County area is $38,300 per year for Fiscal Year 2025. The state housing agency overseeing these efforts is the Florida Housing Finance Corporation.

Individuals seeking assistance should contact the Columbia County Housing Authority directly for detailed information on program availability, specific eligibility criteria, and application procedures. It is advisable to check regularly for updates on waiting list statuses, as these can change.

How to Apply for Section 8 in Lake City

To apply for housing assistance in Lake City, Florida, submit an application directly to Columbia County Housing Authority, 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 $38,300/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 Lake City include Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Mainstream, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), RAD. 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).

Lake City, Florida Section 8 Income Limits

To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Lake City, Florida, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Columbia County, FL area. A family of four must earn less than $38,300 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $71,900.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $16,100 $26,850 $42,950
2 Persons $21,150 $30,650 $49,050
3 Persons $26,650 $34,500 $55,200
4 Persons $32,150 $38,300 $61,300
5 Persons $37,650 $41,400 $66,250
6 Persons $43,150 $44,450 $71,150
7 Persons $47,500 $47,500 $76,050
8 Persons $50,600 $50,600 $80,950
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $71,900 Effective April 1, 2025
How do income limits affect my eligibility?

Housing authorities in Lake City 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 Lake City?
Yes — there are currently 1 open waiting list in Lake City, Florida. Click into any housing authority above marked "Open" for application details and official portal links.
Can I apply for Section 8 in Lake City 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 Lake City?
Wait times vary depending on demand, funding, and your priority status. National averages range from 6 months to 5+ years. Lake City 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