Lake Wales Housing Authority

Lake Wales, Florida

Last Updated

Less than an hour ago

About Lake Wales Housing Authority

The Lake Wales Housing Authority, situated in Lake Wales, Polk County, Florida (PHA Code: FL071), manages approximately 481 assisted housing units. This includes 269 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) units and 212 Public Housing units. The authority offers programs through its Housing Choice Voucher and Public Housing initiatives.

Currently, all waiting lists for both the Housing Choice Voucher program and Public Housing are closed to new applications. This means the authority is not accepting submissions for either program at this time.

For prospective applicants, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL MSA area is $41,650 per year. This income threshold is a key factor in determining eligibility when waitlists are open. Applicants should monitor for future announcements regarding waitlist openings.

Other Programs

2 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 website states 'We are not currently accepting applications for Housing Choice.'

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

The website states 'We are not currently accepting applications for Public Housing.'

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

Official Application

Contact Lake Wales Housing Authority directly at (863) 676-7414 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

Contact the housing authority directly for application information.

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 10 W Sessoms Ave
City Lake Wales, FL 33853
PHA Code FL071
Section 8 Units 269
Public Housing Units 212

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 Lake Wales Housing Authority

1

Check Current Status

All 2 waiting lists at Lake Wales Housing Authority 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 Lake Wales Housing Authority, 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 $41,650/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

Contact Lake Wales Housing Authority directly at (863) 676-7414 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Lake Wales Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Lake Wales Housing Authority manages approximately 481 assisted housing units (269 Section 8, 212 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Lake Wales. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Lake Wales Housing Authority

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Lake Wales Housing Authority 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 Lake Wales. This program serves approximately 269 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

Public Housing Public Housing closed

Public Housing units at Lake Wales Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Lake Wales Housing Authority manages approximately 212 Public Housing units in Lake Wales. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Lake Wales Housing Authority free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Lake Wales Housing Authority administers 2 programs (HCV, Public Housing) — 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 or in person at their office at 10 W Sessoms Ave, Lake Wales, FL.
How long is the wait at Lake Wales Housing Authority?
Wait times at Lake Wales Housing Authority depend on demand in Lake Wales, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 481 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Lake Wales Housing Authority 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 8 other housing authorities within 100 miles of Lake Wales Housing Authority, including Winter Haven Housing Authority (13 mi), Housing Authority of Bartow (16 mi), Housing Authority of Avon Park (23 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 Lake Wales Housing Authority?
You can reach Lake Wales Housing Authority by phone at (863) 676-7414. Their office is located at 10 W Sessoms Ave, Lake Wales, FL 33853. You can also email them at alkirklandjr@lakewaleshousing.org. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Lake Wales Housing Authority?
Income limits for Lake Wales Housing Authority are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL MSA (currently $83,300). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $41,650. 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.

Lake Wales Housing Authority Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Lake Wales Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $41,650. 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 $17,500 $29,200 $46,700
2 Persons $21,150 $33,350 $53,350
3 Persons $26,650 $37,500 $60,000
4 Persons $32,150 $41,650 $66,650
5 Persons $37,650 $45,000 $72,000
6 Persons $43,150 $48,350 $77,350
7 Persons $48,650 $51,650 $82,650
8 Persons $54,150 $55,000 $88,000
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $83,300 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.