Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Panama City, Florida
All waiting lists in Panama City are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving Panama 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 Panama 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.
Affordable Housing in Panama City, Florida
Panama City, Florida is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Panama City are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 5 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Panama City include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in Panama City right now, there are 5 open lists within 50 miles. Most housing authorities accept applications from non-residents, so applying in neighboring cities is a practical strategy. Scroll down to "Nearby Cities" below for options.
About Housing in Panama City, Florida
Panama City, Florida, is served by two primary housing authorities for those seeking affordable housing assistance: the Panama City Housing Authority and the Housing Authority of Springfield. Currently, all six housing assistance waiting lists in the area are closed, with 0 open for new applicants. These closed lists cover various programs, including the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Project-Based Voucher (PBV), and Public Housing programs.
The area offers approximately 1,675 assisted housing units in total. Eligibility for these programs typically involves meeting specific income guidelines, such as the Very Low Income limit of $47,050 per year for a family of four in the Panama City, FL HUD Metro FMR Area for FY2025. Since all waiting lists are presently closed, prospective applicants are encouraged to regularly monitor the housing authorities' official channels for any announcements regarding future openings. Understanding the specific eligibility criteria for each program by contacting the housing authorities directly is also advisable. The state housing agency overseeing these efforts is the Florida Housing Finance Corporation.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Panama City
To apply for housing assistance in Panama City, Florida, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the Panama City 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 $47,050/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 Panama City include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV). 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).
Panama City, Florida Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Panama City, Florida, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Panama City, FL HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $47,050 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $94,100.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $19,800 | $32,950 | $52,750 |
| 2 Persons | $22,600 | $37,650 | $60,250 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $42,350 | $67,800 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $47,050 | $75,300 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $50,850 | $81,350 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $54,600 | $87,350 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $58,350 | $93,400 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $62,150 | $99,400 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Panama 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.
Nearby Cities with Housing Authorities
Applying to nearby cities increases your chances of receiving assistance sooner. These cities are within 75 miles of Panama City and have active housing programs.