St Petersburg, FL

Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in St Petersburg, Florida

There is 1 open waiting list in the St Petersburg area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving St Petersburg, 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 St Petersburg, 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.

2
Agencies
1
Open Now
20
Closed

Affordable Housing in St Petersburg, Florida

St Petersburg, Florida is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 1 waiting list is accepting applications in the St Petersburg area. There are also 34 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.

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

Closing Soon in St Petersburg

Housing Authority of the City of St. Petersburg — PBV waitlist closes Oct 8, 2026

Latest Opening

Housing Authority of the City of St. Petersburg opened its PBV waitlist on Oct 5, 2026. Applications close Oct 8, 2026 — apply early.

About Housing in St Petersburg, Florida

Federal rental assistance in St Petersburg, Pinellas County is administered by 2 housing authorities: Housing Authority of the City of St. Petersburg and Boley Centers, Inc.. Together they administer roughly 4,257 assisted housing units — 134 public housing units and 4,123 Housing Choice Vouchers.

Section 8 Waitlist tracks 21 waiting lists across these agencies. As of Feb 22, 2026, 1 is accepting applications. Another 34 open lists are within 50 miles; most agencies accept applications from non-residents.

HUD sets income eligibility for this area as Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL MSA. A four-person household qualifies as Very Low Income at or below $52,150 per year, and as Low Income at or below $83,450 (HUD FY2025 limits).

How to Apply for Section 8 in St Petersburg

To apply for housing assistance in St Petersburg, Florida, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the St Petersburg area (listed above). 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 $52,150/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 St Petersburg include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), HUD 811 / 202/8 PRA, Mainstream, HUD 811/202-8 PRA, Public Housing, Other, HUD 811 Supportive Housing Program, HOPWA, 202/8 Multifamily Project Rental Assistance (PRA), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), HUD 811 / PRA, Supportive Housing (HUD 811/202/8 PRA), Other (HOPWA Voucher), 811, HUD 811, Affordable Housing, Affordable Housing (Palm Bayou Apartments), Affordable Housing (Saratoga Apartments). 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).

St Petersburg, Florida Section 8 Income Limits

To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in St Petersburg, Florida, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $52,150 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $98,400.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $21,950 $36,500 $58,450
2 Persons $25,050 $41,700 $66,800
3 Persons $28,200 $46,950 $75,150
4 Persons $32,150 $52,150 $83,450
5 Persons $37,650 $56,350 $90,150
6 Persons $43,150 $60,500 $96,850
7 Persons $48,650 $64,700 $103,500
8 Persons $54,150 $68,850 $110,200
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $98,400 Effective April 1, 2025
How do income limits affect my eligibility?

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