St Petersburg, FL

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

All waiting lists in St Petersburg are currently closed. 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
0
Open Now
16
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. Currently, all waitlists in St Petersburg are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 10 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.

Housing programs available in St Petersburg include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Mainstream, Public Housing.

Open Lists Nearby

While no waitlists are open in St Petersburg right now, there are 10 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 St Petersburg, Florida

St. Petersburg, Florida offers various affordable housing programs managed by two primary housing authorities: the Housing Authority of the City of St. Petersburg and Boley Centers, Inc. While approximately 4,257 assisted housing units serve the area, all 16 waiting lists for assistance are currently closed. There are no open waiting lists at this time.

Programs available in the St. Petersburg area include the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Public Housing, and several Affordable Housing options such as Palm Bayou Apartments and Saratoga Apartments. Additional specialized programs like HOPWA, HUD 811, Mainstream, and 811 and 202/8 PRA are also offered. For a family of four in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater MSA, the Very Low Income limit is set at $52,150 per year for FY2025. The Florida Housing Finance Corporation is the state's housing agency.

Those seeking affordable housing should regularly monitor for announcements regarding waitlist openings directly from the Housing Authority of the City of St. Petersburg and Boley Centers, Inc. Being prepared with necessary documentation can help expedite the application process when waitlists become available.

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). 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 $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 HUD 811 Supportive Housing, HUD 811, HUD 811 Supportive Housing Program, 811 and 202/8 PRA, HOPWA, Mainstream, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), other, Other, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Affordable Housing (Palm Bayou Apartments), Affordable Housing (Saratoga Apartments), Affordable Housing, Public Housing. 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?
Currently, all waiting lists in St Petersburg, Florida are closed. Section 8 Waitlist checks every housing authority nightly and will show openings as soon as they occur. In the meantime, consider applying to nearby cities listed below.
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