Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in West Palm Beach, Florida
There are 2 open waiting lists in the West Palm Beach area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving West Palm Beach, 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 West Palm Beach, 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 West Palm Beach, Florida
West Palm Beach, Florida is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 2 waiting lists are accepting applications in the West Palm Beach area. There are also 5 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in West Palm Beach include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, Public Housing, RAD. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: PBV (1 open).
Latest Opening
West Palm Beach Housing Authority opened its Senior Community (Heron Estates) waitlist on Nov 21, 2025.
About Housing in West Palm Beach, Florida
Affordable housing assistance in West Palm Beach, Florida, is primarily administered by two key agencies: the West Palm Beach Housing Authority and the Palm Beach County Housing Authority. Together, these authorities manage approximately 7,778 assisted housing units within the area. Currently, there are 2 open waiting lists for various housing programs, while 6 other lists are closed to new applications.
For those seeking assistance in West Palm Beach, it's important to note the specific programs with open waiting lists. Currently, you may apply for Project-Based Voucher (PBV) assistance, as well as the Senior Community program at Heron Estates. Other programs, including Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Mainstream, Public Housing, and RAD, presently have closed waiting lists. Eligibility for these programs is primarily income-based. For example, a family of four applying for 'Very Low Income' assistance in the West Palm Beach-Boca Raton, FL HUD Metro FMR Area should have an annual income not exceeding $58,450, according to FY2025 guidelines. The state's efforts in affordable housing are further supported by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation.
How to Apply for Section 8 in West Palm Beach
To apply for housing assistance in West Palm Beach, Florida, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the West Palm Beach area (listed above). Right now, 2 waiting lists are 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 $58,450/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 West Palm Beach include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Senior Community (Heron Estates), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, Public Housing, 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).
West Palm Beach, Florida Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in West Palm Beach, Florida, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the West Palm Beach-Boca Raton, FL HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $58,450 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $111,800.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $24,550 | $40,950 | $65,450 |
| 2 Persons | $28,050 | $46,800 | $74,800 |
| 3 Persons | $31,550 | $52,600 | $84,150 |
| 4 Persons | $35,050 | $58,450 | $93,500 |
| 5 Persons | $37,900 | $63,150 | $101,000 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $67,850 | $108,500 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $72,500 | $115,950 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $77,200 | $123,450 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach and have active housing programs.