Winter Haven Housing Authority
Winter Haven, Florida
Last Updated
4 days ago
About Winter Haven Housing Authority
Winter Haven Housing Authority (HUD agency code FL139) is the public housing agency serving Winter Haven, Polk County, Florida. It administers 208 public housing units and 385 Housing Choice Vouchers.
Section 8 Waitlist tracks 2 waiting lists at this agency, covering HCV, Public Housing. As of Oct 2, 2026, all 2 tracked lists are closed to new applications.
Income eligibility is set by HUD for the Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL MSA. A four-person household qualifies as Very Low Income at or below $41,650 per year, and as Low Income at or below $66,650 (HUD FY2025 limits). Most waiting lists at this agency apply the Very Low Income threshold.
Section 8 Waitlist has recorded 5 status changes at this agency, most recently on Mar 11, 2026.
Other Programs
2 programsThese 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.
The Section 8 waiting list is closed indefinitely due to a high volume of applicants. Eligibility is based on total annual gross income and family size, limited to U.S. citizens and specified categories of non-citizens with eligible immigration status.
Eligibility is for low-income families and individuals, determined by annual gross income, qualifying as elderly, a person with a disability, or as a family, and U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status.
Status History
Official Application
Contact Winter Haven Housing Authority directly 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
Important Notices
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Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.
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Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.
How to Apply at Winter Haven Housing Authority
Check Current Status
All 2 waiting lists at Winter Haven 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.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Winter Haven 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.
Submit Your Application
Contact Winter Haven Housing Authority directly at to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Winter Haven Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Winter Haven Housing Authority manages approximately 593 assisted housing units (385 Section 8, 208 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Winter Haven. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Winter Haven Housing Authority
HCV Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Winter Haven 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 Winter Haven. This program serves approximately 385 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 Winter Haven Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Winter Haven Housing Authority manages approximately 208 Public Housing units in Winter Haven. 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 Winter Haven Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Winter Haven Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Winter Haven Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Winter Haven Housing Authority?
Winter Haven Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Winter Haven 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 |
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.
Nearby Housing Authorities
Applying to multiple housing authorities increases your chances of receiving assistance. These PHAs are closest to Winter Haven Housing Authority — including across state lines.