Last Updated
Yesterday
About Winter Haven Housing Authority
The Winter Haven Housing Authority (PHA Code: FL139) is located in Winter Haven, Polk County, Florida. It manages approximately 593 assisted housing units, comprising 385 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) units and 208 Public Housing units. The primary programs offered are the Housing Choice Voucher program and the Public Housing program.
Currently, all waiting lists for the Winter Haven Housing Authority are closed. However, both the HCV and Public Housing waiting lists are indicated as "opening soon." Potential applicants should monitor official announcements for specific opening dates and application procedures.
To qualify for assistance, applicants must meet income limits for the Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL MSA area. For example, a family of four must not exceed a Very Low Income limit of $41,650 per year.
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 (HCV) waiting list is currently closed indefinitely due to a high volume of applicants. Eligibility is based on a family's gross annual income and family size, limited to U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens.
The Public Housing waiting list is currently closed to new applications. Eligibility is based on annual gross income, qualifying as elderly, disabled, or a family, and U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status.
Status History
Official Application
Contact Winter Haven Housing Authority directly at (863) 294-7369 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
-
Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.
-
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 (863) 294-7369 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 Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) 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.