Advertisement
Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Orlando, Florida
All waiting lists in Orlando are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving Orlando, 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 Orlando, 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 Orlando, Florida
Orlando, Florida is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Orlando are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 23 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Orlando include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, RAD, Mainstream.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in Orlando right now, there are 23 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 Orlando, Florida
Finding affordable housing in Orlando, Florida involves resources from two key housing authorities: the Orlando Housing Authority and Orange County Housing & Community Development. These agencies oversee various assistance programs for residents. Currently, out of nine potential housing waitlists, only one is accepting new applications, with the other eight currently closed.
Programs offered include the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Public Housing, TBRA, RAD, SRO, Mainstream, and other specialized initiatives. At this time, the single open waitlist is for Project-Based Vouchers. For those seeking assistance, it's important to note income guidelines; for example, a family of four must generally be at or below $52,700 per year to qualify as Very Low Income in the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford metropolitan area (FY2025 guidelines). The area features approximately 7,462 assisted housing units. The Florida Housing Finance Corporation also provides resources at the state level. Regularly checking with the Orlando Housing Authority and Orange County Housing & Community Development directly is essential for the most current information on waitlist openings.
Advertisement
How to Apply for Section 8 in Orlando
To apply for housing assistance in Orlando, Florida, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the Orlando 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 $52,700/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 Orlando include Mainstream, RAD, other, TBRA, Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), SRO, Other. 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).
Orlando, Florida Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Orlando, Florida, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $52,700 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $98,100.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $22,150 | $36,900 | $59,050 |
| 2 Persons | $25,300 | $42,150 | $67,450 |
| 3 Persons | $28,450 | $47,450 | $75,900 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $52,700 | $84,300 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $56,950 | $91,050 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $61,150 | $97,800 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $65,350 | $104,550 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $69,550 | $111,300 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Orlando 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 Orlando and have active housing programs.