Where to start looking for affordable housing in Broward County

Broward County has several places that list affordable units, but they do not all advertise the same properties. The Broward County Housing Authority manages public housing and Section 8 vouchers, and their website lists available units by city. The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, run through the county, funds affordable developments and maintains a searchable list. Local nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity South Florida and Broward Housing and Community Development also manage affordable properties and can tell you which ones have openings.

Many affordable units in Broward are mixed into market-rate buildings, so they do not show up on a single master list. Calling the housing authority directly — rather than searching online — often gets you faster information about what is actually available right now. The county's 211 service (dial 2-1-1 or visit 211.org) can also direct you to current openings and programs you may not find on your own.

Key Takeaways

  • The Broward County Housing Authority, CDBG program, and local nonprofits each maintain separate lists of affordable units, so you will need to check more than one source.
  • Many affordable apartments are scattered throughout market-rate buildings and do not appear in online searches, making a phone call to the housing authority more reliable than a website search.
  • Income limits for affordable housing in Broward vary by program and by city, and they change yearly based on the area median income.
  • Waiting lists for public housing and Section 8 vouchers in Broward County are typically closed or have long delays, so nonprofit-managed properties and CDBG-funded units may have faster timelines.
  • You will need proof of income, a valid ID, and rental history or references to move forward with most applications.

Income limits and what they mean for you

Affordable housing programs in Broward use Area Median Income (AMI) to set income limits. A unit labeled "60% AMI" means your household income cannot exceed 60 percent of what the median household earns in Broward County. That threshold changes every year. For example, a family of four might have a limit around $48,000 to $52,000 annually for a 60% AMI unit, but the exact number depends on the program and the year.

Different programs use different percentages. Public housing and Section 8 typically serve households at 50% AMI or below. Nonprofit developments often serve 60% to 80% AMI. Some mixed-income buildings have units at multiple levels, so a single development might have units for households earning $30,000 and others for households earning $65,000. When you call about a property, ask what income limit applies to the specific unit available, because the building's name does not tell you the threshold.

Public housing and Section 8 vouchers in Broward

The Broward County Housing Authority runs both public housing (apartments the authority owns) and the Section 8 voucher program (rent subsidies you use at a private landlord's property). Both have waiting lists, and both are typically closed to new applicants. When a list does open, it usually closes again within days or weeks. You can call the housing authority to ask when the next opening might occur, but they cannot predict it.

If the waiting list is open, you explore in person at the housing authority office with proof of income, ID, and Social Security numbers for all household members. Processing takes several months, and even after approval, you may wait years before a unit or voucher becomes available. Because of these delays, many people pursue nonprofit-managed affordable housing or CDBG-funded units at the same time.

Nonprofit and CDBG-funded affordable housing

Nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity, Broward Housing and Community Development, and smaller local organizations manage affordable units throughout the county. These properties often have shorter waiting lists than public housing and may move faster from process to lease signing. Some are new construction; others are renovated older buildings. Rents are typically lower than market rate but higher than public housing.

CDBG-funded developments are built or renovated with federal community development money and must remain affordable for a set number of years. The county's CDBG program website lists these properties and their current status. Many are in Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, and Pompano Beach, but they exist throughout Broward. Call the property directly to ask if they are accepting applications, because availability changes frequently and online listings may not be current.

What documents you will need to explore

Most affordable housing programs in Broward require the same core documents. Bring a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), and proof of Social Security number. If you are unemployed, bring documentation of unemployment benefits or other income sources. If you receive disability or Social Security, bring a benefit statement.

You will also need rental history or references. If you have been renting, bring contact information for your current and previous landlords. If you have never rented, a character reference from an employer, teacher, or community member can work. Some programs ask for a credit report authorization; you sign a form and they pull it themselves. A few programs do a background check, but most focus on income and rental history rather than credit score.

How to search by city in Broward County

Broward County has 31 cities, and affordable housing is not evenly distributed. Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, and Pompano Beach have the most affordable units because they receive more CDBG funding. Smaller cities like Coral Springs and Weston have fewer options. If you are flexible on location, searching across the whole county gives you more choices.

Start by calling the housing authority and asking what is available in your preferred cities. Then contact nonprofits working in those areas — many focus on specific neighborhoods. The 211 service can also filter results by city. If your first choice city has a long wait, ask about nearby cities; commute times and bus routes matter more than city boundaries when you are looking for a place to live.

Waiting lists and how long they actually take

Public housing and Section 8 waiting lists in Broward are measured in years, not months. Some people wait three to five years or longer. Nonprofit waiting lists are usually shorter — often a few months to a year — but vary by organization and property. When you explore, ask directly: "How many people are ahead of me on the list?" and "How long did the last person wait before moving in?" These questions give you a realistic picture.

While you wait, keep your contact information current with the program. If you move, change your phone number, or update your income, tell them when ready. Programs remove people from lists for not responding to mail or phone calls. Some programs also have preferences — for example, homeless individuals or people with disabilities may move up the list. Ask whether any preferences explore to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to live in Broward County to rent affordable housing there?

No. Most programs do not require you to already live in Broward. You do need to show you can move in — usually by providing a job offer, proof of employment, or a letter explaining why you are relocating. Some nonprofits prioritize people already living in the county, so ask when you call.

What if my income is above the limit but only slightly?

Most programs have a hard income cutoff; if you are over the limit, you do not meet the requirement. A few programs allow income up to 120% of the limit if you have a disability or are over 62, but this varies. Call the specific property or program to ask whether exceptions exist for your situation.

Can I explore to multiple properties at the same time?

Yes. There is no penalty for explore to several nonprofits or CDBG-funded developments. Many people explore to five or six properties to increase their chances. Keep track of where you applied, when, and who to contact for updates. Public housing and Section 8 are single applications, so you explore once to the housing authority.

What happens if I get turned down?

Ask why. If it is an income issue, you may be able to reapply next year if your income drops. If it is a background or rental history issue, ask what specifically disqualified you and whether you can appeal. Different programs have different policies. Some nonprofits are more flexible than others about past evictions or credit problems.

Are there programs for people with disabilities or seniors?

Yes. Several nonprofits in Broward focus on housing for seniors and people with disabilities. The housing authority also has preferences for these groups. When you call, mention if anyone in your household is over 62 or has a disability; it may move you up a waiting list or connect you to a specialized program.