Where Orlando's affordable housing programs are and how to reach them

Orlando has several programs that offer below-market rent, but they work differently depending on whether you're looking for public housing, a voucher to use with a private landlord, or a development built specifically for lower-income residents. The main paths are through the Housing Authority of the City of Orlando (which runs public housing and vouchers), the Community Redevelopment Agency (which funds new affordable units), and nonprofit developers who build or manage complexes with deed restrictions that keep rents low.

The Housing Authority maintains waiting lists for both public housing and Section 8 vouchers, but those lists close and reopen depending on how many units are available. Your first step is to contact them directly to learn whether they're taking new names — a phone call takes five minutes and tells you whether you're looking at a months-long wait or an when ready opening.

Key Takeaways

  • The Housing Authority of the City of Orlando runs public housing and Section 8 vouchers, and you must contact them directly to learn whether their waiting lists are open.
  • Orlando County also has a separate housing authority that serves unincorporated areas, so your location within the metro determines which agency handles your case.
  • Nonprofit developers and the Community Redevelopment Agency fund new affordable complexes, which you can find through the city's housing office or by calling 211.
  • Rent information programs exist for people facing eviction or behind on payments, and they are separate from long-term affordable housing programs.
  • Income limits vary by program and by family size, and you will need recent pay stubs, tax returns, or proof of benefits to verify your income.

Housing Authority of the City of Orlando: public housing and vouchers

The Housing Authority manages two main programs. Public housing means you rent an apartment or house owned and maintained by the Authority itself. Section 8 vouchers mean the Authority gives you a voucher to use with any landlord who will accept it — you pay a portion of rent, and the voucher covers the rest.

Both have waiting lists. The Authority's website shows whether each list is open or closed. If it's closed, you can call and ask when it typically reopens — some lists reopen quarterly, others annually. When a list opens, you have a limited window to submit your name. The Authority's address is 449 West Central Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32801, and their phone number is (407) 246-2001.

To be considered, you must have a household income below a certain threshold. For 2024, the limit for a family of four in the Orlando area is roughly 60 percent of the area median income, though this changes yearly. You'll need to bring recent pay stubs, a tax return from the past year, or documentation of benefits like Social Security or unemployment. If you're unemployed, bring a letter from your last employer or documentation of job search activity.

Orange County Housing Authority for unincorporated areas

If you live outside the city of Orlando but within Orange County — in areas like Winter Park, Maitland, or unincorporated county land — you may fall under the Orange County Housing Authority instead. They run their own public housing and voucher programs with separate waiting lists and income limits. Their office is at 2600 Forsyth Road, Winter Park, FL 32792, and their phone is (407) 836-5620.

The income thresholds and process process are similar to the city authority, but the waiting lists are separate. If you're unsure which authority covers your address, call the city authority first — they can tell you when ready whether you're in their jurisdiction or the county's.

Affordable housing developments and the Community Redevelopment Agency

Orlando's Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) funds new construction and renovation of affordable complexes. These buildings have deed restrictions that keep rents below market rate for 30 to 50 years, even if the building changes ownership. Rent is typically set at 60 percent of area median income, which is lower than Section 8 voucher limits.

These developments are built and managed by nonprofits and private developers under contract with the city. You won't find a single waiting list — each complex has its own. The city's housing office maintains a list of active projects and their contact information. You can also call 211 (a free referral service) and ask for affordable housing developments in Orlando; they can tell you which ones are currently leasing and which have waiting lists.

Income limits and process requirements vary by development, but most require proof of income, a background check, and a credit check. Some prioritize people working in specific fields (healthcare, education, hospitality) or people experiencing homelessness. Call the development directly to learn their specific rules.

Rent information if you're behind or facing eviction

If you're already in a home but can't pay rent, emergency rent information is separate from affordable housing programs. Orange County and the City of Orlando both run emergency funds that pay landlords directly for back rent. These programs are not ongoing — they reopen when funding becomes available, usually after state or federal money arrives.

To find out whether a fund is currently open, call the city's housing office at (407) 246-3500 or Orange County's Community Services Department at (407) 836-9200. You can also call 211. You'll need a signed lease, proof of income, and documentation of the hardship (like a layoff notice or medical bill). Approval typically takes two to six weeks.

Income limits and how they're calculated

Affordable housing programs use area median income (AMI) to set limits. For Orlando, the 2024 AMI for a family of four is approximately $82,000. Most programs serve people at 60 percent of AMI, which means a family of four earning up to roughly $49,000 per year. A single person's limit is lower — usually around $35,000.

These numbers change yearly and vary slightly by program. When you contact a program, ask them for the current year's income limits for your household size. They'll also tell you what counts as income — wages, self-employment, Social Security, unemployment, child support, and rental income all count. Temporary information and some benefits do not.

What documents to bring and how the process works

Every program requires proof of income. Bring the most recent two months of pay stubs, or if you're self-employed, your last two years of tax returns. If you receive benefits, bring the award letter or benefit statement. If you're unemployed, bring a termination letter from your employer or documentation of job search activity.

You'll also need a photo ID, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and a Social Security number for each household member. Some programs run a background check and credit check; others do not. The Housing Authority does not deny you for bad credit, but they may deny you for eviction history or criminal convictions related to drugs or violence. Ask the program about their specific rules before you explore.

For public housing and vouchers, you explore in person at the Housing Authority office. For affordable developments, you explore directly to the development — some take applications online, others in person. For rent information, you explore through the city or county office, and some programs allow online applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for Section 8 vouchers in Orlando?

The waiting list length changes depending on how many vouchers are available and how many people are on the list. It can range from a few months to several years. Call the Housing Authority at (407) 246-2001 to ask the current wait time. If the list is closed, ask when it typically reopens.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher in any rental in Orlando?

No. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher, and the unit must pass a Housing Authority inspection. Not all landlords participate. The Housing Authority can provide a list of landlords who accept vouchers, or you can search online for "Section 8 landlords Orlando." Once you find a unit, the landlord and the Housing Authority must both approve it before you can move in.

What happens if my income goes above the limit after I move into affordable housing?

Rules vary by program. In public housing, your rent increases as your income increases, but you don't lose your unit. In deed-restricted developments, you may have a grace period before you're asked to leave. In Section 8, your voucher stays with you even if your income rises. Ask your specific program what their income recertification rules are.

Can I be denied housing because of my credit score?

The Housing Authority does not use credit scores to deny you for public housing or vouchers. Affordable developments and private landlords may run credit checks, but many do not deny based on credit alone. Some focus on recent evictions or unpaid rent instead. Ask the program or landlord about their specific policy before you explore.

Is there affordable housing for people with disabilities?

Yes. The Housing Authority and affordable developments do not discriminate based on disability. Some developments are specifically designed for people with disabilities and offer supportive services. Call 211 or the city's housing office and ask about disability-accessible affordable housing in Orlando.