What the Brevard County Housing Authority does

The Brevard County Housing Authority (BCHA) is a public agency that runs public housing and rental information programs across Brevard County, Florida. It does not build or own all the housing in the county — instead, it manages specific public housing developments, administers the Section 8 voucher program, and runs other rental information initiatives. If you live in Brevard County and need affordable housing or rental help, BCHA is the local body that determines what programs exist and who can participate in them.

BCHA serves the unincorporated areas of Brevard County and several municipalities that have contracts with the agency. The authority's main office is in Melbourne, and it maintains a waiting list for public housing and Section 8 vouchers. Because demand for affordable housing in Brevard County exceeds available units, most programs have closed waiting lists — meaning you cannot add your name at this moment, though lists may reopen.

Key Takeaways

  • BCHA administers public housing and Section 8 vouchers in Brevard County, but most programs currently have closed waiting lists.
  • You can contact BCHA directly to ask whether a waiting list is open and what documents you will need to provide when it reopens.
  • BCHA also runs emergency rental information and other temporary aid programs, which have different rules and may be open even when housing waiting lists are closed.
  • Your income, household size, citizenship status, and rental history all affect what programs you may be able to use.
  • BCHA's main office is located in Melbourne, and you can reach them by phone or in person to ask about current programs.

Public housing and Section 8 vouchers through BCHA

BCHA owns and operates public housing developments in several locations across Brevard County. Public housing is rental housing owned by the authority itself; you pay rent based on your income (typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income), and BCHA covers the rest of the cost. To live in public housing, you must meet income limits, be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status, and pass a background check and rental history review.

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program works differently. BCHA gives you a voucher that you can use to rent from a private landlord who agrees to participate. You pay a portion of the rent (again, usually 30 percent of your income), and the voucher covers the rest up to a limit set by BCHA. Both programs require you to be on a waiting list, and both waiting lists in Brevard County are currently closed. You can call BCHA to ask when they may reopen and what you will need to have ready.

Income limits vary by household size and change each year. BCHA uses the federal poverty guidelines and area median income to set these limits. If your household income is above the limit, you will not be able to use these programs. You can ask BCHA staff what the current limits are for your household size.

Emergency rental information and other temporary programs

Beyond public housing and Section 8, BCHA may administer emergency rental information funded by the state or federal government. These programs help people who have fallen behind on rent or are at risk of eviction. They typically pay the landlord directly and cover back rent rather than future rent. The rules, income limits, and availability of these programs change based on funding, so you need to contact BCHA directly to learn what is currently open.

BCHA may also run utility information, security deposit help, or other short-term aid depending on what grants the agency has received. These programs often have fewer restrictions than public housing or Section 8 and may have open waiting lists even when the main programs are closed. Calling BCHA is the fastest way to find out what temporary information is available right now.

How to contact Brevard County Housing Authority

BCHA's main office is located at 2244 Palm Bay Road NE, Melbourne, Florida 32935. You can reach them by phone at (321) 633-2384. The office is open during standard business hours, and staff can answer questions about current programs, waiting list status, and what documents you will need.

When you call or visit, have your household information ready: the number of people in your household, your gross monthly income, and your current housing situation. If you are interested in a specific program, ask whether the waiting list is open and what the next steps are. If a list is closed, ask when it may reopen and whether you can call back to check.

You can also visit BCHA's office in person to pick up applications or ask questions face-to-face. Some people find it easier to understand the requirements and next steps by speaking with staff directly rather than over the phone.

Income limits and other requirements

To use any BCHA program, your household income must fall below the limit set for your household size. These limits are based on the area median income for Brevard County and are adjusted each year. A household of one person has a lower limit than a household of four people. BCHA can tell you the current limits when you contact them.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status (such as a green card or certain visa types). BCHA will ask for proof of citizenship or immigration status as part of the process. If you are not sure whether your status qualifies, ask BCHA staff — they can explain which documents prove may be able to access status.

BCHA will review your rental history and background. If you have been evicted in the past, have unpaid judgments, or have a criminal record, you may still be able to use BCHA programs, but the agency will consider these factors. Some disqualifying offenses exist (such as certain drug convictions), but many situations are reviewed case by case. Ask BCHA whether your specific history will affect your chances.

What happens after you are on a waiting list

If a waiting list is open and you are added to it, you will wait until a unit becomes available or a voucher is issued. Wait times vary widely depending on the program and how many people are ahead of you. For public housing, wait times in Brevard County can be several years. For Section 8, the wait may be shorter or longer depending on funding and turnover.

BCHA will contact you when a unit or voucher is available. You must respond within the timeframe they give you (usually a few days to a week). If you do not respond, you may lose your place on the list. Keep your contact information current with BCHA so they can reach you.

Once you are offered housing or a voucher, BCHA will explain the lease, your responsibilities as a tenant, and the rent you will pay. For Section 8, you will need to find a landlord who accepts vouchers and who meets BCHA's standards. BCHA staff can explain how to search for participating landlords.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be on the waiting list for both public housing and Section 8 at the same time?

Yes. The two programs have separate waiting lists, and you can be on both. If you are offered one program before the other, you can accept it and stay on the second list, or you can turn down the offer and wait for the program you prefer. Ask BCHA about their specific rules on this.

What if I have an eviction case pending?

Contact BCHA to ask about emergency rental information first — these programs often prioritize people with active eviction cases and may move you up the queue. Public housing and Section 8 waiting lists are separate and may have different rules about pending evictions. BCHA can tell you what options exist for your situation.

How do I know if my income is too high for BCHA programs?

Call BCHA and tell them your household size and gross monthly income. They will tell you whether you are within the limit for each program. Income limits change yearly, so even if you were over the limit last year, you might be within it now.

What if the waiting list is closed?

Ask BCHA when the list may reopen and whether you can call back to check. In the meantime, ask about emergency rental information, utility help, or other temporary programs that may be open. You can also contact 211 (dial 2-1-1) to learn about other housing resources in Brevard County.

Do I need a lease to explore for BCHA programs?

For public housing, no — BCHA will provide the lease. For Section 8, you need to find a landlord and sign a lease before BCHA can issue the voucher. For emergency rental information, you typically need a signed lease or proof of tenancy. Ask BCHA what documents are needed for the specific program you are interested in.