What Broward County Housing Authority does and who it serves

Broward County Housing Authority (BCHA) is a public agency that manages public housing and rental information programs across Broward County, Florida. It operates housing for low-income residents, administers the Section 8 voucher program, and runs other information initiatives. BCHA serves residents of Broward County — which includes Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, and surrounding municipalities — who meet income limits.

The agency owns and maintains public housing properties and also works with private landlords who accept Section 8 vouchers. If you live in Broward County and need affordable housing or rental information, BCHA is the local body that determines what programs you may be able to access and manages the waiting lists for those programs.

Key Takeaways

  • Broward County Housing Authority manages public housing and Section 8 vouchers in Broward County, and you must contact them directly to learn about current programs and waiting list status.
  • You can reach BCHA by phone at 954-357-5437 or visit their office at 2020 Main Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305 during business hours.
  • Waiting lists for public housing and Section 8 vouchers often have long delays, and BCHA will tell you the current wait time when you call or visit.
  • Income limits explore to all BCHA programs, and you will need to provide proof of income, household composition, and citizenship or immigration status to be considered.
  • BCHA's website at browardhousing.org has process forms, program descriptions, and contact information for specific programs.

How to contact Broward County Housing Authority

The main phone number for BCHA is 954-357-5437. When you call, you can ask about current programs, waiting list status, and what documents you will need. The agency is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. If you prefer to visit in person, the main office is located at 2020 Main Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305.

BCHA also maintains a website at browardhousing.org where you can find program information, process forms, and links to specific divisions. The website lists phone numbers for different departments — such as the Section 8 program office and the public housing office — if you want to reach a specific division directly.

Understanding BCHA's waiting lists and current programs

Most BCHA programs operate waiting lists, and the time to reach the top of the list varies. For Section 8 vouchers, the wait can be several years depending on demand and funding. Public housing also has waiting lists that move at different speeds depending on the property and the number of available units. When you contact BCHA, ask specifically about the current wait time for the program you are interested in — this number changes and BCHA staff can tell you what to expect.

Some programs may be closed to new applications if funding is limited or the waiting list is very long. BCHA will tell you whether a program is currently open and whether it makes sense to explore. If a program is closed, ask when it may reopen or what alternatives exist.

What documents you will need to provide

BCHA requires proof of income, household composition, and immigration or citizenship status for all applicants. Bring recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer showing your income. You will also need to list all household members and their ages, and provide identification for the head of household.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need to provide immigration documents. BCHA staff can tell you exactly which documents they accept when you call or visit. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone are usually not accepted. If you are missing documents, ask BCHA what alternatives they will accept or what you can do to obtain them.

How Section 8 vouchers work through BCHA

If you receive a Section 8 voucher from BCHA, the agency pays a portion of your rent directly to your landlord, and you pay the rest. The voucher amount is based on the fair market rent in your area and your household income. You can use the voucher at any private rental property where the landlord agrees to participate in the program.

Once you have a voucher, BCHA's Housing Choice Voucher program office helps you find a unit and inspects the property to make sure it meets program standards. The landlord must sign a lease with BCHA, and the agency will continue to pay their share of rent as long as you remain in the unit and meet program requirements. If you move, you can take your voucher to a new property, but you must notify BCHA and the new landlord must also agree to participate.

Public housing managed by BCHA

BCHA owns and operates public housing communities throughout Broward County. These are apartment buildings or complexes where rent is based on your income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income. Public housing is different from Section 8 because BCHA is your landlord, not a private property owner.

To explore for public housing, contact BCHA directly and ask about available properties and their waiting lists. Different properties may have different wait times. Once you are approved and a unit becomes available, BCHA will contact you. You will sign a lease with BCHA and pay rent based on your income certification.

Income limits and how they affect your options

BCHA programs have income limits based on the area median income for Broward County. These limits change yearly and vary by household size. A household of one person has a lower limit than a household of four. When you contact BCHA, ask what the current income limit is for the program you are interested in and for your household size.

If your income is above the limit, you will not be able to access BCHA programs. If your income is at or below the limit, you may be considered. BCHA will ask you to prove your income with recent pay stubs, tax returns, or other documentation. If your income changes after you are approved, you must report it to BCHA — your rent or voucher amount may change as a result.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for Section 8 in Broward County?

The wait time varies and changes based on funding and demand. BCHA can tell you the current wait time when you call 954-357-5437. Some applicants wait several years, while others may move faster depending on household circumstances. Ask BCHA whether your household qualifies for any priority categories that might move you up the list.

Can I explore for both public housing and Section 8 at the same time?

Yes. You can be on the waiting list for both programs simultaneously. They are separate programs with separate waiting lists, so being approved for one does not affect your status on the other. Contact BCHA to explore for each program you are interested in.

What if my income is slightly above the limit?

If your income exceeds the limit, you will not be able to access BCHA programs. Income limits are set by federal guidelines and BCHA cannot make exceptions. Ask BCHA whether there are other local or state programs that might help, or whether your income situation may change in the near future.

Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to explore?

No, but you must have may be able to access immigration status. BCHA accepts applications from U.S. citizens and certain non-citizens with valid immigration documents. When you contact BCHA, ask what immigration documents they need from you specifically.

What happens if I move out of Broward County?

If you have a Section 8 voucher, you may be able to move it to another county if BCHA has a portability agreement with that housing authority. Contact BCHA before you move to ask about your options. If you have public housing, you will need to end your lease with BCHA, and you will not be able to keep your unit.