What the Broward Housing Authority does

The Broward Housing Authority (BHA) is a public agency that runs public housing and rental information programs across Broward County, Florida. It owns and manages apartment complexes for low-income residents and administers voucher programs that help people pay rent in privately owned buildings. The BHA does not determine who gets housing — you contact them directly to learn about programs, get on waiting lists, and understand what documents you need.

The agency serves Broward County, which includes Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, Coral Springs, and other municipalities. If you live or work in Broward County, you may be able to use BHA programs, though some have geographic restrictions within the county.

Key Takeaways

  • The Broward Housing Authority runs public housing developments and the Housing Choice Voucher program, which pays part of your rent in private apartments.
  • Waiting lists for both public housing and vouchers are typically long and may be closed; you can contact BHA to ask whether they are currently accepting new names.
  • You must provide proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, and a valid ID to be considered for any BHA program.
  • The BHA office is located in Fort Lauderdale, and you can reach them by phone or visit in person to ask about current programs and waiting list status.
  • If you are denied housing or voucher information, BHA must provide a written reason and information about how to request a hearing.

Public housing managed by the Broward Housing Authority

The BHA owns and operates apartment buildings in several locations across Broward County. These are public housing developments where the BHA is the landlord. Rent is based on your household income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income — rather than market rate. The BHA covers utilities, maintenance, and building operations.

Public housing developments have their own waiting lists, and these lists are often closed to new applicants. You can contact the BHA to ask whether the waiting list for public housing is currently open. If it is open, you will need to provide proof of income, a government-issued ID, proof of residency in Broward County, and documentation of citizenship or legal immigration status.

Living in public housing means the BHA is your landlord. Lease terms, house rules, and lease enforcement follow BHA policy. If you have a dispute with the BHA about your lease or housing conditions, you have the right to request a hearing before an independent officer.

Housing Choice Vouchers and how they work

The Housing Choice Voucher program, sometimes called Section 8, is the larger program the BHA runs. Instead of living in a BHA-owned building, you find your own apartment in the private rental market, and the BHA pays a portion of the rent directly to your landlord. You pay the difference out of pocket, typically 30 percent of your income.

The voucher amount depends on the size of your household and the area where you live within Broward County. The BHA publishes payment standards — the maximum rent they will cover for each bedroom size — and you can rent an apartment at or below that amount. If you find an apartment that costs more, you pay the extra amount yourself. If you find one that costs less, you pay less.

The voucher is portable, meaning you can move to a different apartment and take the voucher with you, as long as you stay within Broward County and follow BHA rules. You must have a signed lease, and the landlord must agree to accept the voucher.

Waiting lists and how to get on them

Both public housing and vouchers have waiting lists, and both are frequently closed. The BHA cannot accept new applications when the waiting list is full or when staff resources are stretched. You can call the BHA or visit their office to ask whether the list is open for the program you are interested in.

If the waiting list is open, you will need to provide several documents: a government-issued photo ID, proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of residency in Broward County, and proof of citizenship or legal immigration status (passport, green card, or I-94 form). The BHA will also conduct a background check and verify your income.

Once you are on the waiting list, the BHA will contact you when a voucher or apartment becomes available. Wait times vary widely depending on the program and your household size. Some people wait months; others wait years. The BHA will tell you the approximate wait time when you explore.

Income limits and who can participate

The BHA serves households with low to very low income. Income limits change each year and depend on household size and the area of Broward County where you live. The BHA publishes current income limits on its website and can tell you over the phone whether your household income falls within the limit.

You must be a U.S. citizen or have legal immigration status to participate in BHA programs. You will need to provide documentation of your status — a passport, green card, I-94 form, or other government-issued proof. If you are not a citizen or do not have legal status, you are not able to use BHA housing or vouchers.

The BHA also conducts criminal background checks. A criminal history does not automatically disqualify you, but certain convictions — particularly drug-related felonies or crimes of violence — may. The BHA will review your record and notify you in writing if you are denied based on background.

How to contact the Broward Housing Authority

The main BHA office is located in Fort Lauderdale. You can reach them by phone to ask about waiting list status, current programs, income limits, and required documents. The phone number and office address are available on the BHA website and through a 211 call (dial 2-1-1 from any phone in Florida).

You can also visit the office in person to ask questions, pick up applications, or submit documents. Office hours are typically Monday through Friday during business hours. If you cannot visit or call, some information is available on the BHA website, including links to process forms and current program information.

If you are denied housing or a voucher, the BHA must send you a written notice explaining the reason. The notice will also tell you how to request a hearing to challenge the decision. You have the right to present evidence and speak on your own behalf at the hearing.

What happens after you receive a voucher

Once you are approved for a Housing Choice Voucher, the BHA will give you a voucher packet with instructions on how to find an apartment. You have a limited amount of time — usually 60 days — to find a landlord who will accept the voucher and sign a lease. If you cannot find an apartment within that time, you may lose the voucher.

When you find an apartment, the landlord must agree to accept the voucher. The BHA will inspect the apartment to make sure it meets housing quality standards — the unit must be safe, clean, and in good repair. If the apartment fails inspection, the landlord must make repairs before you can move in and the BHA can pay rent.

Once you move in, you pay your portion of rent to the landlord each month, and the BHA pays their portion directly to the landlord. You must recertify your income with the BHA each year. If your income changes significantly, you must report it. If you move, you must notify the BHA before you leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for Broward Housing Authority vouchers?

Wait times vary and change frequently. The BHA can tell you the current wait time when you call or visit. Some applicants wait several months; others wait years. The waiting list is often closed, meaning the BHA is not accepting new applications.

What if I have a criminal record?

A criminal history does not automatically disqualify you. The BHA reviews each case individually. Certain convictions — drug felonies and violent crimes — are more likely to result in denial. If you are denied, you can request a hearing to explain your circumstances.

Can I use a Broward Housing Authority voucher outside of Broward County?

No. Housing Choice Vouchers from the BHA can only be used for apartments within Broward County. If you move out of the county, you lose the voucher. You may be able to transfer to a housing authority in the county where you move.

What if my landlord will not accept the voucher?

Landlords are not required to accept vouchers, and many do not. You will need to find a landlord willing to participate in the program. The BHA can provide a list of landlords who have previously accepted vouchers, though this list is not exhaustive.

What documents do I need to bring to explore?

You will need a government-issued photo ID, proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns), proof that you live in Broward County, and proof of citizenship or legal immigration status. The BHA can tell you exactly what documents they accept when you call.