What the Dade County Housing Authority does

The Dade County Housing Authority (also called Miami-Dade Housing Authority) is a public agency that runs public housing and rental information programs across Miami-Dade County, Florida. It does not set housing policy for the county — that is the county government's role — but it administers the actual programs: it owns and manages public housing complexes, runs the Section 8 voucher program, and handles emergency rental information when funding is available.

The Authority is independent from the county commission, though it receives some county funding and must follow state and federal housing law. If you live in unincorporated Miami-Dade County or in one of the cities within it, you may be able to use its programs. The Authority's main office is in Miami, and it has satellite offices and online services for applications and payments.

Key Takeaways

  • The Dade County Housing Authority runs three main programs: public housing (apartments it owns), Section 8 vouchers (rent subsidies you use at private landlords), and emergency rental information when funds are available.
  • You must meet income limits, citizenship or immigration status requirements, and background check standards to be considered for any program.
  • Section 8 voucher waiting lists are often closed and can have years-long waits when they reopen, so call the Authority directly to learn the current status.
  • The Authority's website and phone line are the official sources for process forms, program rules, and whether funds are currently open.
  • If you have a dispute with the Authority — over a lease termination, a rent calculation, or a denial — you have the right to a hearing before an independent officer.

Public housing: what it is and how the process works

Public housing means apartments owned and operated by the Dade County Housing Authority itself. You pay rent based on your income (usually 30 percent of your gross monthly income), and the Authority covers the rest of the cost. The Authority owns several hundred units across Miami-Dade County in complexes like Wynwood Park, Overtown Park, and others.

To explore, you must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status, pass a background check (felonies and certain drug convictions can disqualify you), and meet the income limit for your household size. Income limits change yearly but are typically around 50 to 80 percent of the area median income. You will need proof of income, a photo ID, and a Social Security number or ITIN.

Applications are submitted online through the Authority's website or in person at its main office. Once you explore, you go on a waiting list. Wait times vary — some complexes have shorter waits than others — and the Authority will contact you when a unit becomes available. You can be on the list for multiple complexes at once.

Section 8 vouchers: how the subsidy works

Section 8 is a federal rent subsidy program. The Authority gives you a voucher (a certificate of may be able to access), you find a private landlord who accepts Section 8, and the Authority pays the landlord a portion of your rent directly. You pay the rest out of pocket, usually 30 percent of your income.

The voucher is portable within Miami-Dade County and in some cases across county lines, so you are not locked into one building or neighborhood. The landlord's unit must pass a housing quality inspection, and the rent cannot exceed the program's payment standard for that area and bedroom size.

The Section 8 waiting list in Miami-Dade is frequently closed because demand far exceeds available vouchers. When it does open, it fills quickly. Call the Authority at its main number to ask whether the list is currently open and, if not, when it is expected to reopen. You can also check the Authority's website for updates.

Emergency rental information and other temporary programs

When federal or state funding becomes available, the Dade County Housing Authority sometimes administers emergency rental information — money paid directly to landlords to cover back rent or upcoming rent. These programs are not permanent; they open and close based on funding.

To find out whether an emergency fund is currently open, call the Authority or visit its website. If a program is open, you will typically need a signed lease, proof of income, proof of the hardship (job loss, medical emergency, eviction notice), and your landlord's contact information. Processing time is usually two to six weeks.

The Authority may also administer other temporary programs — rapid rehousing, homeless prevention, or utility information — depending on what grants it has received. These are not may provide year to year, so check the website or call to learn what is currently available.

Income limits and who can participate

All Dade County Housing Authority programs have income limits based on household size and area median income. For public housing and Section 8, the limit is usually 50 to 80 percent of the area median income for Miami-Dade County. A single person might have a limit around $35,000 to $45,000 annually; a family of four might have a limit around $55,000 to $75,000. These figures change yearly, so confirm the current limits on the Authority's website or by phone.

You must also be a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or have another may be able to access immigration status. Undocumented immigrants are not may be able to access for these programs. You will need to provide a Social Security number or ITIN and proof of citizenship or immigration status.

Background checks are required. Felony convictions (especially drug-related or violent crimes) can disqualify you permanently or for a set period. Some misdemeanors and eviction history may also be considered. The Authority will tell you if you are ineligible and may offer an opportunity to request a review.

How to contact the Dade County Housing Authority

The main office is located in Miami, and you can reach it by phone, email, or in person. The Authority's website has process forms, program descriptions, waiting list status, and contact information for satellite offices. You can also call 211 (a free referral line) and ask for information about Dade County Housing Authority programs.

If you are already a resident or voucher holder and have a question about your lease, rent calculation, or account, contact the office that manages your case. The Authority's website lists phone numbers for different departments.

What to do if the Authority denies you or terminates your lease

If the Authority denies your process or terminates your lease, you have the right to a hearing. You will receive a written notice explaining the reason and your right to request a hearing within a set time (usually 10 days). Request the hearing in writing and include any documents or statements you want considered.

At the hearing, an independent hearing officer (not an Authority employee) will listen to both sides. You can bring witnesses, documents, or a representative. The officer will issue a decision, which you can appeal further if you disagree. The Authority must follow its own rules and federal housing law; if it does not, the hearing is your formal chance to challenge it.

If you cannot afford a lawyer, contact the Community Justice Project, Florida Legal Services, or another legal aid organization in Miami-Dade County. They may be able to represent you at the hearing for free.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Section 8 waiting list?

Wait times vary and change frequently. The list is often closed. Call the Authority directly or check its website to learn whether the list is open and, if so, how long the current wait is. Some sources report waits of several years when the list is open, but the Authority can give you the most current information.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher outside Miami-Dade County?

Vouchers are portable within Miami-Dade County. To use a voucher outside the county, you must request a transfer through the Authority and find a housing authority in the receiving county that will accept the transfer. Not all counties accept transfers, so ask the Authority whether the county you want to move to participates in the program.

What happens if my landlord refuses to accept Section 8?

Landlords cannot legally refuse Section 8 in Florida, but enforcement is difficult. If a landlord refuses, document the refusal in writing and report it to the Authority. You can also file a complaint with the Florida Commission on Human Rights or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Authority can advise you on next steps.

Do I have to pay the full rent if I have a Section 8 voucher?

No. You pay your share (usually 30 percent of your income), and the Authority pays the landlord the rest, up to the payment standard for your area and unit size. If the rent is higher than the payment standard, you would pay the difference, but most landlords keep rent within the standard.

Can I appeal if the Authority says I do not meet the income limit?

You can request a hearing to challenge the decision. Bring recent pay stubs, tax returns, or other proof of income. If the Authority made an error in calculating your income, the hearing officer can overturn the decision. Contact the Authority for instructions on how to request a hearing.