What the Daytona Beach Public Housing Authority does

The Daytona Beach Public Housing Authority (DBPHA) manages public housing units and rental information programs in Volusia County. It is a local government agency that owns and operates affordable apartments, administers vouchers that help tenants pay rent in private units, and maintains waiting lists for both programs. DBPHA does not build or finance housing itself — it receives federal funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and uses it to keep rents affordable for low-income households.

The Authority serves residents across Daytona Beach and surrounding areas. If you live in the jurisdiction and meet income limits, you can request information about available programs. DBPHA staff can tell you whether a program is currently accepting new names on a waiting list, how long the wait typically is, and what documents you will need to bring.

Key Takeaways

  • DBPHA manages two main programs: public housing units it owns directly, and vouchers that let you rent from a private landlord while the Authority pays part of your rent.
  • Both programs have waiting lists, and the wait time varies depending on demand and available funding in that year.
  • You must meet income limits based on your household size, and you will need to provide proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, and a background check.
  • Contact DBPHA directly by phone or visit their office to ask about current wait times and whether they are accepting new applicants.
  • If you are currently homeless or facing eviction, mention that when you contact them — some programs prioritize urgent situations.

Public housing units versus voucher programs

DBPHA runs two separate programs. Public housing means you rent an apartment that DBPHA owns. Your rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, and DBPHA covers the rest of the operating costs. These units are scattered throughout Daytona Beach and nearby communities. Public housing has its own waiting list, and the wait can be months or years depending on how many units are available and how many people are ahead of you.

The Housing Choice Voucher program (also called Section 8) works differently. You find your own apartment from a private landlord, and DBPHA gives you a voucher that pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord. You pay the difference. This program usually has a longer waiting list than public housing because it serves more people with the same funding. Some voucher programs in Florida have been closed to new applicants for years.

Which program you end up in depends on what is available when your name reaches the top of the list. You can ask DBPHA whether you can be on both waiting lists at the same time — policies vary by location.

Income limits and who can participate

DBPHA programs are reserved for households earning below a certain income threshold. The limit depends on your household size and changes yearly. For example, a single person might have a limit around $30,000 to $35,000 annually, while a family of four might be around $48,000 to $55,000 — but these numbers vary and are set by HUD based on the area's median income. DBPHA can tell you the exact current limit for your household size when you call.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have legal immigration status. DBPHA will ask for proof, such as a birth certificate, passport, or immigration documents. You will need to pass a background check, which includes a criminal history review and a check of your rental history. Evictions, drug convictions, or violent felonies can disqualify you, though DBPHA has some discretion in how strictly these rules are applied.

If you have a disability, DBPHA can make reasonable accommodations to the process process and may have units or vouchers designated for people with disabilities. Tell them about your needs when you first contact them.

How to contact DBPHA and what to expect

The Daytona Beach Public Housing Authority office is located in Daytona Beach. You can reach them by phone to ask about current waiting lists, wait times, and whether they are accepting new applicants. Have your household size, income range, and any urgent housing situation ready when you call — this helps staff direct you to the right program.

When you visit or call, ask specifically: Is the waiting list open? How long is the current wait? What documents do I need to bring? Some offices have online waiting list applications; others require you to explore in person. DBPHA can tell you which applies to their programs.

Bring original documents or certified copies when you explore. You will typically need proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of citizenship or legal residency, a photo ID, and permission for a background check. If you are unemployed, bring documentation of unemployment benefits or a letter explaining your situation. The process usually takes a few weeks from process to approval, though this varies.

Waiting lists and how they work

Both public housing and voucher waiting lists are managed by DBPHA in order — your name goes on the list, and when a unit or voucher becomes available, DBPHA contacts the next person on the list. You do not compete with other applicants; you wait your turn. However, some programs give priority to people in urgent situations, such as those experiencing homelessness or facing eviction.

Waiting lists can be long. In some areas, the voucher list has thousands of names and a wait of several years. Public housing lists are usually shorter but still measured in months. DBPHA can tell you the current wait time when you call. If the list is closed, ask when it might reopen — this depends on funding and turnover.

While you are on the waiting list, your contact information must stay current. If DBPHA cannot reach you when your name comes up, you may lose your place. Update your phone number or address if you move.

What happens after you are approved

Once approved for public housing, you will be shown available units and can choose from what is offered. You sign a lease with DBPHA, and your rent is calculated at 30 percent of your household income. DBPHA handles maintenance and repairs — if something breaks, you call the maintenance line and they fix it.

If you receive a voucher, you have a set amount of time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find an apartment. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher, and the unit must pass a DBPHA inspection to may support it meets housing quality standards. Once you move in, you pay your share of the rent and DBPHA pays the landlord directly. You are responsible for utilities unless they are included in the lease.

In both cases, DBPHA can terminate your information if you violate the lease, stop meeting income requirements, or commit fraud. You have the right to a hearing if DBPHA proposes to end your information.

When DBPHA cannot help you right now

If DBPHA's waiting list is closed or the wait is very long, other options exist. Contact your local 211 service (dial 2-1-1) to learn about emergency rental information, rapid rehousing programs, or nonprofit housing organizations in Volusia County. Some nonprofits operate their own affordable housing or can help you navigate other resources.

If you are facing eviction, contact a legal aid organization when ready — they can sometimes delay or stop an eviction while you pursue other housing options. If you are homeless, call the Volusia County homeless services line or visit a local shelter to ask about transitional housing or rapid rehousing programs.

Some employers, unions, or community organizations offer their own housing information or can refer you to programs DBPHA does not run. Ask whether your workplace has any housing benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I earn too much to participate?

DBPHA sets income limits based on your household size and the area's median income. Call them and give your household size and approximate annual income — they can tell you in minutes whether you likely meet the limit. Limits change yearly, so even if you were over last year, you might may have access to now.

Can I be on both the public housing and voucher waiting lists at the same time?

Policies vary. Some housing authorities allow you to be on both lists; others do not. Ask DBPHA directly when you contact them. If you can be on both, you will move up each list independently, and you can accept whichever becomes available first.

What if I have a criminal record or an eviction on my history?

DBPHA has guidelines about which offenses disqualify you, but they also have some discretion. The best approach is to be honest when you explore and explain the circumstances. Some records are considered more serious than others, and time passed since the incident matters. Ask DBPHA whether your specific situation would likely disqualify you before you spend time on a full process.

How long does it usually take to hear back after I explore?

Most applications are processed within two to four weeks, though this depends on how busy DBPHA is and how quickly you provide all required documents. If you are missing something, they will contact you. Follow up by phone if you have not heard anything after a month.

What if I move or my phone number changes while I am on the waiting list?

Contact DBPHA when ready with your new information. If they cannot reach you when your name comes up, you may lose your place on the list. Keep your contact details current throughout the entire wait.