What the Deerfield Beach Housing Authority Does

The Deerfield Beach Housing Authority (DBHA) is a local public agency that runs housing programs in Deerfield Beach, Florida. It administers Section 8 vouchers (also called Housing Choice Vouchers), manages public housing properties, and handles waitlists for both programs. The Authority does not build or own most of the housing itself — it pays landlords on behalf of tenants who meet income limits, and it maintains a smaller number of public housing units.

The DBHA is separate from the City of Deerfield Beach government, though it operates under state and federal rules. If you live in Deerfield Beach and need rental information or public housing, you contact the DBHA directly, not City Hall. The Authority's main office is located in Deerfield Beach and handles applications, recertifications, and payment processing.

Key Takeaways

  • The Deerfield Beach Housing Authority runs Section 8 vouchers and public housing, and maintains separate waitlists for each program.
  • Section 8 vouchers let you rent from a private landlord while the Authority pays a portion of your rent; you pay the rest based on your income.
  • Public housing units are owned or managed by the Authority itself and are available to households meeting the same income limits as Section 8.
  • Waitlists are typically closed and can have years-long waits; you must contact the DBHA directly to learn the current status and how to request placement.
  • You must recertify your income and household composition every year to keep your voucher or public housing unit.

Section 8 Vouchers in Deerfield Beach

A Section 8 voucher is a federal subsidy that pays your landlord a portion of your rent. You find your own rental unit in Deerfield Beach (or nearby areas where the voucher is valid), and the landlord must agree to accept the voucher. The Authority pays the landlord directly each month; you pay the remainder, which is typically 30 percent of your household income or a minimum amount set by the program.

To receive a voucher, your household income must fall below 50 percent of the area median income (AMI) for Broward County. The exact income limit depends on household size and changes annually. For example, a single person's limit is lower than a family of four. You also must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status, have no criminal disqualifications, and not owe money to any housing authority.

The DBHA maintains a waitlist for Section 8 vouchers. The waitlist is often closed, meaning the Authority is not accepting new applications. When it opens, applications are usually accepted for a limited time. You must contact the DBHA directly to find out whether the waitlist is open and how to request placement. Wait times from the date you are added to the list until you receive a voucher can range from several months to several years, depending on funding and demand.

Public Housing Units Managed by the Authority

The DBHA owns or manages a smaller number of public housing units throughout Deerfield Beach. These are apartments or homes where the Authority is the landlord. Public housing has the same income limits as Section 8 vouchers, and you pay rent based on 30 percent of your household income (or a minimum rent, whichever is higher).

Public housing has its own separate waitlist from Section 8. The waitlist is typically closed, and wait times vary. Some households prefer public housing because the rent calculation is straightforward and there is no need to search for a landlord willing to accept a voucher. However, the number of available units is limited, and the waitlist can be long.

If you are interested in public housing, contact the DBHA and ask to be placed on the public housing waitlist. You will need to provide proof of income, household composition, and citizenship or may be able to access immigration status, just as you would for Section 8.

Income Limits and Who Qualifies

Both Section 8 vouchers and public housing in Deerfield Beach use the same income thresholds. Your household's gross monthly or annual income must not exceed 50 percent of the area median income for Broward County. The DBHA publishes income limits each year, and they vary by household size.

Income includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and other regular sources. Some types of income are excluded or partially excluded, such as student financial aid and certain disability benefits. The DBHA will ask you to provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements to verify your income.

If your income rises above the limit after you receive a voucher or are admitted to public housing, you do not lose your information when ready. However, you must report the change during your annual recertification, and your rent contribution will increase. If your income stays above the limit for a set period (usually one year), you may be terminated from the program.

How to Contact the Deerfield Beach Housing Authority

The DBHA office is located in Deerfield Beach. You can visit in person, call, or check their website to learn about current waitlist status, income limits, and required documents. The Authority's staff can tell you whether the Section 8 or public housing waitlist is open and walk you through the steps to request placement.

When you contact the DBHA, have your Social Security number, proof of income, and a list of household members ready. If you are already receiving a voucher or living in public housing, you will also need to know your case number. The Authority processes requests during business hours, and wait times for an appointment or phone response vary depending on demand.

You can also reach the DBHA through Broward County's 211 service, which provides referrals to local housing programs. Calling 211 can help you confirm the DBHA's contact information and current waitlist status without having to search online.

Annual Recertification and Ongoing Requirements

Once you receive a Section 8 voucher or are admitted to public housing, you must recertify your household information every 12 months. Recertification means you provide updated proof of income, household composition, and any changes in your circumstances. The DBHA sends you a notice with the date you must recertify and the documents to bring.

If you miss your recertification important date, your voucher or public housing lease can be terminated. The DBHA will give you written notice and a chance to reschedule, but it is your responsibility to complete recertification on time. If your income has changed, your rent contribution will be recalculated based on the new amount.

You must also report certain changes between recertifications, such as a household member moving in or out, a job loss, or a significant income change. Failing to report changes can result in overpayment of subsidy (which you may have to repay) or termination of your information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Deerfield Beach Housing Authority waitlist open right now?

Waitlist status changes throughout the year and depends on funding and demand. You must contact the DBHA directly by phone or in person to learn whether the Section 8 or public housing waitlist is currently open. The Authority's website or 211 Broward can also provide current information.

How long does it take to get a Section 8 voucher after I am added to the waitlist?

Wait times vary widely and can range from several months to several years. The DBHA can tell you the approximate wait time when you request placement, though the actual time depends on funding, turnover, and the size of the waitlist. Some households wait longer than others based on when they were added to the list.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher to rent outside of Deerfield Beach?

Section 8 vouchers issued by the DBHA can typically be used in Deerfield Beach and some surrounding areas within Broward County, depending on the Authority's payment standards. You must ask the DBHA which areas are covered before you search for housing. If you move out of the service area, you may need to transfer your voucher to another housing authority.

What happens if my income goes above the limit?

Your information does not stop when ready. During your next annual recertification, your income will be recalculated and your rent contribution will increase. If your income remains above the limit for a full year, the DBHA may terminate your voucher or lease. You should report income changes to the Authority as soon as they occur.

Do I need to be a Deerfield Beach resident to explore?

You must live in Deerfield Beach or the DBHA's service area to be placed on the waitlist. Some housing authorities require you to already live in their jurisdiction; others accept applications from people planning to move there. Contact the DBHA to confirm their residency requirements before you request placement.