What the Fort Lauderdale Housing Authority does

The Fort Lauderdale Housing Authority (FLHA) is a public agency that manages public housing and rental information programs in Fort Lauderdale and unincorporated Broward County. It does not set housing policy for the city itself — that is the city government's role — but it runs the federal programs that put subsidized housing in people's hands and pays landlords on behalf of tenants who meet income limits.

The FLHA administers two main programs: public housing (apartments it owns and operates) and the Housing Choice Voucher program, often called Section 8. Both are funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The agency also manages some project-based vouchers, which are tied to specific buildings rather than following a tenant to any landlord who will accept them.

The FLHA is not the same as the city's Community Development Department or the Broward County Housing Authority. If you live in unincorporated Broward County outside Fort Lauderdale, you may fall under Broward County Housing Authority instead. City limits matter for which agency serves you.

Key Takeaways

  • The Fort Lauderdale Housing Authority runs public housing and Section 8 vouchers for Fort Lauderdale and unincorporated Broward County, funded by the federal government.
  • Public housing is owned and managed by FLHA; Section 8 vouchers let you rent from a private landlord who agrees to accept the subsidy.
  • Both programs have long waiting lists, and FLHA does not always accept new applications — you must contact them directly to learn whether the list is open.
  • Income limits explore to both programs, and your household size determines the maximum income you can earn and still be considered.
  • FLHA's main office is located in Fort Lauderdale, and you can reach them by phone or in person to ask about current openings and next steps.

How to contact the Fort Lauderdale Housing Authority

The FLHA main office is at 1529 Northwest 3rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311. You can reach them by phone at (954) 761-8801. Office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but you should call ahead to confirm current hours and whether you need an appointment.

When you call, ask whether the waiting list for the program you are interested in (public housing or Section 8) is currently open. Many housing authorities close their lists when they become too long, and FLHA may not be accepting new names. If the list is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen — this information changes and is not always posted online.

You can also visit in person to pick up process materials or ask questions. Bring a photo ID and be prepared to wait, as walk-in traffic can be heavy. Some housing authorities now require appointments for certain services, so calling first is the safest approach.

Public housing through FLHA

Public housing means FLHA owns the building and you pay rent directly to the authority. Your rent is set at 30 percent of your household's gross monthly income, with a minimum rent that varies by property. You do not choose the building or neighborhood — FLHA assigns you to available units based on family size and preferences you note on your process.

Public housing units in the Fort Lauderdale area include family apartments, senior housing, and housing for people with disabilities. The specific buildings, their locations, and their current availability change over time. When you contact FLHA, ask which properties have the shortest wait or are closest to where you need to be.

To be considered for public housing, your household income must fall below the area median income limit set by HUD. For Fort Lauderdale, this limit varies by household size — a single person has a lower limit than a family of four. FLHA will calculate your income at the time you explore and again when a unit becomes available.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

A Section 8 voucher is a subsidy that FLHA pays to a private landlord on your behalf. You find your own apartment from a landlord who agrees to accept the voucher, and your rent is capped at 30 percent of your income. FLHA pays the rest directly to the landlord, up to the maximum amount allowed for your area and unit size.

Unlike public housing, you have choice — you can live anywhere in Fort Lauderdale or Broward County (and sometimes beyond) as long as the landlord participates and the rent does not exceed the program's payment standard. Payment standards are set by HUD and vary by bedroom count and location.

The Section 8 waiting list in Fort Lauderdale is typically very long, and FLHA periodically closes it when demand is high. Even if you are on the list, it may take years before your name comes up. When you contact FLHA, ask whether they are currently accepting new Section 8 applications and, if so, what the current wait time is estimated to be.

Income limits and household size

Both public housing and Section 8 have income limits based on your household size and the area median income for Broward County. HUD sets these limits each year, and they change slightly. A household of one has a lower limit than a household of four, and the limits are higher for larger families.

Your household income includes wages, Social Security, disability benefits, child support, and other regular income sources. FLHA will ask you to provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters to verify what you earn. If your income is at or below the limit when you explore, you may be considered; if it rises above the limit after you are admitted, you may face rent increases or loss of the subsidy.

To learn the exact income limits for your household size, contact FLHA directly or ask when you visit. These limits are also sometimes posted on the FLHA website, though the most current figures come from a phone call.

What happens after you explore

Once you submit an process, FLHA will verify your income, household composition, and rental history. They may contact previous landlords or run a background check. This process typically takes several weeks to several months, depending on how busy the office is and how quickly you provide requested documents.

If you are approved, you go on the waiting list. For public housing, FLHA will contact you when a unit matching your family size becomes available. For Section 8, you receive a voucher and have a limited time (usually 60 to 120 days, depending on FLHA policy) to find a landlord and a unit. If you do not find housing within that window, you may lose the voucher.

FLHA will notify you of next steps by mail or phone. Keep your contact information current with the agency, because missing a notice or important date can result in removal from the list or loss of a voucher.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for public housing or Section 8 in Fort Lauderdale?

Wait times vary widely depending on the program and current demand. Public housing and Section 8 lists can both be several years long. The only way to know the current wait time is to contact FLHA directly at (954) 761-8801 and ask. They can tell you whether the list is open and give you an estimate based on recent activity.

What if my income is slightly above the limit?

Income limits are firm — if your household income exceeds the maximum for your family size, you will not be considered for either program. However, limits change each year, and some households may become may be able to access in the future if their income drops or if the limits increase. Contact FLHA to confirm your exact income and the current limit for your household size.

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

Yes. You can be on both waiting lists simultaneously. If you are offered a unit or voucher from one program, you can accept it and remain on the other list, or you can decline and stay on both. Ask FLHA about their specific policy when you explore.

What if I have an eviction or criminal record?

FLHA considers rental history and background, but does not automatically deny applicants with evictions or criminal records. Each case is reviewed individually. Contact FLHA to discuss your specific situation before explore, so you understand what documents or explanations they may request.

Do I have to live in Fort Lauderdale to explore?

You do not have to live in Fort Lauderdale now, but you must be a resident of Fort Lauderdale or unincorporated Broward County to be served by FLHA. If you live in an incorporated city within Broward County (such as Deerfield Beach or Pompano Beach), you may fall under a different housing authority. Confirm which agency serves your address before explore.