What Fort Pierce Housing Authority Does

Fort Pierce Housing Authority (FPHA) is a local government agency that runs public housing and rental voucher programs in Fort Pierce, Florida. It does not provide cash information or emergency grants. Instead, it owns and manages apartment buildings where residents pay rent based on their income, and it distributes vouchers that let you rent from private landlords while the authority pays part of your rent to them.

FPHA serves St. Lucie County. If you live outside that county, you need to contact your own local housing authority instead. The agency's main office is at 1635 Avenue D, Fort Pierce, FL 34950. You can reach them by phone at (772) 595-0666.

Key Takeaways

  • Fort Pierce Housing Authority runs two main programs: public housing (apartments it owns) and Section 8 vouchers (rent information for private apartments).
  • Both programs require your household income to fall below 50% of the area median income, which varies by household size and changes yearly.
  • Public housing has a waiting list; Section 8 vouchers also have a waiting list and may be closed to new applicants depending on funding.
  • You must provide proof of income, identity, Social Security numbers for all household members, and a background check before FPHA will process your request.
  • Contact FPHA directly to learn whether waiting lists are open and to request an intake appointment.

Public Housing: FPHA-Owned Apartments

FPHA owns and operates apartment complexes throughout Fort Pierce. When you live in public housing, you pay rent equal to 30% of your household's gross monthly income, or the minimum rent set by FPHA (usually $50 to $100), whichever is higher. FPHA covers the rest of the operating costs. Your rent changes if your income changes, so you must report income increases and decreases within 30 days.

Public housing units are not temporary. You can stay as long as you remain income-may be able to access and follow the lease. However, FPHA maintains a waiting list because demand exceeds available units. Wait times vary; contact the agency to learn the current estimate for your household size.

To be considered for public housing, your household income must not exceed 50% of the area median income for St. Lucie County. For a single person, this limit is roughly $28,000 to $32,000 annually, depending on the year. For a family of four, it is roughly $45,000 to $51,000. These figures change each year; FPHA will confirm the exact limit when you contact them.

Section 8 Vouchers: Rent Help for Private Apartments

A Section 8 voucher is a monthly payment that FPHA sends directly to a private landlord on your behalf. You find an apartment on the private market, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and FPHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent. You pay the difference out of your own income, typically 30% of your household income or the minimum tenant contribution set by FPHA.

Section 8 gives you more choice in where you live compared to public housing, because you can rent from any landlord willing to participate in the program. However, the apartment must meet FPHA's housing quality standards, and FPHA must inspect it before you move in. The inspection checks for safety, sanitation, and basic maintenance.

Like public housing, Section 8 has a waiting list. FPHA may close the list when funding is exhausted and reopen it when new money becomes available. Call (772) 595-0666 to ask whether the Section 8 waiting list is currently open. If it is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen so you can contact them again.

Income Limits and Household Composition

Both public housing and Section 8 use the same income ceiling: 50% of the area median income for St. Lucie County. FPHA counts all income sources — wages, Social Security, disability payments, child support, unemployment benefits, and any other regular money your household receives. They do not count some income, such as certain student financial aid or money from the Supplemental Nutrition information Program (SNAP).

Your household includes you, your spouse (if married), any children under 18, any adult children with disabilities, and any other people living with you who are on the lease. FPHA will ask for proof of relationship and Social Security numbers for everyone in the household.

If your income exceeds the limit, you cannot be placed on the waiting list. If you are already in public housing or using a Section 8 voucher and your income rises above the limit, FPHA will not when ready remove you, but your rent will increase and you may eventually be required to leave or transition to market-rate housing.

Documents You Will Need to Provide

FPHA requires specific documents before it will process your request. Bring originals or certified copies; photocopies are usually not accepted. You will need a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) for the head of household and any co-applicants. You will also need Social Security cards or Social Security numbers for all household members, including children.

For income verification, bring recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title and hourly wage or salary, or a copy of your most recent tax return. If you receive Social Security, disability, unemployment, or child support, bring the most recent award letter or payment statement. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns for the past two years and a profit-and-loss statement.

You will also need proof of residency in St. Lucie County, such as a utility bill or lease in your name, and a background check authorization form that FPHA will provide. FPHA will conduct a criminal background check and a credit check. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you, but certain convictions may.

How to Start the Process

Call Fort Pierce Housing Authority at (772) 595-0666 during business hours to ask whether the waiting list for your program of interest is open. If it is open, ask to schedule an intake appointment. You can also visit the office in person at 1635 Avenue D, Fort Pierce, FL 34950.

At your intake appointment, bring all the documents listed above. A staff member will review your income, household composition, and background. If you meet the income limit and pass the background check, you will be placed on the waiting list. The agency will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available.

The intake process usually takes one appointment, but FPHA may ask for additional documents if something is unclear. Once you are on the waiting list, you do not need to do anything else except keep your contact information current. If you move or change your phone number, call FPHA to update your file.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a public housing unit or Section 8 voucher?

Wait times depend on the program and current demand. Public housing may have a wait of several months to over a year. Section 8 wait times vary widely and may be several years in some cases. Call FPHA to ask for an estimate based on your household size and the current list.

Can I be on both the public housing and Section 8 waiting lists at the same time?

No. FPHA will place you on one list or the other, not both. You can ask to be on the public housing list first and then transfer to the Section 8 list later, or vice versa, but you must contact FPHA to make that change.

What happens if my income goes up while I am in public housing or using a Section 8 voucher?

You must report income increases within 30 days. Your rent will increase to reflect the new income. If your income rises above 50% of the area median income, FPHA will work with you on a transition plan, but you may eventually be required to leave the program or pay market-rate rent.

Does Fort Pierce Housing Authority help with emergency rent or utility bills?

No. FPHA runs housing programs only. For emergency rental information or utility help, contact your local community action agency or call 211 to find programs in St. Lucie County that handle short-term financial crises.

What if I have a criminal record or eviction history?

FPHA will conduct a background check, but a criminal record or past eviction does not automatically disqualify you. The agency considers the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and your circumstances since then. Ask FPHA directly about your specific situation during the intake appointment.