The Florence Housing Authority manages public housing and rental information in Florence, South Carolina

The Florence Housing Authority (FHA) is a local government agency that owns and operates public housing units in Florence and administers rental information programs for low-income residents. It is not a state or federal office — it is run by the city of Florence itself. The FHA handles applications for public housing, manages waiting lists, and distributes rental information funds that come from federal grants.

The agency operates from a single main office in Florence. If you are looking for public housing, rental information, or information about programs in the area, the FHA is the body you contact directly. They can tell you whether programs are currently open, what documents you will need, and how long the waiting list is.

Key Takeaways

  • The Florence Housing Authority is a local agency run by the city, not a state or federal office, and handles both public housing and rental information programs.
  • You contact the FHA directly by phone or in person at their Florence office to ask about current programs and waiting list status.
  • Public housing waiting lists in Florence can be long, and the FHA will place you on the list if you meet income limits and other basic requirements.
  • Rental information programs through the FHA may cover current rent, arrears, or utilities depending on which fund is open and available.
  • The FHA requires proof of income, a lease or rental agreement, and identification to process most requests.

How to reach the Florence Housing Authority

The Florence Housing Authority office is located in Florence, South Carolina. You can reach them by phone during business hours to ask about program availability, waiting list status, and what documents to bring. The staff can tell you whether public housing or rental information programs are currently open and whether there is a waiting list.

You can also visit the office in person to submit documents or ask questions face-to-face. Bring a photo ID and any documents related to your housing situation — a lease, proof of income, or an eviction notice if one exists. The FHA staff will review what you have and tell you what else they need.

If you cannot reach the FHA directly or want to confirm their current contact information and hours, you can also call 211 (a free referral service) and ask them for the Florence Housing Authority's phone number and address. They maintain current contact details for local housing programs.

Public housing waiting lists and how they work

The Florence Housing Authority maintains a waiting list for public housing units. When you contact them, they will tell you whether the list is open to new applicants. Some months the list closes because it is already very long; other times it reopens. You do not know until you ask.

To be placed on the waiting list, you must meet income limits set by the federal government. These limits change each year and depend on household size. The FHA will tell you whether your household income qualifies. You will also need to provide proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), a photo ID, and proof of residency in Florence or the surrounding area.

Waiting times vary. In some areas, the list moves quickly; in others, it can take months or years to reach the top. The FHA can tell you roughly how long the wait is when you explore. While you are on the list, your position does not change unless you withdraw or the FHA removes you for not responding to contact attempts.

Rental information programs through the Florence Housing Authority

The Florence Housing Authority also distributes rental information funds. These programs may cover rent you currently owe, rent coming due, or utilities. The specific coverage depends on which fund is open and what the program rules allow. Some programs prioritize people who are behind on rent; others help people stay current.

Rental information programs typically require a signed lease, proof of income, and proof that you are a Florence resident. Many programs also require proof that a hardship caused your rent problem — job loss, medical emergency, or reduced hours. The FHA will tell you what proof they need when you call.

These programs often have limited funding and run out of money. When a fund closes, it may reopen later in the year. The FHA knows which funds are currently open and can tell you when ready whether you can explore now or whether you should check back later.

What documents to bring or prepare

Before you contact the Florence Housing Authority, gather documents that show who you are, where you live, and what you earn. A photo ID (driver's license or state ID) is required. Bring a current lease or rental agreement if you have one, even if you are behind on rent.

For income, bring recent pay stubs (usually the last two months), a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title and pay, or copies of your last two years of tax returns. If you receive benefits, bring the award letter or a recent statement. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns and bank statements.

If you are explore for rental information, also bring proof of the hardship — a termination letter, medical bills, a notice of eviction, or a utility shut-off notice. These documents help the FHA understand why you need help and may move your process forward faster.

Income limits and who can receive help

The Florence Housing Authority uses federal income limits to determine who can receive public housing or rental information. These limits are set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and change each year. A household of one person has a lower limit than a household of four, for example.

You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to receive help, but you must be a legal resident. You also cannot have an active eviction case in some programs, though in others an eviction case actually moves you up the priority list. The FHA will tell you whether your situation disqualifies you or helps you.

If your income is above the limit, you will not be able to use public housing or most rental information programs. The FHA can tell you whether you may have access to before you spend time gathering documents. Call them first and ask whether your household size and income fit the program.

What happens after you explore

After you submit your documents, the Florence Housing Authority will review them and contact you with a decision. For public housing, this usually means being placed on the waiting list. For rental information, the FHA will tell you whether you are approved and when the payment will go to your landlord.

Rental information payments typically go directly to the landlord, not to you. The FHA will contact your landlord to confirm the address and amount owed. This usually takes two to four weeks. Tell your landlord that you have applied for information and ask them to hold off on filing an eviction while the process is being processed.

If you are approved for public housing, you will remain on the waiting list until a unit becomes available. The FHA will call you when a unit is ready. You will then have a set amount of time (usually a few days) to view the unit and decide whether to accept it. If you refuse, you may be removed from the list or moved to the bottom.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for public housing in Florence?

The length of the waiting list changes over time. Call the Florence Housing Authority directly and ask them how many people are ahead of you. They can give you a rough estimate of how long the wait might be based on how fast units become available.

Can I explore for rental information if I have an eviction notice?

Yes. In fact, an active eviction case often moves you higher on the priority list for rental information. Bring the eviction notice when you explore. The FHA may contact the court to ask for a delay while your process is being processed.

What if my landlord will not accept the rental information payment?

Some programs will pay you directly if a landlord refuses the payment, but only after you document the refusal in writing. Ask the FHA what proof they need before you approach your landlord about the information.

Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to get public housing or rental information?

No, but you must be a legal resident. The FHA will ask for proof of residency status. If you have questions about your immigration status, ask the FHA staff — they work with people in many situations and can tell you whether you are able to explore.

What if I do not have a lease?

Most programs require a signed lease or rental agreement. If you are renting without a formal lease, ask the FHA whether they can work with a written agreement you create with your landlord or whether they have another way to document your tenancy.