How the Fort Lauderdale Housing Authority Works and What It Does

What the Fort Lauderdale Housing Authority actually does

The Fort Lauderdale Housing Authority (FLHA) is a public agency that runs public housing and the Section 8 voucher program in Fort Lauderdale and parts of Broward County. It does not build or own most of the housing — it pays landlords to rent units to low-income tenants, and it manages the waiting lists and paperwork for both programs. If you live in Fort Lauderdale and need subsidized housing, FLHA is the body you contact, not the city government or a nonprofit.

The Authority operates two main programs. Public housing means FLHA owns the building and you pay rent based on your income — usually 30 percent of what you earn. Section 8 means you find a private landlord, FLHA pays part of the rent directly to them, and you pay the rest. Both programs have long waiting lists. FLHA also administers emergency rental information when federal funds are available, though those programs open and close depending on funding.

Key Takeaways

The Fort Lauderdale Housing Authority manages public housing units and Section 8 vouchers; contact them directly to learn about current openings and waiting list status.
Both public housing and Section 8 have waiting lists that can be years long, and FLHA does not have a set timeline for when you will be offered a unit.
You must meet income limits (usually 50 to 80 percent of the area median income) and pass a background check to be considered for either program.
FLHA's office is located in Fort Lauderdale, and you can reach them by phone or visit in person to ask about current programs and how to get on a waiting list.
If you are currently homeless or in crisis, ask FLHA about emergency rental information or ask for a referral to the local homeless services coordinator.

How to contact the Fort Lauderdale Housing Authority

The main FLHA office is at 1529 Northwest 7th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311. You can call them at (954) 761-8801 to ask about current programs, waiting list status, and what documents you need to bring. Hours vary, so calling first is safer than showing up. Some programs have separate phone lines or online portals, so ask when you call whether you can start the process by phone or online.

If you cannot reach FLHA directly or need help understanding your options, call 211 (dial 2-1-1 from any phone in Florida). The 211 service connects you to local housing resources and can tell you whether FLHA is currently accepting new applications. They can also refer you to emergency information if you are facing eviction or homelessness right now.

Income limits and who can get housing through FLHA

To be considered for public housing or Section 8, your household income must fall below a set limit. For Fort Lauderdale, that limit depends on household size and changes yearly. As of recent years, a single person earning more than roughly $24,000 to $28,000 per year (the exact number varies) would likely be over the limit, but FLHA sets the actual thresholds. Call them to confirm the current limit for your household size.

You must also pass a background check. FLHA will look at criminal history, eviction records, and whether you owe money to a previous landlord or housing program. A criminal record or past eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but FLHA will review the details. If you have concerns about your background, ask FLHA what they look for before you explore, so you understand what they will find.

You will need to provide proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), a photo ID, and proof of residency in the Fort Lauderdale area. If you are unemployed, bring documentation of benefits or a letter explaining your situation. FLHA will also verify your Social Security number and check whether you owe child support or have other debts.

How long the waiting list actually is

Both public housing and Section 8 have waiting lists in Fort Lauderdale, and both can be years long. FLHA does not publish exact wait times on their website, so you must call to ask. The wait for Section 8 is often longer than for public housing, but that varies. Some people wait two years; others wait five or more. FLHA will tell you your position on the list when you call, though that position can change if they prioritize certain groups (such as people who are homeless or elderly).

While you wait, your circumstances can change — you might move, your income might rise, or you might become ineligible. FLHA requires you to update your information if anything changes. If you do not respond to FLHA when they contact you, you can be removed from the list. Ask FLHA how often you need to check in and what happens if you miss a call or letter.

What happens when FLHA offers you a unit

When a unit becomes available and your name reaches the top of the list, FLHA will contact you by phone or mail. You will have a limited time to respond — usually a few days to a week. If you do not respond, FLHA moves to the next person on the list. If you do respond, FLHA will schedule an appointment to verify your income again and explain the lease and your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.

For public housing, you will tour the unit FLHA is offering you. You can refuse one or two offers without losing your place on the list, but refusing more than that can remove you. For Section 8, you will receive a voucher and have a set time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find a landlord who accepts Section 8. FLHA will inspect the unit to make sure it meets housing standards before the landlord can lease it to you.

Section 8 vouchers and how they work in Fort Lauderdale

A Section 8 voucher means FLHA pays your landlord a portion of the rent, and you pay the rest. The amount FLHA pays depends on the size of the unit and the local rent market — FLHA publishes a "payment standard" for each bedroom size. If the landlord charges more than the payment standard, you pay the difference. If the unit is cheaper, you pay less and FLHA pays less.

You must find the landlord yourself — FLHA does not find units for you. Once you find a place, the landlord must agree to accept Section 8, and FLHA must inspect it. The inspection checks for basic safety and livability: working plumbing, heat, no lead paint hazards, no major structural damage. If the unit fails, the landlord must fix the problems before you can move in. You can stay in the same unit as long as you want, as long as you pay your share of the rent and follow the lease.

Emergency rental information and other FLHA programs

When federal funding is available, FLHA administers emergency rental information for people behind on rent. These programs are not permanent — they open when money arrives and close when it runs out. Call FLHA to ask whether emergency information is currently open. If it is, you will need to show that you fell behind because of a recent hardship (job loss, illness, reduced hours), that you have a signed lease, and that your income is below a certain level.

FLHA may also have information about other programs, such as rapid rehousing for people who are homeless, or referrals to nonprofits that help with security deposits or moving costs. Ask when you call whether any of these programs are active. If FLHA cannot help, they should be able to refer you to another agency that can.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get on the waiting list if I am not a U.S. citizen?

You must be a U.S. citizen or have a valid immigration status to be considered for public housing or Section 8. FLHA will ask for proof of citizenship or immigration status as part of the process. If you are unsure about your status, call FLHA and ask what documents they accept before you explore.

What if I have a criminal record or a past eviction?

FLHA reviews criminal history and eviction records but does not automatically reject anyone. The age of the offense, what it was, and how long ago it happened all matter. Call FLHA and describe your situation — they can tell you whether you are likely to be considered. If you are rejected, ask for the reason in writing so you know what to address.

How do I know if FLHA is currently accepting new applications?

Call FLHA at (954) 761-8801 and ask whether they are accepting applications for public housing or Section 8. You can also call 211 and ask them to check. Some programs close their waiting lists when they are too long and reopen later. If the list is closed, ask when it might reopen.

What if I cannot afford the rent while I wait for Section 8?

Ask FLHA about emergency rental information if you are behind on rent. If that program is not open, call 211 to find nonprofits that help with rent or security deposits. Some organizations in Broward County offer one-time emergency payments or help negotiating with landlords.

Can I transfer my Section 8 voucher if I move out of Fort Lauderdale?

Section 8 vouchers are tied to the housing authority that issued them. If you move to a different city or county, you must contact that area's housing authority to port your voucher. Not all housing authorities accept ports, so call the new authority before you move to confirm they will take your voucher.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.