What Miami-Dade Housing Authority Does

Miami-Dade Housing Authority (MDHA) is a public agency that runs housing programs funded by the federal government. It does not build or own most of the housing it administers — instead, it issues vouchers to tenants and pays landlords on their behalf. MDHA also manages public housing properties, though the majority of its work is voucher-based.

The agency serves Miami-Dade County residents who meet income limits. It operates from a central office and several satellite locations. Most transactions — applications, recertifications, rent calculations — happen either in person, by mail, or through their online portal. MDHA does not handle emergency rental information or rapid rehousing; those are separate county programs run by different departments.

Key Takeaways

  • MDHA administers Section 8 vouchers and public housing, but the waiting list for both is typically closed or has a multi-year wait.
  • You must live in Miami-Dade County and meet income limits (usually 50% to 80% of area median income, depending on the program) to be considered.
  • Recertification happens every year, and you must report changes in income, household size, or address within 30 days or risk losing your voucher.
  • MDHA's main office is located in downtown Miami, and you can reach them by phone, mail, or in-person appointment to ask about current openings.

Section 8 Vouchers and the Waiting List

MDHA's primary program is Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers. When you receive a voucher, MDHA pays a portion of your rent directly to your landlord; you pay the rest. The voucher amount is based on the fair market rent for your area and your household size, not on what you actually pay.

The waiting list for Section 8 vouchers in Miami-Dade is typically closed. When it opens, MDHA accepts applications for a limited time — sometimes a few weeks — and then closes it again. The wait from the time you are added to the list to the time you receive a voucher can be several years. You can call MDHA's main office to ask whether the list is currently open and what the current wait time is.

If you are already on the waiting list, MDHA will contact you when a voucher becomes available. You do not need to reapply or check in repeatedly; the agency maintains the list and reaches out in order.

Public Housing and Income Limits

MDHA also operates public housing — buildings it owns or leases where tenants pay rent based on their income. Public housing has its own waiting list, separate from Section 8. Income limits vary by program, but generally you must earn no more than 50% to 80% of the area median income for Miami-Dade County. For a family of four in 2024, that typically means a gross monthly income below $3,500 to $5,600, though these figures change annually.

To be considered for public housing, you must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status, pass a background check, and have no history of drug-related criminal activity in the past three years. MDHA also reviews your rental history and credit. You will need to provide proof of income, identity, and residency in Miami-Dade County.

Like Section 8, the public housing waiting list is often closed. Call MDHA to confirm whether applications are being accepted and what the current wait time is.

Annual Recertification and Reporting Changes

If you hold an MDHA voucher or live in public housing, you must recertify your income and household information once per year. MDHA will send you a notice with the date you must complete recertification. You will need to provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer showing your current income. If your income has changed, you must report it.

You must also report changes within 30 days: if someone moves into or out of your household, if your income changes, if you change jobs, or if you move to a different address. Failing to report changes can result in overpayment of rent, loss of your voucher, or eviction from public housing. MDHA has a form for reporting changes, available at their office or online.

Recertification appointments can take several weeks to schedule, so do not wait until the last minute. If you miss your recertification important date, contact MDHA when ready to ask about rescheduling.

How to Contact MDHA and Where to explore

MDHA's main office is located at 700 NW 24th Street, Miami, FL 33127. You can reach them by phone at (305) 634-2000. The office is open Monday through Friday, typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours may vary. You can also visit in person to ask about waiting list status, submit documents, or attend a recertification appointment.

MDHA has an online portal where current voucher holders and public housing residents can submit recertification forms, report changes, and view their account. You will need to register for an account using your name and case number. If you do not have internet access, you can submit documents by mail or in person.

To ask whether the waiting list is open, call the main office and ask to speak with someone in intake or admissions. They can tell you whether applications are being accepted and what documents you will need to bring if the list reopens.

Background Checks and Criminal History

MDHA conducts a background check on all applicants and current residents. You will be denied or removed if you have a conviction for drug-related criminal activity within the past three years. MDHA also reviews your rental history — if you have been evicted for nonpayment or lease violations, you may be denied, though MDHA has some discretion to consider the circumstances.

If you have a criminal record or eviction history and are concerned about your status, contact MDHA before explore to ask how they evaluate your specific situation. The agency has an appeals process if you are denied, and you have the right to respond to any negative information in your file.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Section 8 voucher from MDHA?

The wait depends on when you are added to the list and how many people are ahead of you. In Miami-Dade, the wait is typically several years. MDHA will contact you when a voucher is available; you do not need to check in. Call the main office to ask what the current wait time is.

What if I move out of Miami-Dade County while on the waiting list?

If you move outside Miami-Dade County, you will be removed from MDHA's waiting list. If you move back into the county, you can reapply when the list reopens. Let MDHA know of any address change while you are waiting.

Can I use my MDHA voucher at any apartment in Miami-Dade?

No. The landlord must agree to accept Section 8 vouchers, and the apartment must pass MDHA's inspection. MDHA will provide you with a list of participating landlords and information on how to search for units. Not all landlords participate.

What happens if I do not report a change in my household or income?

MDHA may calculate your rent incorrectly, which can result in you owing money back or paying too much. If the change is discovered during recertification or an inspection, you could lose your voucher or be evicted from public housing. Always report changes within 30 days.

Does MDHA help with emergency rent if I am behind on payments?

No. MDHA administers vouchers and public housing, not emergency rental information. Contact your city or county's emergency rental information program, or call 211, to ask about funds for back rent.