What the Housing Authority of Fort Myers does

The Housing Authority of Fort Myers (HAFM) is a public agency that runs rental information programs and public housing in Lee County, Florida. It does not build or own most of the housing it helps fund — instead, it pays landlords on behalf of tenants who meet income limits, and it manages a smaller portfolio of public housing units. The Authority answers to a local board and operates under Florida Statutes and federal housing law.

Most people interact with HAFM through one of two routes: the Housing Choice Voucher program (formerly Section 8), which lets you rent from a private landlord while HAFM pays part of your rent, or public housing, where HAFM owns the unit you live in. Both programs require income verification and have waiting lists. HAFM also administers emergency rental information when federal or state funds become available, though those programs open and close depending on funding.

Key Takeaways

  • The Housing Authority of Fort Myers runs the Housing Choice Voucher program and public housing in Lee County, and you must meet income limits to use either one.
  • Waiting lists for both programs are typically long, and HAFM opens and closes them based on how many people are already waiting.
  • If you receive a voucher, you choose your own rental unit from a private landlord, and HAFM pays the landlord a portion of the rent each month.
  • You can contact HAFM directly to ask about current waiting list status, income limits, and what documents you need to bring.
  • Emergency rental information programs run by HAFM are temporary and depend on state or federal funding, so availability changes throughout the year.

Housing Choice Voucher program and how it works

The Housing Choice Voucher program is the largest rental information program HAFM runs. When you receive a voucher, HAFM gives you a document that shows a landlord you can pay part of the rent, and HAFM will pay the rest directly to the landlord each month. You are responsible for the tenant portion, which is usually 30 percent of your income. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher and sign a lease with you.

To get on the waiting list, you must live or work in Lee County and meet the income limit, which changes each year based on the area median income. HAFM publishes the current limit on its website or you can call to ask. Once you are on the list, HAFM will contact you when a voucher becomes available — this can take months or years depending on how many people are ahead of you. When you receive a voucher, you have a set amount of time to find a rental unit that meets HAFM's standards and that the landlord will accept.

Public housing units managed by HAFM

HAFM owns and manages a smaller number of rental units throughout Lee County. These are apartments or houses where HAFM is the landlord. Rent is set at 30 percent of your income, and you must meet the same income limits as the voucher program. Public housing units are often easier to move into quickly because there is no need to find a private landlord willing to participate, but the waiting list can still be long.

Maintenance and repairs in public housing are HAFM's responsibility, not yours. If something breaks, you report it to HAFM's maintenance department. Living in public housing means you follow HAFM's lease terms and house rules, which cover things like guest policies, pet restrictions, and upkeep of the unit.

Income limits and who can use HAFM programs

Both the voucher program and public housing are limited to households earning below a certain percentage of the area median income. For most programs, the limit is 50 percent of the area median income, though some vouchers are set aside for households at 30 percent. Lee County's median income is higher than many Florida counties, so the dollar limit is higher than it would be in a rural area.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. HAFM will ask for proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of identity, and proof of residency or employment in Lee County. If your income changes after you move in, you must report it to HAFM — your rent may go down if your income drops, or you may lose your voucher or housing if your income rises above the limit.

How to contact HAFM and check waiting list status

The Housing Authority of Fort Myers is located in Fort Myers and can be reached by phone during business hours. Call to ask about current waiting list status, whether lists are open or closed, what the current income limit is, and what documents you need to bring. You can also visit in person to ask questions or request an process.

HAFM's website lists basic program information and may have an online process form. If the waiting list is closed, ask when it typically reopens — some programs close seasonally or when the list reaches a certain size. If you are already on a waiting list, HAFM will contact you by phone or mail when something becomes available, so make sure your contact information is current.

Emergency rental information through HAFM

When the state or federal government releases emergency rental funds, HAFM sometimes administers them. These programs pay rent you already owe to your landlord, and they are temporary — they open when money arrives and close when it runs out. The income limits and rules for emergency information are different from the regular voucher program, and they change depending on the funding source.

To find out whether HAFM is currently running an emergency program, call and ask. If one is open, you will need a signed lease, proof of the landlord's identity and banking information, and proof that you fell behind on rent due to a recent hardship. Processing usually takes two to six weeks. If HAFM is not currently running an emergency program, ask whether funds are expected and when the program might reopen.

What happens if you lose your voucher or housing

If your income rises above the program limit, HAFM will notify you that you no longer meet the rules and your voucher or housing will end on a specific date. You have that time to find new housing on your own. If you violate the lease — for example, by having an unauthorized occupant, damaging the unit, or breaking house rules — HAFM can evict you through the court system, just as a private landlord can.

If you are evicted from HAFM housing or lose your voucher due to lease violations, you may be barred from the program for a period of time. HAFM's lease spells out what conduct can lead to termination. If you think HAFM is ending your information unfairly, ask for a hearing — federal law requires HAFM to give you a chance to respond before terminating your voucher or tenancy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it usually take to get a voucher from HAFM?

Waiting times vary widely depending on how many people are on the list and how many vouchers become available. Some people wait six months to two years. Call HAFM to ask for an estimate based on current list size and turnover. If the list is closed, ask when it last opened and whether there is a pattern to reopening.

Can I use my HAFM voucher in a different county?

Housing Choice Vouchers can sometimes be used outside the issuing county, but HAFM must approve the move and the new area must have available voucher funding. Contact HAFM before you move to ask whether your voucher can be transferred and what paperwork you need.

What if my landlord refuses to accept my HAFM voucher?

A landlord cannot legally refuse a voucher just because it is a voucher, but they can refuse for any other reason — for example, if you fail a background check or credit check. If you believe a landlord is discriminating against you because of your race, national origin, disability, or other protected status, you can file a complaint with HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.

Do I have to pay anything to get on the HAFM waiting list?

No. HAFM does not charge a fee to explore or to be on the waiting list. If someone asks you for money to put you on a list or to get you a voucher faster, that is a scam.

What if I need help paying rent right now and cannot wait for a voucher?

Call 211 or contact your local community action agency to ask about emergency rental information programs that may be running. Some are run by nonprofits or the county rather than HAFM. You can also ask HAFM whether it is currently administering emergency funds.