What the Housing Authority of Palm Beach County does

The Housing Authority of Palm Beach County (HAPB) is a public agency that manages affordable rental housing and rental information programs across Palm Beach County, Florida. It does not build or own all the housing it oversees — instead, it administers federal funding, manages properties, and runs programs that help lower-income residents find and pay for housing.

The agency operates several distinct programs. Some provide rental information directly to tenants; others manage public housing properties where residents pay rent based on their income; still others help property owners participate in voucher programs. Understanding which program fits your situation matters because the process process, income limits, and waiting lists differ between them.

HAPB is funded primarily through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which means the programs follow federal rules about who can participate and how much rent you pay. The agency's main office is in West Palm Beach, though it serves the entire county.

Key Takeaways

  • The Housing Authority of Palm Beach County runs multiple programs including public housing, voucher information, and emergency rental help, each with separate waiting lists and income requirements.
  • Most programs require you to have a household income below a certain threshold set by HUD, which varies by family size and changes yearly.
  • Waiting lists for public housing and vouchers can be years long, and HAPB periodically opens and closes them depending on funding and demand.
  • You can contact HAPB directly by phone or visit their office to learn which programs are currently open and what documents you need to bring.
  • Emergency rental information through HAPB is separate from long-term housing programs and may have different income limits and faster processing.

Public housing managed by HAPB

Public housing means apartments or homes owned and operated by the Housing Authority itself. HAPB owns and maintains several hundred units across Palm Beach County. Rent in public housing is calculated as 30 percent of your household's gross monthly income, so the more you earn, the more you pay — but you never pay market rate.

To live in public housing, your household income must fall below the HUD income limit for your family size. These limits change each year. For example, a single person's limit is lower than a family of four's limit. You must also pass a background check and meet other occupancy requirements set by HUD.

The waiting list for public housing is typically long and may be closed to new applications. HAPB opens the list periodically when units become available or funding allows. Even after you are placed on the list, it can take months or years to reach the top, depending on your priority and the number of people ahead of you.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

Housing Choice Vouchers, commonly called Section 8, are rental subsidies that HAPB distributes to low-income households. Instead of living in a property HAPB owns, you find a rental home or apartment on the private market, and the voucher covers a portion of the rent. You pay the difference between what the voucher covers and the actual rent.

Like public housing, voucher programs have income limits and long waiting lists. The waiting list for vouchers in Palm Beach County is typically closed because demand far exceeds available vouchers. When HAPB does open the list, it fills quickly. Once you receive a voucher, you can use it at any rental property whose owner agrees to participate in the program.

The voucher amount is based on the fair market rent for your area and your household size. HAPB will tell you the maximum rent you can pay for a unit to use your voucher. If you find a cheaper place, you pay less; if you find a more expensive place, you pay the difference out of pocket.

Emergency rental information from HAPB

HAPB administers emergency rental information funded through federal COVID-19 relief and other temporary programs. These funds help households that have fallen behind on rent or face eviction. Unlike the long waiting lists for public housing and vouchers, emergency information programs typically process applications within weeks.

Emergency rental information usually covers back rent you already owe rather than future rent. HAPB pays the landlord directly in most cases. You will need a signed lease, proof of the hardship (such as job loss or reduced income), and documentation that you are behind on rent or at risk of eviction.

Income limits for emergency information may be higher than for public housing or vouchers, and the program may reopen and close depending on available funding. Contact HAPB directly to learn whether emergency funds are currently open and what documents to bring.

How to contact HAPB and explore

The Housing Authority of Palm Beach County's main office is located in West Palm Beach. You can reach them by phone to ask which programs are currently open, what the income limits are, and what documents you need. Having this information before you visit or call saves time.

When you contact HAPB, be ready to provide your household size and approximate monthly income so staff can tell you whether you may be within the income limit. If you are interested in explore, ask whether the waiting list is open for the program you want. If it is closed, ask when it typically reopens or whether you can be placed on a notification list.

Bring original documents to your appointment or when you submit an process. These typically include proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements), proof of residency, identification, and a Social Security number for each household member. HAPB staff can tell you the complete list when you call.

Income limits and rent calculations

HUD sets income limits for each county based on the area's median income. Palm Beach County's limits are higher than rural counties but lower than some major metropolitan areas. Limits also vary by family size — a household of one has a different limit than a household of five.

Income includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, disability benefits, child support, and other regular sources of money. Some income is excluded, such as certain education benefits or temporary information. HAPB will review your income documentation and calculate your total household income to determine whether you are within the limit.

In public housing, your rent is 30 percent of your gross income, with a minimum rent that HAPB sets. If your income increases, your rent increases. If your income decreases, your rent decreases. This is why public housing can remain affordable even if your circumstances change.

Waiting lists and how priority works

Most HAPB programs use waiting lists because demand exceeds available housing and vouchers. When you are placed on a list, your position depends on when you applied and sometimes on your priority status. Certain households — such as those experiencing homelessness or facing imminent eviction — may receive higher priority.

Waiting lists can be closed for months or years. HAPB periodically announces when a list will reopen, usually through their website, local news, or community organizations. If you miss the opening, you may have to wait until the next one. Some people register for notifications so they know when a list reopens.

Your position on the waiting list does not may provide housing or a voucher — it means you are in line to be considered when a unit or voucher becomes available. Even after reaching the top of the list, you must still meet all program requirements and pass a background check.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get public housing or a voucher from HAPB?

Waiting times vary widely. Public housing and voucher waiting lists can be years long, depending on how many people are ahead of you and how many units or vouchers become available. Emergency rental information typically processes faster — usually within two to six weeks. Contact HAPB to ask about current wait times for the specific program you are interested in.

What if my income is above the limit?

If your household income exceeds the HUD limit, you do not meet the requirement for HAPB programs. However, limits change yearly, and your income may drop in the future. You can also explore other affordable housing options in Palm Beach County through nonprofits or private landlords offering below-market rent.

Can I use a Housing Choice Voucher anywhere in Florida?

Housing Choice Vouchers are portable, meaning you can use them in other areas, but you must request a transfer from HAPB and the receiving housing authority must have available vouchers. Moving to a different county or state requires approval and coordination between agencies. Contact HAPB before you plan a move.

What happens if I lose my job while living in public housing?

Your rent will decrease because it is based on your income. You must report the income change to HAPB, and they will recalculate your rent. This is one reason public housing can be stable during financial hardship — your housing cost adjusts with your circumstances.

Does HAPB have programs for people with disabilities?

HAPB administers programs that serve people with disabilities, including public housing and vouchers. Some units are designed for accessibility. Contact HAPB to ask about programs and accommodations available for your situation, and bring documentation of disability if you have it.