What the Housing Authority of Palm Beach County does
The Housing Authority of Palm Beach County (HAPBC) is a public agency that manages affordable rental housing and administers housing vouchers in Palm Beach County, Florida. They own and operate apartment complexes for low-income residents, and they run the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, which helps may be able to access renters pay for housing in the private market. If you live in the county and need affordable housing or want to understand how these programs work, HAPBC is the agency that handles both.
The Authority serves residents across unincorporated Palm Beach County and several municipalities within it. They maintain waiting lists for public housing and vouchers, process applications, conduct inspections, and manage the relationship between landlords and tenants in their programs. Understanding how to reach them and what they actually handle is the first step if you are looking for housing information or already participate in one of their programs.
Key Takeaways
- The Housing Authority of Palm Beach County runs public housing apartments and the Section 8 voucher program for low-income renters in the county.
- You can contact them by phone, mail, or in person at their main office; their website lists current phone numbers and office hours.
- Waiting lists for both public housing and Section 8 vouchers are typically open, but processing times are long and vary by program.
- If you already receive a voucher or live in HAPBC housing, you report maintenance issues and rent changes directly to your property manager or case worker.
- The Authority does not handle emergency rental information or eviction prevention — those programs are run by the county or local nonprofits.
How to reach the Housing Authority of Palm Beach County
The main office is located in West Palm Beach. The fastest way to reach them is by phone during business hours — their number and current hours are on their official website. You can also visit in person to ask questions, request an process, or get information about waiting lists. Mail is slower but works if you need to submit documents or formal requests.
When you call or visit, have your identification ready and be specific about what you need: information about explore for public housing, questions about the Section 8 program, or help with an existing case. If you are already a tenant or voucher holder, you may need to speak with your individual property manager or case worker rather than the main office, depending on your question.
explore for public housing through HAPBC
Public housing means apartments owned and operated directly by the Housing Authority. To explore, you must contact HAPBC and request an process. They will ask about your household size, income, citizenship status, and rental history. The process itself is free. You will need to provide proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements), identification, and Social Security numbers for all household members.
Once you submit an process, you are placed on a waiting list. The wait time varies — it can be months or years depending on how many people are ahead of you and how many units become available. HAPBC will contact you if a unit matching your household size opens up. You will then go through an interview and inspection before moving in. Rent in public housing is typically 30 percent of your household income, with HAPBC covering the rest.
Understanding the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program
Section 8 vouchers are different from public housing. Instead of living in an Authority-owned building, you find your own apartment in the private market and the voucher pays a portion of the rent directly to your landlord. You pay the difference. To get a voucher, you explore through HAPBC and go on their waiting list. Like public housing, the wait can be long.
If you receive a voucher, you must find a landlord willing to accept it, and the unit must pass a Housing Quality Standards inspection. Your rent contribution is still typically 30 percent of your income. You keep the voucher as long as you remain income-may be able to access and follow program rules. If you move, you can take the voucher with you to a new unit in the same county, as long as the new landlord accepts it.
What to do if you have a maintenance problem or need to report a change
If you live in HAPBC public housing and have a maintenance issue — a broken appliance, plumbing problem, or heating issue — contact your property manager or the maintenance office at your complex. They have emergency procedures for urgent problems like no heat or water. For non-emergency repairs, submit a work order and they will schedule a time to fix it.
If your income changes, household size changes, or you move, you must report it to your case worker or property manager right away. These changes affect your rent calculation and your continued participation in the program. Failing to report changes can result in overpayment of rent or loss of your voucher or housing.
Programs HAPBC does not run
The Housing Authority does not administer emergency rental information, eviction prevention funds, or utility information. If you are behind on rent, facing eviction, or struggling with utilities, those programs are run by Palm Beach County's Community Services Department or local nonprofits. You can find current information about emergency information through 211 (dial 2-1-1 or visit 211.org) or by contacting your city or county government directly.
HAPBC also does not handle homeownership programs, down payment information, or mortgage help. Those services come from other agencies and nonprofits. If you are looking for help buying a home, ask your local housing authority or community action agency for referrals.
Understanding waiting lists and processing times
Both public housing and Section 8 vouchers have waiting lists managed by HAPBC. The lists are usually open to new applications, but they close periodically when the backlog becomes too large. You can check the Authority's website or call to find out whether the list is currently open and how long the typical wait is.
Processing times depend on the program and how many applications are ahead of you. Public housing waiting lists can be several years long in some areas. Section 8 waiting lists vary but are often shorter than public housing. Once your name reaches the top of the list and a unit or voucher becomes available, HAPBC will contact you. If you move or your contact information changes, update it with the Authority so they can reach you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I make too much money for public housing or Section 8?
Income limits vary by household size and change yearly. HAPBC publishes the current limits on their website and can tell you over the phone whether your household income falls within the range. Generally, you must be at or below 80 percent of the area median income, but some programs have lower limits. Call or visit to ask about your specific situation.
Can I be on the waiting list for both public housing and Section 8 at the same time?
Yes. You can explore for both programs and be on both waiting lists. Some people prefer one over the other, and having both options open increases your chances of getting housing sooner. You are not required to choose one or the other.
What happens if I find a landlord for Section 8 but they refuse to accept the voucher?
Landlords are allowed to refuse Section 8 vouchers in Florida, though some cities have local rules against discrimination. If a landlord declines, you can look for another unit. HAPBC staff can sometimes help you find landlords who accept vouchers, or you can search online for "Section 8 friendly" apartments in your area.
Do I have to pay an process fee to explore for public housing or Section 8?
No. HAPBC does not charge a fee to explore for public housing or Section 8 vouchers. If someone asks you for money to explore, it is a scam. All applications are free.
What if I was denied for public housing or Section 8 — can I appeal?
Yes. HAPBC has an appeal process if you are denied. You have the right to know why you were denied and to request a hearing to dispute the decision. Contact the Authority to ask about their appeal procedures and important date.