What the St. Petersburg Housing Authority does

The St. Petersburg Housing Authority (SPHA) is a local government agency that owns and manages public housing in St. Petersburg, Florida. It administers rental information programs, maintains public housing units, and handles tenant services for people living in its properties. If you rent from SPHA or are looking into public housing options in the city, you will deal directly with this agency—not a state or federal office.

SPHA operates under Florida Statutes and federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rules. The agency manages its own waiting lists, sets rent amounts based on tenant income, and handles maintenance requests and lease enforcement. Understanding how SPHA works and how to reach the right department saves time when you need something.

Key Takeaways

  • The St. Petersburg Housing Authority is a local agency that manages public housing units and rental information programs in St. Petersburg, Florida.
  • You can reach SPHA's main office at 727-821-5391 or visit their office in person at 4th Street in downtown St. Petersburg during business hours.
  • SPHA maintains a waiting list for public housing that is typically closed or has a long wait time; you can contact them to learn the current status.
  • Tenants in SPHA housing can request maintenance repairs through the tenant portal or by calling the maintenance line during business hours.
  • SPHA also administers the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8), which has its own separate waiting list and process process.

How to contact SPHA directly

The main SPHA office is located at 4th Street in downtown St. Petersburg. You can reach them by phone at 727-821-5391 during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. The office staff can direct you to the right department depending on whether you need to explore for housing, report a maintenance issue, pay rent, or ask about a lease question.

If you are currently a tenant in SPHA housing, you may also have access to an online tenant portal where you can submit maintenance requests, view your lease, and check your rent account. Ask the office staff for login information if you do not already have it. Some SPHA properties also have on-site management offices where you can handle routine matters without calling the main office.

SPHA's public housing waiting list

SPHA maintains a waiting list for public housing units. The list is often closed because demand exceeds available units. When the list is open, you can contact SPHA to request an process. The agency will take your name, contact information, and household details, then place you on the list in the order your process was received.

Wait times vary depending on the size of unit you need and current vacancies. A one-bedroom unit may have a shorter wait than a three-bedroom. SPHA will contact you when a unit matching your household size becomes available. You can call to ask about your position on the list, though the agency may not provide exact numbers. If the list is closed when you call, ask when it is expected to reopen.

The Housing Choice Voucher program through SPHA

SPHA also administers the Housing Choice Voucher program, commonly known as Section 8. This program provides rental subsidies that allow you to rent from a private landlord rather than living in public housing. The voucher covers a portion of your rent based on your income, and you pay the remainder.

The Section 8 waiting list is separate from the public housing list and is also typically closed. When it opens, you can contact SPHA to request an process. The process and wait times are different from public housing. Ask SPHA staff whether the Section 8 list is currently open and what the expected wait time is if you are added to the list.

What to do if you are an SPHA tenant with a problem

If you live in SPHA housing and have a maintenance issue—a broken appliance, plumbing problem, heating or cooling failure—contact the maintenance line or your property's on-site office. Describe the problem clearly and provide your unit number and phone number. SPHA aims to respond to emergency repairs (no heat, no water, electrical hazards) within 24 hours and routine repairs within a longer timeframe.

If you have a dispute with SPHA over your lease, rent amount, or eviction notice, you have the right to request a hearing before an independent hearing officer. SPHA must provide written notice of this right. Contact the main office to ask about the hearing process and important date. Do not ignore an eviction notice; responding within the required time is critical to protecting your rights.

Income limits and rent calculation

SPHA housing is reserved for households with income below certain limits set by HUD. These limits change yearly and depend on household size. When you explore, SPHA will verify your income using tax returns, pay stubs, and other documents. If your income exceeds the limit, you will not be placed on the waiting list.

If you are accepted into SPHA housing, your rent is calculated as 30 percent of your adjusted gross monthly income, or the minimum rent set by SPHA, whichever is higher. As your income changes, your rent may change. You are required to report income changes to SPHA within 30 days. SPHA will recalculate your rent and adjust your lease accordingly.

What documents you will need

When you explore for SPHA housing or Section 8, you will need to provide proof of identity, proof of income, and information about your household. Bring a photo ID, recent pay stubs or tax returns, proof of Social Security numbers for all household members, and proof of citizenship or may be able to access immigration status. If you receive benefits, bring documentation from the benefit program.

You will also need to disclose any criminal history. SPHA uses criminal background checks as part of the screening process, though a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you. Be honest on your process; providing false information can result in denial or eviction. If you have questions about what documents to bring, call SPHA before your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the wait for SPHA public housing?

Wait times vary and depend on the size of unit you need and current vacancies. Some applicants wait months; others wait years. Call SPHA at 727-821-5391 to ask whether the waiting list is currently open and what the typical wait time is for your household size.

Can I explore for both public housing and Section 8 at the same time?

Yes. The two programs have separate waiting lists and separate process processes. You can be on both lists simultaneously. Being on one list does not affect your position on the other.

What happens if my income increases while I live in SPHA housing?

You must report income changes to SPHA within 30 days. Your rent will be recalculated based on the new income. If your income exceeds the program limit, you may be required to move out, though SPHA typically provides a transition period. Contact your property manager when ready if your income changes.

Can I request a specific SPHA property or neighborhood?

No. SPHA assigns units based on availability and your household size. You cannot choose which property you live in. Once a unit is offered, you can accept or decline it; declining may move you to the end of the waiting list or remove you from it depending on SPHA policy.

What if I disagree with SPHA's decision to evict me?

You have the right to request a hearing before an independent hearing officer. SPHA must give you written notice of this right and the important date to request a hearing, usually within a short timeframe. Contact SPHA's main office when ready to request a hearing if you receive an eviction notice.