What the Jacksonville Housing Authority Does

The Jacksonville Housing Authority (JHA) is a local government agency that runs public housing and rental voucher programs in Duval County. It does not build or own most of the housing itself — instead, it pays private landlords to house low-income residents, and it manages the waiting lists and paperwork for those programs. JHA answers to the city and county, not to HUD directly, though HUD funds most of its operations.

JHA administers two main programs: public housing (apartments it owns or leases) and the Housing Choice Voucher program, commonly called Section 8. Both serve households below certain income limits. JHA also manages some project-based vouchers, where the subsidy is tied to a specific building rather than following a tenant to any landlord.

The agency is located at 1700 San Marco Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207. You can reach them by phone at (904) 630-3600. Their website is jaxha.org, where you can find current waiting list status, program rules, and contact information for specific departments.

Key Takeaways

  • JHA runs public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) for low-income households in Duval County, using federal funding and local oversight.
  • Both programs have income limits that vary by household size, and both maintain waiting lists that are sometimes open and sometimes closed.
  • You contact JHA directly to ask about waiting list status, request an process, or report a maintenance problem in public housing.
  • JHA's main office is at 1700 San Marco Avenue, and you can call (904) 630-3600 during business hours to speak with a staff member about your situation.
  • Waiting times for housing can be months or years, so if you need when ready shelter, contact the Duval County homeless services line or 211 for emergency options.

How to Contact JHA About Waiting Lists

JHA maintains separate waiting lists for public housing and for Housing Choice Vouchers. The status of each list — whether it is open, closed, or how long the wait is — changes over time. The fastest way to find out the current status is to call JHA directly at (904) 630-3600 and ask whether the program you are interested in is accepting new names.

You can also visit jaxha.org to check waiting list information online. If a list is open, JHA will tell you what documents you need to bring or mail in. Typically, you will need proof of income, a photo ID, proof of residency in Duval County, and information about anyone else in your household. If you are explore for a voucher, JHA will also ask about your current housing situation.

If the waiting list is closed, ask JHA when it is expected to reopen. Some lists reopen seasonally or when funding becomes available. You can also ask to be notified when the list opens again, though notification methods vary.

Income Limits and Who Can explore

Both JHA public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers are limited to households earning below a certain percentage of the area median income. The income limits change each year and depend on household size. For example, a single person's limit is lower than a family of four's limit. JHA staff can tell you the current year's limits when you call or visit.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. JHA will ask for proof — usually a Social Security number, birth certificate, or immigration documents. If you have a criminal history, JHA may deny your process, though the rules vary by offense and how long ago it occurred. JHA has a written policy on criminal background screening that you can request.

If you are currently homeless, you may still be able to explore. JHA does not require you to have a current address, though you will need a way for them to contact you — a phone number, email, or a mailing address where mail can reach you.

Public Housing vs. Housing Choice Vouchers

JHA owns or leases a limited number of public housing units scattered throughout Jacksonville. These are apartments where JHA is the landlord. Your rent is based on your income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income — and JHA covers the rest. You explore directly to JHA, and if you are selected from the waiting list, JHA assigns you to a specific unit.

Housing Choice Vouchers work differently. JHA gives you a voucher (a subsidy) that you take to any landlord who will accept it. You find your own apartment, negotiate the lease, and the voucher pays the landlord a portion of the rent. You pay the difference out of pocket, usually 30 percent of your income. This gives you more choice about where to live, but it requires you to find a landlord willing to participate in the program.

Both programs have waiting lists. Public housing waiting lists are often longer because there are fewer units. Voucher waiting lists can also be years long in Jacksonville, depending on funding. Ask JHA which program has a shorter wait if you are interested in either one.

What Happens After You Are Selected

If your name comes to the top of the waiting list, JHA will contact you and ask you to come in for an intake appointment. At that appointment, JHA staff will verify your income, household composition, and immigration status. They will also explain the program rules, your rights as a tenant, and what you are responsible for paying.

For public housing, JHA will show you available units and you will choose one (or accept the one offered, depending on JHA policy). You sign a lease with JHA, pay a security deposit if required, and move in. JHA handles maintenance and repairs.

For a voucher, you have a set amount of time — usually 60 to 120 days — to find an apartment. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher and pass a JHA inspection. Once you find a place, JHA and the landlord sign a contract, and you move in. You are responsible for finding the apartment and negotiating with the landlord.

Maintenance, Complaints, and Lease Issues

If you live in JHA public housing and have a maintenance problem — a broken heater, a leak, mold, or a broken appliance — contact JHA's maintenance department. You can call (904) 630-3600 and ask for maintenance, or submit a work order online through jaxha.org if that option is available. JHA is required to make repairs within a certain timeframe, usually 24 to 72 hours for urgent issues.

If JHA does not make the repair, you can file a formal complaint with JHA's management office. You can also contact the Florida Commission on Human Relations or HUD's Office of Inspector General if you believe JHA is violating fair housing law or federal rules.

If you have a dispute with your landlord over a voucher — for example, the landlord is not making repairs or is threatening eviction — contact JHA's voucher program staff. JHA can sometimes intervene or help you understand your rights under the lease and Florida law.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for JHA housing?

Waiting times vary by program and change as funding and units become available. Public housing waiting lists in Jacksonville are typically several years long. Voucher waiting lists can also be years long. Call JHA at (904) 630-3600 to ask the current wait time for the program you are interested in.

Can I explore for both public housing and a voucher at the same time?

Yes. You can be on both waiting lists simultaneously. If you are selected from one list first, you can usually stay on the other list in case you want to switch later, though JHA rules may limit how long you can hold both. Ask JHA about their policy when you explore.

What if I have an eviction on my record?

JHA may deny your process if you have a recent eviction, but it depends on how long ago it happened and the reason. JHA has a written screening policy that explains what disqualifies you. Request a copy from JHA staff, or ask them directly whether your situation would prevent you from being selected.

Do I have to stay in the same apartment forever?

No. In public housing, you can request a transfer to another JHA unit if one becomes available. With a voucher, you can move to a different apartment at any time — the voucher moves with you. Both programs have rules about how often you can move and whether you need JHA permission, so ask your case manager.

What if I earn more money while I am in the program?

Your rent will increase because it is based on your income. JHA will recalculate your rent each year. If your income rises above the program limit, you may be required to leave the program, though JHA usually gives you time to transition. Report income changes to JHA as soon as they happen.