How the Miami Beach Housing Authority Works and What It Offers

What the Miami Beach Housing Authority does

The Miami Beach Housing Authority (MBHA) is a public agency that owns and manages rental housing in Miami Beach, Florida. It does not run a waiting list for the general public or distribute vouchers to private landlords the way larger housing authorities do. Instead, MBHA directly operates a small number of public housing units — buildings it owns — and rents them to low-income households that meet its income limits.

MBHA also administers certain federal housing programs and can refer residents to other resources. If you are looking for affordable housing in Miami Beach, you may be looking for MBHA's public housing, or you may need to explore other programs like Section 8 vouchers (which are handled by the Miami-Dade Housing Authority, not MBHA) or local affordable housing developments.

Key Takeaways

Miami Beach Housing Authority owns and rents a limited number of public housing units directly to low-income residents; it does not issue vouchers for private apartments.
To inquire about public housing, you must contact MBHA directly by phone or in person at their office; there is no online process portal.
Income limits explore, and they are set by the federal government based on area median income; limits change annually and vary by household size.
Section 8 vouchers for Miami Beach residents are handled by Miami-Dade Housing Authority, a separate agency, not by MBHA.
MBHA can provide referrals to emergency rental information, homeless services, and other local housing programs if you do not meet public housing requirements.

MBHA's public housing units and income limits

MBHA operates a small portfolio of public housing. The exact number of units and their locations can change, so the first step is to call MBHA directly to learn what is currently available. Public housing is rented only to households whose income falls below the federal income limit for Miami Beach, which is recalculated each year by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Income limits vary by household size. A single person has a lower limit than a family of four. For example, in recent years the limit for a single person has been around 50% of area median income, but this figure changes annually and depends on HUD's calculations. You will need to provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or other income documentation to verify that your household income qualifies.

Rent in public housing is typically set at 30% of your household's adjusted gross income, meaning lower-income households pay less. MBHA will calculate your rent based on the income information you provide during the intake process.

How to contact Miami Beach Housing Authority

MBHA does not accept applications online. You must reach out directly by phone or visit their office in person. The agency's main contact number and office address are available through the City of Miami Beach website or by calling 311 (Miami-Dade's information line). When you call, ask to speak with someone about public housing availability and the process process.

Be prepared to provide basic information about your household size, current housing situation, and income. MBHA staff can tell you whether units are currently available and what documents you will need to bring if you decide to move forward. Response times vary depending on how busy the office is, so calling early in the morning or mid-week may get you through faster.

What documents you will need

MBHA will ask for proof of income, proof of identity, and information about your household composition. Typical documents include recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), tax returns from the previous year, a government-issued ID, and proof of Social Security numbers for all household members. If you are unemployed, you may need to provide unemployment benefit statements or a letter from a job training program.

You will also need to pass a background check. MBHA screens for criminal history and eviction records. The specific criteria are set by federal public housing rules, and MBHA staff can explain what will or will not disqualify you before you complete a full process. If you have concerns about your background, ask about this during your initial call.

Section 8 vouchers and other housing programs

If you are looking for a Section 8 voucher — a federal subsidy that lets you rent from a private landlord — that program is run by Miami-Dade Housing Authority (MDHA), not MBHA. MDHA maintains a waiting list for Section 8 vouchers that covers all of Miami-Dade County, including Miami Beach. The waiting list is often closed, but you can check its status on MDHA's website or by calling their office.

Miami Beach also has affordable housing developments built or funded by the city that are separate from MBHA public housing. These may have different income limits, rent levels, and process processes. MBHA staff can refer you to these programs if you do not meet public housing requirements or if no units are available.

Emergency rental information and other support

If you are behind on rent or facing eviction, MBHA can refer you to emergency rental information programs run by Miami-Dade County or the City of Miami Beach. These programs are separate from public housing and have their own income limits and process processes. They typically pay landlords directly to cover back rent and sometimes future rent.

MBHA can also connect you with homeless prevention services, utility information programs, and other social services if your situation requires when ready help. When you call MBHA, mention if you are in crisis — staff may be able to prioritize your call or direct you to a faster resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get into MBHA public housing?

There is no standard timeline. It depends on how many units are available, how many people are ahead of you, and how quickly you can provide required documents. Once you are approved, you may wait weeks or months for a unit to become available. MBHA staff can give you a better estimate based on current availability when you call.

What if I have an eviction on my record?

An eviction does not automatically disqualify you from MBHA public housing, but it will be reviewed during your background check. MBHA follows federal public housing rules, which allow some discretion. Contact MBHA directly to discuss your situation before you explore; they can tell you whether your specific case is likely to be approved or denied.

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

Yes. MBHA public housing and Section 8 vouchers are separate programs run by different agencies. You can be on the Section 8 waiting list (through Miami-Dade Housing Authority) while also inquiring about MBHA public housing. Having one does not affect your chances with the other.

What if I don't speak English?

MBHA is required to provide language information to non-English speakers. When you call, ask if an interpreter is available or if you can schedule an appointment with someone who speaks your language. You can also ask if documents can be provided in your language.

Is there a waiting list for MBHA public housing?

MBHA does not publish a formal waiting list the way some larger housing authorities do. Instead, availability depends on when units become vacant. Call MBHA to ask about current openings and the process for being considered when a unit does open up.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.