What Miami-Dade County Public Housing Authority Does

Miami-Dade County Public Housing Authority (MDPHA) owns and manages public housing units across Miami-Dade County and administers the Housing Choice Voucher program, commonly called Section 8. The agency does not build new housing or provide money directly to residents — it either owns the apartment building you live in, or it pays a private landlord on your behalf to rent you a unit. MDPHA is a separate government body from the county itself, with its own board and budget.

The Authority operates two main programs. Public housing means MDPHA owns the building; you pay rent based on your income, typically 30 percent of what you earn. The Housing Choice Voucher program means you find a private apartment and MDPHA pays the landlord the difference between what you can afford and the market rent. Both programs require you to meet income limits and pass a background check.

MDPHA serves roughly 60,000 people across its public housing developments and voucher program combined. Wait lists for both programs are long — often several years — and both are currently closed to new applicants in most cases, though this can change. The Authority's main office is located in Miami, and it has satellite offices in other parts of the county.

Key Takeaways

  • MDPHA runs two separate programs: public housing (where MDPHA owns the building) and Housing Choice Vouchers (where you rent from a private landlord and MDPHA pays part of the rent).
  • Both programs require your household income to fall below 50 percent of the area median income, which varies by family size and changes yearly.
  • Wait lists for both programs are typically closed and can stretch several years long when they do open; you can call MDPHA to ask about current status.
  • You must pass a background check covering criminal history, eviction records, and rental payment history to be admitted to either program.
  • Once you are in public housing or receive a voucher, you pay rent based on your income, not market rate, and MDPHA or your landlord reports your rent payment to help build credit.

Income Limits and Who Can explore

To be considered for either MDPHA program, your household income must not exceed 50 percent of the area median income (AMI) for Miami-Dade County. The actual dollar limit depends on how many people live in your household. For example, in 2024, a single person's income limit was around $32,000 per year, and a family of four was around $51,000 per year — but these numbers change annually and vary by program. You should contact MDPHA directly to confirm the current limits for your household size.

Income includes wages, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and most other regular money coming into the household. MDPHA counts gross income before taxes. Some types of income are excluded, such as certain education benefits or temporary information, but the rules are specific. You will need to bring recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters to prove your income when you explore.

Citizenship or immigration status requirements vary slightly between the two programs. Public housing generally requires U.S. citizenship or may be able to access immigration status. The Housing Choice Voucher program has similar rules but with some exceptions for mixed-status families. Contact MDPHA to discuss your specific situation before you explore.

Public Housing: How It Works and What to Expect

In MDPHA public housing, you rent an apartment or house that the Authority owns. Your rent is set at 30 percent of your household's adjusted gross income — not the market rent for that unit. If your income changes, your rent changes. MDPHA has developments across the county, including Liberty Square, Overtown, Wynwood, and others. You do not choose which development you move to; MDPHA assigns units based on availability and family size.

Public housing leases are typically one year and renew automatically unless you or MDPHA end the lease. You must follow lease rules, which include keeping the unit clean, not causing disturbances, and reporting maintenance problems. MDPHA can evict you for lease violations, non-payment of rent, or criminal activity. Eviction from public housing also makes it very difficult to get into a voucher program later.

The wait list for public housing is currently closed in most cases. When it does open, MDPHA prioritizes people experiencing homelessness, people being displaced by urban renewal, and people living in substandard housing. You can call MDPHA to ask whether the list is open and whether you meet a priority category.

Housing Choice Vouchers: How the Program Works

A Housing Choice Voucher is a subsidy that lets you rent from any private landlord who accepts the program. You find the apartment yourself — MDPHA does not find it for you. Once you and the landlord agree on a lease, MDPHA inspects the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards, then pays the landlord a portion of the rent directly. You pay the difference, which is typically 30 percent of your income.

The landlord must accept the voucher payment as part of the rent; they cannot refuse or charge you extra because MDPHA is involved. MDPHA pays the landlord every month as long as you stay in the unit and follow your lease. If you move, you can take the voucher to a new apartment, as long as the new unit passes inspection and the rent is within MDPHA's payment standard for your area.

The voucher wait list is also typically closed. When it opens, MDPHA uses a lottery system or prioritizes people in certain categories. The wait can be several years even after your name is drawn. Once you receive a voucher, you have a limited time — usually 60 to 120 days — to find an apartment and have it inspected before the voucher expires.

Background Check Requirements and What Disqualifies You

MDPHA runs a background check on all household members age 18 and older before you can move into public housing or use a voucher. The check covers criminal history, eviction records, and rental payment history. Certain criminal convictions — particularly drug-related felonies, violent crimes, or sex offenses — can permanently disqualify you. Other offenses may be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on how long ago they occurred and what the offense was.

Eviction history is also reviewed. A recent eviction for non-payment or lease violation can disqualify you or delay your admission. MDPHA looks at the reason for the eviction and how recently it happened. If you were evicted years ago and have since paid back rent or resolved the issue, you may still be considered.

Drug use or drug-related activity is grounds for permanent removal from either program. This includes manufacturing, distributing, or possessing illegal drugs. If someone in your household has a drug conviction, you may be denied. MDPHA also checks whether you owe money to the Authority or another housing program.

How to Contact MDPHA and Start the Process

MDPHA's main office is located at 700 NW 24th Street, Miami, FL 33127. You can reach them by phone at (305) 635-6000. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can also visit the MDPHA website to read process forms and find information about current wait list status.

To begin, call or visit in person and ask whether the wait list for public housing or vouchers is currently open. If it is open, ask what documents you need to bring. You will typically need proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns), proof of identity, proof of residency, and information about all household members. If you have an immigration status question, ask about that before you come in.

The process process itself is free. There is no fee to explore for public housing or a voucher. Be aware that wait lists can be very long, and you may not hear back for months or years. Some people explore to both programs at the same time to increase their chances.

Rent Payment, Lease Rules, and Your Responsibilities

Once you are in either program, you must pay your portion of rent on time every month. Rent is due on the first of the month. If you do not pay, MDPHA or your landlord can begin eviction proceedings. Unlike some other information programs, there is no grace period or late fee forgiveness — missing rent is treated as a lease violation.

You are responsible for utilities unless they are included in your lease. You must maintain the unit in good condition and report maintenance problems to MDPHA (for public housing) or your landlord (for vouchers) promptly. You cannot make major alterations to the unit without permission. You must also follow all lease rules, which typically include restrictions on guests, noise, and pets.

MDPHA or your landlord will report your rent payment history to credit bureaus if you pay on time. This can help you build credit. If you fall behind, that will also be reported and can damage your credit score. If you are evicted, it becomes part of your rental history and makes it very difficult to rent privately or re-enter a housing program.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the wait list for MDPHA housing or vouchers?

Wait lists vary and change frequently, but both public housing and vouchers typically have waits of several years when the lists are open. Some categories — such as people experiencing homelessness — may move faster. Call MDPHA at (305) 635-6000 to ask about current wait times for your situation.

Can I explore if I have a criminal record?

It depends on the offense. Drug-related felonies and violent crimes often result in permanent disqualification. Other offenses are reviewed case-by-case based on the type of crime and how long ago it occurred. Contact MDPHA to discuss your specific record before you explore.

What happens if my income increases while I am in the program?

In public housing, your rent will increase to 30 percent of your new income. In the voucher program, your portion of rent may increase, but MDPHA's payment to the landlord stays the same. If your income rises above the program limit, you may be required to leave the program. Report income changes to MDPHA right away.

Can I use my voucher to rent anywhere in Miami-Dade County?

You can rent any unit that the landlord is willing to lease to you, as long as the rent is within MDPHA's payment standard for that area and the unit passes inspection. Payment standards vary by neighborhood. MDPHA can tell you the maximum rent they will pay in your desired area.

What if I am evicted from public housing or lose my voucher?

An eviction from MDPHA housing makes it very difficult to re-enter the program. You would have to wait for the wait list to open again and reapply, but the eviction will be on your record. Some people are permanently barred from the program depending on the reason for eviction. Losing a voucher for non-compliance also typically prevents you from getting another one.