What the Orlando Housing Authority Does

The Orlando Housing Authority (OHA) is a public agency that runs public housing and the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program in Orange County, Florida. It does not create housing policy for the city of Orlando itself — it administers federal programs within its jurisdiction. OHA owns and operates public housing complexes, maintains waiting lists, processes voucher applications, and handles lease violations and rent collection for the properties it manages.

OHA is separate from the City of Orlando's planning and zoning departments. If you are looking for information about local housing policy, affordable housing development, or city-level programs, you will need to contact the City of Orlando's Community Development department instead. OHA's role is strictly to run the two federal programs: public housing and Section 8 vouchers.

Key Takeaways

  • The Orlando Housing Authority administers Section 8 vouchers and public housing in Orange County, but it is not the same as the City of Orlando government.
  • OHA's waiting list for both programs is typically closed, and you can only add your name when the list opens — which happens irregularly and is announced on the OHA website.
  • Public housing and Section 8 vouchers are different programs with different waiting lists, different income limits, and different process processes.
  • You must contact OHA directly by phone, mail, or in person to learn your position on a waiting list or to ask about when the list will reopen.
  • OHA's main office is located in downtown Orlando, and you can request an appointment or call their main line for general questions about either program.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers Through OHA

The Section 8 program is the largest rental subsidy program OHA administers. If you receive a voucher, OHA pays a portion of your rent directly to your landlord, and you pay the rest. The amount OHA pays depends on the size of the unit, the local rent market, and your household income. You must find a landlord willing to accept the voucher — OHA does not place you in a unit.

OHA's Section 8 waiting list is almost always closed. When it does open, the opening is announced on the OHA website and sometimes through local news. The list fills quickly and then closes again. There is no way to know in advance when it will reopen. Your only option is to check the OHA website regularly or call the main office to ask whether applications are being taken.

If you are already on the waiting list, you can contact OHA to ask your position. OHA will not tell you a specific date when you will receive a voucher, but they can tell you roughly how many people are ahead of you. Waiting times vary widely depending on household size and whether you have a disability or are over 62.

Public Housing Operated by OHA

OHA owns and operates public housing complexes throughout Orange County. These are apartment buildings where OHA is the landlord. Rent is based on your income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income, with a minimum rent that varies by property. Public housing is not the same as Section 8; you are renting directly from OHA, not from a private landlord.

Public housing waiting lists are also typically closed. Like Section 8, you can only add your name when OHA announces that applications are being taken. The waiting list for public housing is separate from the Section 8 waiting list, and wait times are often longer because there are fewer public housing units than vouchers.

If you are interested in public housing, ask OHA which properties have the shortest waiting lists. Some complexes may have openings sooner than others, and OHA can tell you which ones are accepting applications or have shorter queues.

How to Contact the Orlando Housing Authority

OHA's main office is located at 411 W. Central Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32801. You can reach them by phone at (407) 246-2056. Hours and specific department extensions are listed on the OHA website. You can also visit in person to ask questions about waiting list status, process procedures, or to request an appointment.

For questions about Section 8, ask to speak with someone in the Voucher Program office. For questions about public housing, ask for the Public Housing office. OHA staff can tell you whether the waiting list is open, how to add your name if it is, and what documents you will need to bring.

If you are currently receiving a voucher or living in OHA public housing and have a maintenance issue, lease question, or rent payment question, contact the property management office for your specific unit. The main office can direct you to the right property office.

Income Limits and Rent Calculations

Both Section 8 and public housing have income limits based on household size. These limits change each year and vary by county. For Orange County, the limits are set by HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) and published on the OHA website. You must be at or below the limit for your household size to be considered.

In public housing, your rent is calculated as 30 percent of your gross monthly income, with a minimum rent (usually between $50 and $100 per month depending on the property). If your income changes, you must report it to OHA, and your rent will be recalculated. In Section 8, OHA pays the difference between 30 percent of your income and the fair market rent for your unit size.

OHA will ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer to verify income. If you are unemployed, self-employed, or receiving benefits, bring documentation of that income as well. OHA will not estimate or take your word for it.

What Documents You Will Need

When you explore to either program, bring a photo ID, proof of income, and proof of residency in Orange County. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency with your current address. You will also need to provide information about all household members, including their ages and relationships to you.

If you have a disability or are over 62, bring documentation. OHA gives priority to elderly and disabled households on both waiting lists. If you are fleeing domestic violence, bring a police report or a letter from a domestic violence shelter. OHA also prioritizes these cases.

Bring your Social Security number for yourself and all household members. OHA will run a background check and verify your immigration status. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, but you must have may be able to access immigration status under federal law.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Section 8 voucher from OHA?

Wait times vary widely. Some people wait one to two years; others wait five or more. OHA cannot predict when you will receive a voucher. Your position on the list depends on your household size, whether you have a disability, and whether you are over 62. Call OHA to ask your approximate position.

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

Yes. They are separate programs with separate waiting lists. You can add your name to both lists when they are open. Being on one list does not affect your position on the other. If you receive a voucher while on the public housing list, you can stay on the public housing list or ask to be removed.

What if I have an eviction on my record?

OHA will consider your process, but an eviction may disqualify you or delay approval. OHA reviews each case individually. The age of the eviction, the reason, and whether you have paid any judgment matter. Call OHA to discuss your specific situation before explore.

Does OHA help me find a landlord who accepts Section 8?

No. OHA issues the voucher, but you must find a landlord willing to accept it. Some landlords refuse Section 8 vouchers. OHA can tell you which neighborhoods and properties have historically accepted vouchers, but the search is your responsibility. Once you find a unit and a willing landlord, OHA will inspect the property and process the lease.

What happens if my income increases while I have a voucher or live in public housing?

You must report income changes to OHA within 30 days. In public housing, your rent will increase. In Section 8, OHA may reduce the subsidy amount. If your income exceeds the program limit, you may lose your voucher or be required to move. Report changes promptly to avoid overpayment issues.