What the Orlando Housing Authority does

The Orlando Housing Authority (OHA) is a local government agency that manages public housing and rental information programs in Orange County, Florida. It does not build or own most of the housing it helps with — instead, it administers federal money that goes to landlords on behalf of tenants who meet income limits. The OHA runs public housing developments, the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8), and emergency information funds when they are available.

The agency is separate from the City of Orlando government, though it works within Orange County. If you live in unincorporated Orange County or in most of the cities within it, OHA is the body that handles public housing applications and voucher waitlists. The OHA's main office is located in downtown Orlando, and you can reach it by phone, mail, or in person to ask about current programs.

Key Takeaways

  • The Orlando Housing Authority manages public housing units and Section 8 vouchers for Orange County residents who meet income limits based on area median income.
  • The Section 8 waitlist is usually closed, and when it opens, it fills quickly — you can call OHA to ask whether applications are being taken.
  • Public housing and voucher programs require proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, and a background check that looks at criminal history and prior evictions.
  • OHA also administers emergency rental information when funding is available, though these programs run out of money and reopen on different schedules.
  • You must contact OHA directly to learn which programs are currently open, because availability changes throughout the year.

Public housing managed by OHA

OHA owns and operates public housing complexes throughout Orange County. These are apartment buildings where rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, rather than market rate. To live in OHA public housing, your household income must fall below 80 percent of the area median income for Orange County — the exact dollar amount changes each year and depends on household size.

Public housing has a waitlist, and the wait time varies depending on the size of unit you need and current vacancy rates. OHA prioritizes households experiencing homelessness and those with the longest time on the waitlist. You can contact OHA to ask whether the waitlist is open and what the current wait time is for a one-bedroom, two-bedroom, or other size unit.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

The Housing Choice Voucher program, commonly called Section 8, gives money directly to landlords on behalf of tenants. You find a rental property on the private market, the landlord agrees to accept a voucher, and OHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent while you pay the rest. Your share is typically 30 percent of your household income.

The Section 8 waitlist in Orange County is frequently closed because demand far exceeds available vouchers. When OHA opens the waitlist — which happens irregularly and is announced on their website and through local nonprofits — applications fill within days or hours. You can call OHA to ask whether the waitlist is currently open. If it is closed, ask whether they have a waiting list for the waiting list, which some housing authorities maintain.

Income limits for Section 8 are the same as for public housing: your household income must be below 80 percent of area median income at the time you receive a voucher. Once you have a voucher, your income can rise above that limit and you keep the voucher, though your rent share may increase.

Emergency rental information from OHA

When federal or state emergency funds become available, OHA administers rental information programs that pay landlords directly for rent you owe. These programs are not permanent — they open when money is allocated and close when funds run out. During the COVID-19 pandemic, OHA distributed emergency rental information, and similar programs may be available in the future depending on state and federal funding.

To find out whether emergency rental information is currently available, call OHA or check their website. If a program is open, you will typically need to show proof of income loss, a signed lease, and documentation of the rent you owe. The program pays the landlord, not you, so you will need your landlord's contact information and their agreement to accept the payment.

Income limits and what you need to bring

Both public housing and Section 8 use the same income limits, which are set each year by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. For Orange County, a single person's income limit is typically around $35,000 to $40,000 per year, and a family of four around $55,000 to $65,000 per year — these figures change annually, so call OHA for the current year's limits.

When you explore, bring a photo ID, proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of citizenship or legal residency, and Social Security numbers for all household members. OHA will conduct a background check that includes criminal history and prior evictions. A criminal record or prior eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but OHA will review the details and make a decision based on the nature and timing of the offense or eviction.

How to contact the Orlando Housing Authority

The OHA main office is located at 411 W. Central Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32801. You can reach them by phone at (407) 246-2600 during business hours. The website is oha.org, where you can find current program information, waitlist status, and income limits.

If you cannot reach OHA directly or need help understanding your options, you can also contact Orange County's 211 service by dialing 2-1-1 or visiting their website. 211 connects you with local housing resources and can tell you which programs are currently open and what the next steps are.

What happens after you explore

After you submit an process, OHA will contact you to verify the information you provided and conduct a background check. This process typically takes four to eight weeks, though it can be longer if OHA needs additional documents from you. You will be notified by mail or phone of the decision.

If you are approved for public housing, OHA will place you on a lease and assign you a unit when one becomes available. If you are approved for Section 8, you will receive a voucher and have a limited time (usually 120 days) to find a landlord who accepts it. If you do not find a landlord within that time, you may lose the voucher, though you can request an extension in some cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Section 8 waitlist open right now?

The Section 8 waitlist in Orange County is closed most of the time. Call OHA at (407) 246-2600 to ask whether it is currently open. If it is closed, ask when it last opened and whether they expect to open it again soon. You can also check oha.org for announcements about waitlist openings.

What if I have a criminal record or prior eviction?

A criminal record or prior eviction does not automatically disqualify you from public housing or Section 8. OHA reviews each case individually and considers the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation. Contact OHA to discuss your specific situation before explore.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher outside of Orange County?

Section 8 vouchers issued by OHA can be used in other counties in Florida and in other states, but only if the receiving housing authority agrees to accept a transfer. You must request a transfer from OHA and get approval before moving. Contact OHA to learn whether the area you want to move to accepts transfers.

How long is the waitlist for public housing?

Wait times for public housing vary depending on the size of unit you need and current vacancy rates. Call OHA to ask what the current wait time is for the unit size you are looking for. Households experiencing homelessness and those with the longest time on the waitlist are prioritized.

What if I cannot afford the process fee?

OHA does not charge an process fee for public housing or Section 8. If someone asks you for money to explore, that is a scam. explore directly through OHA at their office or by calling (407) 246-2600.