What the Palm Beach Housing Authority does

The Palm Beach Housing Authority (PBHA) is a local government agency that manages public housing and rental information programs in Palm Beach County, Florida. It does not build or own most of the housing it oversees — instead, it contracts with private landlords and property owners who agree to rent units to low-income residents at below-market rates. The agency also administers federal vouchers that help tenants pay rent directly to their landlords.

PBHA operates under federal rules set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This means the programs follow the same basic structure as housing authorities across the country, but the specific buildings, wait times, and local policies are unique to Palm Beach County.

Key Takeaways

  • The Palm Beach Housing Authority manages public housing units and distributes federal rental vouchers to low-income households in the county.
  • Most PBHA information goes to families earning 30 to 80 percent of the area median income, with priority often given to people experiencing homelessness or living in unsafe conditions.
  • Wait lists for both public housing and vouchers are typically years long, and PBHA opens them only when funding allows.
  • You contact PBHA directly to learn whether a wait list is open and what documents you will need to provide.
  • PBHA also runs emergency information programs and can refer you to other county resources if you do not meet the income limits for its main programs.

Public housing versus voucher programs

PBHA offers two main paths to affordable rent. Public housing means you rent a unit that PBHA owns or controls directly — you pay rent to PBHA, and PBHA maintains the building. Voucher programs (also called Section 8) mean you find a rental unit on the open market, the landlord agrees to accept a voucher, and PBHA pays part of the rent directly to the landlord while you pay the rest.

Public housing typically has longer wait lists but offers more stability because PBHA controls the property. Voucher programs give you more choice in where to live, but you have to find a landlord willing to accept the voucher — not all do. Both programs require your household income to fall below a certain threshold, usually between 30 and 80 percent of the area median income for Palm Beach County.

PBHA also manages Project-Based Vouchers, which are tied to specific buildings rather than to you as a tenant. These work like a middle ground: the voucher stays with the property, so if you move out, the next tenant gets the subsidy.

Income limits and who gets priority

To be considered for PBHA housing or vouchers, your household income must fall below the limits PBHA sets each year. These limits vary by household size and are based on the area median income for Palm Beach County. The agency typically prioritizes households earning 30 percent of the area median income, though some programs serve households up to 80 percent.

PBHA gives priority to certain groups: people experiencing homelessness, families living in substandard housing, people with disabilities, and households facing displacement. If you do not fall into a priority category, you may still be able to join a wait list, but your position will be lower. The agency publishes its admissions policy on its website, which spells out the exact priority order.

You will need to provide proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), a valid ID, and Social Security numbers for all household members. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need to show may be able to access immigration status.

Wait lists and how to get on one

Both public housing and voucher wait lists in Palm Beach County are typically closed because demand far exceeds available funding. When a wait list opens, PBHA announces it on its website and through local media. The opening is usually for a limited time — sometimes just a few weeks — so you need to check regularly or sign up for notifications if PBHA offers them.

To join a wait list, you contact PBHA directly by phone or in person at their office. You will fill out an process and provide the documents listed above. PBHA will tell you your position on the list and give you an estimate of how long you might wait. In Palm Beach County, wait times can range from several months to several years depending on the program and your priority level.

Once you are on a wait list, PBHA will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available. You must respond within the timeframe they give you — usually a few days — or you lose your spot. If your circumstances change (income, household size, address), you must notify PBHA so your file stays current.

What rent you pay under PBHA programs

Under both public housing and voucher programs, you pay a portion of your rent based on your income, and PBHA or the federal government covers the rest. The standard formula is that you pay 30 percent of your adjusted gross monthly income toward rent. If your income is very low, you may pay a minimum amount set by PBHA (often $25 to $50 per month).

Your rent obligation can change if your income changes. If you get a raise or lose a job, you must report it to PBHA within a certain timeframe. PBHA will recalculate your rent and adjust your payment going forward. This is why it is important to keep PBHA updated on your household situation.

In public housing, you pay PBHA directly. In a voucher program, you pay the landlord the difference between the full market rent and what PBHA pays. If the rent is $1,200 and PBHA pays $900, you pay $300 — assuming your income-based share does not exceed that amount.

Other PBHA programs and services

Beyond public housing and vouchers, PBHA administers other information programs. These include emergency rental help for households facing eviction, utility information in some cases, and supportive services for people with disabilities or experiencing homelessness. The availability and rules for these programs change based on federal funding, so you need to contact PBHA directly to learn what is currently available.

PBHA also partners with nonprofits and county agencies to offer case management, job training, and other support services. If you are in PBHA housing or on a wait list, staff can refer you to these resources. If you do not meet the income limits for PBHA programs, PBHA can point you toward other county housing resources or emergency information.

How to contact the Palm Beach Housing Authority

The Palm Beach Housing Authority office is located in West Palm Beach. You can reach them by phone, email, or by visiting in person. Their website lists current wait list openings, income limits, and the documents you need to bring. If you call, have your household size, income range, and any special circumstances (disability, homelessness, displacement) ready to discuss.

PBHA staff can tell you whether a wait list is currently open, what the wait time is likely to be, and what your next steps are. They can also tell you if you do not meet the income limits and refer you to other resources. Response times vary, so if you do not hear back within a few business days, follow up by phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get public housing or a voucher from PBHA?

Wait times depend on your priority level and the program. People experiencing homelessness or living in unsafe housing may move up the list faster, sometimes within months. Other households may wait several years. PBHA will give you an estimate when you join the wait list, but the actual time can be longer if funding runs out or if fewer units become available than expected.

What if my income goes up after I get PBHA housing?

You must report income changes to PBHA. Your rent will increase, but you will not lose your housing. PBHA recalculates your payment based on your new income. If your income rises above the program limit for an extended period, PBHA may ask you to move out, but this process takes time and PBHA typically works with you to find alternatives.

Can I use a PBHA voucher anywhere in Florida?

No. Most PBHA vouchers can only be used within Palm Beach County. Some vouchers may be portable to other counties under specific circumstances, but you need to ask PBHA before you move. If you want to relocate, contact PBHA to learn whether your voucher can move with you or whether you need to explore to the housing authority in your new county.

What happens if I lose my job while I am in PBHA housing?

Contact PBHA when ready and report the job loss. Your rent will be recalculated based on your new (lower) income, and you will likely pay less. PBHA may also refer you to job training or employment services. You will not be evicted because your income dropped — that is the whole point of the program.

Is there a fee to explore for PBHA housing or a voucher?

No. PBHA does not charge an process fee. If someone claims to charge you to explore for PBHA housing, they are running a scam. explore directly through PBHA's office or website at no cost.