What the Pasco County Housing Authority does

The Pasco County Housing Authority (PCHA) is a local government agency that manages affordable housing programs in Pasco County, Florida. It administers public housing — apartments it owns and operates — and the Housing Choice Voucher program, which lets you rent from a private landlord while the authority pays part of your rent. The authority does not build or own all affordable housing in the county; it runs specific programs with their own rules, waiting lists, and income limits.

PCHA is separate from the county government itself, though it receives public funding. It answers to a board of commissioners and must follow federal housing law. If you are looking for any form of affordable housing in Pasco County, PCHA is usually the first place to contact because it can tell you what programs exist, whether they are currently open to new residents, and what the income and other requirements are.

Key Takeaways

  • PCHA runs public housing (apartments it owns) and Housing Choice Vouchers (rent subsidies you use with private landlords), each with separate waiting lists and income limits.
  • You must meet income requirements based on your household size; limits vary by program and change yearly.
  • Both programs have waiting lists that can be months or years long, and PCHA opens and closes them depending on how many people are waiting.
  • You can contact PCHA directly by phone, in person, or online to learn current waiting list status and what documents you will need to bring.
  • PCHA also runs other programs such as Family Self-Sufficiency and homeownership counseling; ask about all options when you call.

Public housing versus Housing Choice Vouchers

PCHA's two main programs work differently. Public housing means PCHA owns the building and you pay rent to PCHA. Your rent is set at 30 percent of your household income (or the minimum rent, whichever is higher). PCHA handles maintenance and repairs. Public housing has its own waiting list, and the wait can be long — sometimes years depending on how many units are available and how many people are waiting.

The Housing Choice Voucher program (also called Section 8) works the opposite way: you find an apartment from a private landlord, and PCHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent. You pay the difference out of pocket. The voucher amount depends on the size of the unit and the area, not on your income. You keep the voucher as long as you stay within income limits and follow program rules. The voucher waiting list is also separate from public housing and often has its own wait time.

Both programs require you to meet income limits. The limits depend on your household size and are set by the federal government; PCHA publishes the current limits on its website or can tell you over the phone. If your income rises above the limit, you may lose the subsidy or have to pay more rent.

Income limits and household requirements

To be considered for either PCHA program, your household income must fall below a certain threshold. The threshold changes every year and depends on how many people live with you. For example, the income limit for a single person is lower than for a family of four. PCHA uses gross income — what you earn before taxes — not take-home pay.

Income includes wages, Social Security, disability payments, child support, and other regular money coming in. Some income is excluded or counted differently — for example, student financial aid and certain disability benefits may not count fully. PCHA will ask you to bring pay stubs, tax returns, or letters from benefit programs to prove your income.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. PCHA will ask for proof of citizenship or immigration documents. If anyone in your household has an eviction judgment or owes money to PCHA or another housing authority, you may be denied. Criminal history is reviewed case by case; PCHA does not automatically deny based on a criminal record, but certain convictions can disqualify you.

How to contact PCHA and check waiting list status

The Pasco County Housing Authority office is located in Dade City. You can reach them by phone during business hours to ask about waiting list status, current income limits, and what documents to bring. You can also visit in person to pick up an process or ask questions. Some PCHA offices accept applications online or by mail, though you should confirm the current process when you call.

When you contact PCHA, ask whether the waiting list for the program you want is open or closed. If it is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen. Many housing authorities close their waiting lists when too many people are waiting, then reopen them later. You can also ask if PCHA has a waiting list preference system — some programs prioritize people in certain situations, such as those experiencing homelessness or living in substandard housing.

Have your household information ready when you call: the number of people in your household, your income range, and any special needs (such as accessibility requirements). This helps PCHA tell you quickly whether a program might work for you.

What documents you will need

PCHA will ask for proof of identity, income, household composition, and immigration status. Bring a photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. For income, bring recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), tax returns from the last two years, or letters from benefit programs such as Social Security or unemployment. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns and profit-and-loss statements.

You will also need to prove who lives in your household — birth certificates, custody papers, or marriage licenses may be required. If you have a disability and need reasonable accommodations (such as an accessible unit), bring documentation from a doctor or disability program. PCHA will give you a full list of required documents when you explore; do not assume you have everything until you ask.

Waiting lists and how long they take

Once you are on a PCHA waiting list, you may wait weeks, months, or years before a unit becomes available. The wait time depends on how many people are ahead of you and how many units PCHA has. Public housing and vouchers have separate waiting lists, so your position on one does not affect the other. Some people are on both lists at the same time.

PCHA will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available. You must respond within a set time frame (usually a few days) or you lose your place. If you turn down an offer, you may be removed from the list or moved to the back. Ask PCHA what happens if you decline an offer before you accept a spot on the waiting list.

While you are waiting, your circumstances may change — your income may rise, you may move out of the county, or your household size may change. Tell PCHA when ready if your situation changes, because it may affect your place on the list or your may be able to access.

Other PCHA programs and services

Beyond public housing and vouchers, PCHA may run other programs. Family Self-Sufficiency is a program that helps working families save money and move toward homeownership or economic independence. Homeownership counseling teaches you how to buy a home, build credit, and understand mortgages. Some housing authorities also run emergency information programs or help with security deposits for people moving into private housing.

Ask PCHA about all programs when you call, not just the two main ones. Some programs have shorter waiting lists or different income limits, and you may be a better fit for one than another. PCHA staff can explain which programs match your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for public housing or vouchers?

Wait times vary and change constantly. PCHA can tell you the current wait time when you call, but it depends on how many units are available and how many people are waiting. Some areas of Pasco County may have shorter waits than others. Ask PCHA for the specific wait time for the program and location you want.

What if my income is too high for PCHA programs?

If you earn above the income limit, you do not meet the requirement for PCHA programs. However, income limits change yearly and vary by program, so ask PCHA to confirm your exact situation. You can also explore other affordable housing options in Pasco County, such as tax-credit apartments or private landlords who accept housing vouchers from other sources.

Can I be on the waiting list for both public housing and vouchers at the same time?

Yes. The two programs have separate waiting lists, and being on one does not affect your place on the other. Many people are on both lists because they want to see which becomes available first. You can accept an offer from one program and stay on the other list, or you can decline and remain on both.

What happens if I get a voucher but cannot find a landlord who will accept it?

Finding a landlord who accepts vouchers can be difficult in some areas. PCHA can provide a list of landlords who have worked with voucher holders in the past, and staff can sometimes help you search. If you cannot find a unit within a set time frame (usually 60 to 120 days), PCHA may extend your search period or remove you from the program. Ask PCHA about search extensions and landlord resources when you receive your voucher.

Do I have to move out if my income rises above the limit?

Not when ready. If you are in public housing or on a voucher and your income rises above the limit, PCHA will usually give you time to move or adjust your rent. Your rent may increase, or you may be asked to leave after a grace period. The exact rules depend on the program. Ask PCHA what happens if your income changes while you are receiving information.