What the Sarasota Housing Authority does

The Sarasota Housing Authority is a public agency that manages affordable rental housing and rental information programs in Sarasota County. It does not build or own all the housing in the county — instead, it administers federal funding and oversees properties that participate in its programs. If you are looking for below-market rent or need help paying rent you already owe, the Authority is where you start.

The Authority runs two main programs: public housing (apartments it owns or controls directly) and the Housing Choice Voucher program, often called Section 8. It also manages emergency rental information when federal funds are available. The Authority's offices are in downtown Sarasota, but you can reach them by phone or mail without visiting in person for most inquiries.

Key Takeaways

  • The Sarasota Housing Authority manages public housing units and Section 8 vouchers, both of which charge rent based on your income rather than market rates.
  • Public housing waitlists are typically closed or have long waits; Section 8 waitlists also have significant delays, sometimes years depending on funding.
  • You must meet income limits (usually 50 to 80 percent of the area median income) and pass a background check to be considered for either program.
  • Emergency rental information is available when funded, but programs run out of money and reopen later — calling ahead tells you whether the fund is currently open.
  • The Authority's main office is at 1900 Newberry Avenue, Sarasota, and you can reach it by phone to ask about current waitlist status before submitting paperwork.

Public housing managed by the Sarasota Housing Authority

Public housing consists of apartments owned or controlled by the Authority itself. Rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, so a family earning $2,000 per month pays $600 in rent. The Authority maintains the buildings and handles repairs, which is different from a private landlord relationship.

The Authority operates several public housing communities in Sarasota County, including scattered-site units (individual apartments in regular neighborhoods) and larger complexes. To be considered, your household income must fall below 50 percent of the area median income for Sarasota County. You will also need to pass a background check and provide proof of income, residency, and citizenship or legal immigration status.

Waitlists for public housing are often closed because demand far exceeds available units. When a list does open, it fills quickly. Call the Authority's main office to ask whether the public housing waitlist is currently open and how long the wait typically is if you are added.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

A Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) is a subsidy that lets you rent from a private landlord while the Authority pays part of your rent. You find your own apartment, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and the Authority pays the landlord directly. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent, usually 30 percent of your income.

The income limit for Section 8 is typically 80 percent of the area median income, which is higher than public housing. You still need to pass a background check and provide proof of income and residency. The advantage is that you have more choice in where you live — you are not limited to Authority-owned buildings.

Section 8 waitlists in Sarasota County are also typically closed or have very long waits. When the list opens, it closes again within days or weeks. The Authority may prioritize applicants with disabilities, families with children, or people experiencing homelessness. Ask the Authority whether the Section 8 waitlist is currently open and what the estimated wait time is.

Emergency rental information through the Authority

When federal emergency rental funds are available, the Sarasota Housing Authority administers them. These programs pay landlords directly for rent you already owe, not for rent coming due. You typically need a signed lease, proof of a recent hardship (job loss, illness, eviction notice), and documentation that you cannot pay.

Emergency funds run out quickly and reopen later when new money arrives. Before you gather documents, call the Authority to confirm the program is currently open. If it is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen so you know whether to wait or pursue other options.

Processing times vary but usually take two to six weeks. Tell your landlord you have applied and ask them to hold off on filing for eviction while the process is pending. Some programs can contact the court on your behalf if an eviction case is already filed.

Income limits and background check requirements

Both public housing and Section 8 have income limits based on family size and the area median income for Sarasota County. These limits change yearly. As a rough guide, public housing serves households at or below 50 percent of median income, while Section 8 serves households at or below 80 percent. The Authority's office can tell you the exact current limits for your household size.

You will need to provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer showing income. If you are unemployed, you may need to show unemployment benefits or other income sources. The Authority also runs a criminal background check; a record does not automatically disqualify you, but certain convictions (particularly drug-related or violent offenses) may.

If you have an eviction judgment on your record, you may still be considered, especially if the judgment is old or if you can show the circumstances have changed. Ask the Authority directly about your specific situation rather than assuming you are ineligible.

How to contact the Sarasota Housing Authority

The main office is located at 1900 Newberry Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34234. You can reach them by phone at (941) 955-0551. The office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. You can also mail inquiries or documents to the same address.

Before you visit or call, have your household size, approximate income, and any documentation ready. If you are calling to ask about waitlist status, you do not need to provide personal information — you are just checking whether a list is open. If you are ready to explore, the staff can tell you what documents to bring or mail.

The Authority also has a website where you can find program information and sometimes read applications. Check whether you can submit applications online or by mail, as this may be faster than visiting in person.

What happens after you are added to a waitlist

Once your process is accepted and you are on a waitlist, the Authority will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available. This can take months or years depending on the program and current demand. Keep your contact information current — if you move or change your phone number, notify the Authority so they can reach you.

When the Authority contacts you, you will be asked to verify that your income and household composition have not changed significantly. If they have, you may be removed from the list or moved to a different category. If everything is current, you will be offered a unit or voucher and given a important date to accept it.

Turning down an offer may affect your position on the waitlist or remove you entirely, depending on the program rules. Ask the Authority what happens if you decline before you decide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waitlist for public housing in Sarasota?

Waitlist length depends on how many units are available and how many people are waiting. The Authority's office can tell you the current wait time when you call. Many times the list is closed entirely because it is too long. Even when open, waits can be several years.

Can I have a criminal record and still get Section 8?

A record does not automatically disqualify you. The Authority considers the type of offense, how long ago it occurred, and your circumstances since then. Drug convictions and violent crimes are more likely to result in denial, but you should ask the Authority about your specific situation rather than assuming you are ineligible.

What if I am already behind on rent — can I still explore for Section 8?

Yes, but Section 8 does not pay back rent you already owe. If you are behind, you may be better served by emergency rental information, which does pay arrears. You can explore for both programs at the same time.

Do I have to live in Sarasota County to use the Sarasota Housing Authority?

Generally yes, though some programs may serve people who work in the county. Call the Authority to confirm whether your situation qualifies. If you live outside the county, you may be able to use a housing authority in your own county instead.

What if the Section 8 waitlist is closed — when will it open again?

The Authority does not announce opening dates in advance. Call periodically to ask, or ask the staff when they expect the next opening based on past patterns. Some housing authorities open their lists once a year; others open them only when funding becomes available.