What the Seminole Housing Authority does

The Seminole Housing Authority (SHA) is a public agency that manages affordable rental housing in Seminole County, Florida. It administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, which subsidizes rent for low-income households, and operates public housing properties directly. SHA also handles waiting lists, conducts income verification, and inspects units to may support they meet housing quality standards.

SHA is not a landlord you contact to rent an apartment. It is the government body that determines who receives rental information and oversees the landlords who participate in its programs. If you live in Seminole County and need affordable housing information, SHA is where that process begins.

Key Takeaways

  • The Seminole Housing Authority runs Section 8 vouchers and public housing in Seminole County, Florida, and maintains separate waiting lists for each program.
  • Section 8 vouchers let you choose your own rental unit from participating landlords, while public housing means SHA owns and manages the property you live in.
  • Income limits exist for both programs and are based on household size and the current area median income for Seminole County.
  • Waiting lists can be long; SHA opens and closes them based on demand, so contacting them directly tells you whether you can currently join.
  • You will need proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, and a valid ID to begin the process with SHA.

Section 8 vouchers versus public housing

SHA offers two separate paths to affordable housing. Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers give you money to pay part of your rent at any landlord who agrees to participate. You find the apartment, the landlord accepts the voucher, and SHA pays the landlord directly each month. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent. This gives you more choice in where you live.

Public housing means SHA owns the building and you rent directly from SHA. SHA sets the rent based on your income, typically 30 percent of what you earn. You have less choice about location and unit type, but the rent is calculated the same way across all SHA properties. Both programs have separate waiting lists and separate income limits.

Income limits and household size

SHA sets income limits based on your household size and the current area median income for Seminole County. These limits change yearly. A single person has a different limit than a family of four, and the threshold for "low income" is higher in Seminole County than in rural areas of Florida because the cost of living is higher.

You must provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer to prove your income. If you are unemployed, self-employed, or receive benefits, SHA will ask for different documents. The exact income limit for your household size is available directly from SHA; do not assume based on what you have heard from others, because the numbers shift annually.

How to contact the Seminole Housing Authority

SHA's main office is located in Sanford, Florida. You can reach them by phone, mail, or in person to ask about current waiting list status, income limits for your household size, and what documents you need to bring. Their website lists office hours and phone numbers. Some services, like submitting documents or checking your waiting list position, may be available online or by mail.

When you call or visit, have your household size and approximate income ready. SHA staff can tell you when ready whether the waiting list is open for Section 8, open for public housing, or closed for both. If a list is closed, ask when it typically reopens; some programs reopen seasonally or when units become available.

Documents you will need

SHA requires proof of identity, income, and residency status before you can join a waiting list. Bring a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card). You will need recent pay stubs, a tax return from the past two years, or a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title and hourly wage or salary.

You must also prove you are a U.S. citizen or have legal residency status. A birth certificate, passport, or immigration document serves this purpose. If you are currently renting, bring your lease. If you are homeless or living with family, bring documentation of your current living situation. SHA may ask for additional documents depending on your circumstances, such as proof of child support or disability benefits.

Waiting lists and how long they take

Both Section 8 and public housing have waiting lists. The length varies; Section 8 waiting lists in Seminole County can be months or years long depending on demand and available vouchers. Public housing waiting lists are typically shorter but depend on how many units SHA owns and how quickly tenants move out.

SHA prioritizes applicants based on the date you join the list and sometimes by other factors like homelessness or disability. Once your name reaches the top and a unit or voucher becomes available, SHA will contact you. The time from process to receiving information can range from several months to over a year. Calling SHA to confirm the waiting list is open and to ask about typical wait times gives you a realistic picture for your situation.

What happens after you are approved

If you receive a Section 8 voucher, SHA gives you a document that explains the voucher amount, the term (usually one year), and the rules you must follow. You then search for an apartment with a landlord who accepts Section 8. The landlord must agree to rent to you, and the unit must pass SHA's housing quality inspection. Once the lease is signed and the inspection passes, SHA begins paying the landlord.

If you are approved for public housing, SHA assigns you to an available unit based on your family size and preferences. You sign a lease with SHA, pay your portion of the rent (usually 30 percent of income), and move in. Both programs require you to recertify your income annually so SHA can adjust your rent or voucher amount if your earnings change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be on both the Section 8 waiting list and the public housing waiting list at the same time?

Yes. The two programs are separate, so you can join both waiting lists. If you receive information from one program, you typically cannot receive it from the other simultaneously, but being on both lists while you wait does not disqualify you from either.

What if my income goes up after I receive a voucher or public housing?

SHA recertifies your income every year. If your income rises above the program limit, you may lose your voucher or housing. However, some programs allow a gradual phase-out rather than when ready termination. Ask SHA about their income recertification policy when you are approved.

Do I have to live in Seminole County to use SHA housing?

Yes. SHA serves Seminole County. If you live or work outside the county, you would contact the housing authority in that county instead. Section 8 vouchers sometimes allow you to move to a different county, but you must request permission from SHA first.

What if the waiting list is closed when I call?

Ask SHA when the list typically reopens. Some programs reopen seasonally, after funding is released, or when a certain number of people move out. You can also ask to be notified when the list opens again, though not all housing authorities offer this service.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher at any apartment?

No. The landlord must agree to accept Section 8, and the unit must pass SHA's housing quality inspection. Not all landlords participate. SHA can provide a list of participating landlords or buildings, or you can search for apartments and ask the landlord if they accept vouchers.