What the St. Petersburg Housing Authority does

The St. Petersburg Housing Authority (SPHA) is a local government agency that owns and manages public housing in St. Petersburg, Florida, and administers rental information programs for low-income residents. It does not build or sell homes — it operates apartment complexes for people who meet income limits, and it distributes federal money to help people pay rent in the private market.

The Authority runs two main programs: public housing (where SPHA owns the building) and the Housing Choice Voucher program, often called Section 8 (where you rent from a private landlord and the voucher covers part of your rent). Both have waiting lists, and both require your household income to fall below a certain threshold set by the federal government.

SPHA is separate from the City of St. Petersburg government, though it receives public funding and answers to a board of commissioners. If you need housing information in St. Petersburg, SPHA is usually the first place to contact, but it is not the only source — the city also runs emergency rental information and other programs through different departments.

Key Takeaways

  • SPHA manages public housing apartments and the Section 8 voucher program, both for households below federal income limits.
  • Both programs have waiting lists that can be years long, and you must explore directly to SPHA to get on them.
  • Public housing means SPHA is your landlord; Section 8 means you find a private landlord and SPHA pays part of the rent.
  • SPHA's office is located in St. Petersburg, and you can reach them by phone or visit in person to ask about current openings and waiting list status.
  • If you need help now and cannot wait for a public housing or voucher opening, other city programs may cover emergency rent or utility bills.

Public housing versus Section 8 vouchers

In public housing, SPHA owns the building and you are their tenant. You pay rent based on 30 percent of your household income (or the minimum rent, whichever is higher), and SPHA covers maintenance, utilities, and property management. Public housing in St. Petersburg includes several apartment complexes scattered throughout the city. The waiting list for public housing is typically long, and the time to reach the top varies by property and bedroom size.

In the Section 8 voucher program, you find your own apartment from a private landlord who agrees to accept the voucher. SPHA pays the landlord directly for a portion of the rent, and you pay the rest (usually 30 percent of your income). You have more choice in where you live, but you must find a landlord willing to participate, and the apartment must pass an SPHA inspection. The voucher waiting list is also long and moves slowly.

Both programs require your household income to be at or below 50 percent of the area median income. For a family of four in Pinellas County, this threshold changes yearly but is typically in the range of $35,000 to $40,000 annually — check with SPHA for the exact current limit. Both programs also require a background check and rental history review.

How to get on the SPHA waiting list

To explore for public housing or a Section 8 voucher, you must contact SPHA directly. You can visit their office in person, call them by phone, or check their website to see if they accept online applications. When you contact them, ask whether the waiting list is currently open — SPHA sometimes closes the list when it grows too long, and you cannot explore during those periods.

When you explore, bring proof of identity, proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), and proof of residency in St. Petersburg or Pinellas County. If you are currently homeless or living in an unsafe situation, tell SPHA — some programs prioritize people in crisis. You will also need to provide information about anyone else in your household and any criminal history.

After you explore, SPHA will place you on the waiting list in the order applications were received (though some people are prioritized, such as those with disabilities or experiencing homelessness). You will receive a confirmation number or letter. Keep this document and check on your status periodically by calling SPHA, as they may not contact you when your position changes.

What happens after you are approved

If you are approved for public housing, SPHA will contact you with available units and move-in details. You will sign a lease, pay a security deposit (usually equal to one month's rent), and move in. Your rent is recalculated every year based on your current income, so if your earnings change, report it to SPHA so your payment adjusts.

If you are approved for a Section 8 voucher, SPHA will give you a voucher packet explaining the program rules and your payment amount. You then have a set time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find an apartment. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher, and the unit must pass SPHA's inspection for things like safety, plumbing, heating, and lead paint. Once approved, SPHA pays the landlord monthly, and you pay your share directly to the landlord.

In both cases, you must recertify your income and household composition annually. If you do not recertify or if your income rises above the limit, you may lose your information. SPHA will send you a notice when recertification is due.

SPHA contact information and office hours

The St. Petersburg Housing Authority's main office is located at 4065 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street South, St. Petersburg, FL 33711. You can reach them by phone at (727) 321-4400. Office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but call ahead to confirm or check their website for any schedule changes.

When you call or visit, have your identification ready and be prepared to answer questions about your household size, income, and current living situation. If you speak a language other than English, ask whether an interpreter is available. SPHA may also have a website where you can check waiting list status or read process forms.

Other St. Petersburg housing programs if SPHA waiting lists are closed

If SPHA's waiting lists are closed or the wait is too long for your when ready needs, other programs in St. Petersburg may help. The city's Community Development Department runs emergency rental information for people facing eviction or utility shutoff. Pinellas County also administers programs for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of it.

211 Pinellas is a free referral service that can tell you which programs are currently open and help you understand what each one covers. You can call 2-1-1 from any phone or visit their website. They can also connect you with nonprofits that offer housing counseling, help with security deposits, or emergency financial aid.

If you have a disability, the Pinellas County Developmental Disabilities Program and other agencies may have housing resources separate from SPHA. If you are a veteran, the Veterans Affairs office in Tampa has housing programs specific to military service members and their families.

Understanding income limits and recertification

SPHA programs are limited to households earning at or below a certain percentage of the area median income. This limit is set by the federal government and changes every year. Income includes wages, Social Security, disability benefits, child support, and unemployment — almost any money coming into your household counts.

When you explore, SPHA will calculate your household income by adding up all sources for all household members. If you are over the limit, you will not be approved. If you are approved and your income later rises above the limit, you will eventually lose your information (though SPHA usually gives you time to find other housing).

Every year, SPHA will ask you to recertify your income by providing recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer. If your income has dropped, your rent payment may go down. If you do not recertify by the important date, SPHA may terminate your information, so respond promptly when they send you the recertification notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the SPHA waiting list?

Waiting times vary by program and bedroom size. Public housing and Section 8 waiting lists in St. Petersburg can be several years long. Call SPHA at (727) 321-4400 to ask about current wait times for the specific program and unit size you need.

Can I explore for both public housing and Section 8 at the same time?

Yes. You can be on both waiting lists simultaneously. If you are approved for one before the other, you can accept it and remain on the other list, or you can decline and stay waiting. Tell SPHA your preference when you explore.

What if I have a criminal record or eviction history?

SPHA will review your background, but a criminal record or past eviction does not automatically disqualify you. SPHA looks at the nature and timing of the offense or eviction. Contact SPHA directly to discuss your situation before explore, so you understand what to expect.

Do I have to live in St. Petersburg to explore for SPHA housing?

You must live in or have a connection to St. Petersburg or Pinellas County. Some programs require you to be a current resident; others allow you to explore if you work in the area or have family there. Ask SPHA about residency requirements when you contact them.

What if I cannot afford the security deposit for public housing?

Ask SPHA whether they offer a deposit waiver or payment plan. Some housing authorities allow you to pay the deposit over time or waive it for people with very low income. This varies, so discuss your situation with SPHA when you are approved for a unit.