What the Tallahassee Housing Authority does

The Tallahassee Housing Authority (THA) is a local government agency that manages public housing and rental information programs in Leon County, Florida. The agency owns and operates apartment complexes for low-income residents, administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, and runs other rental information initiatives. If you live in Tallahassee or the surrounding area and need affordable housing information, THA is the office that handles those programs locally.

THA serves as the point of contact between residents and federal housing funding. The agency determines who can participate in its programs, manages waiting lists, collects rent, maintains properties, and handles lease violations or disputes. Understanding how to reach THA and what services they actually provide will save you time when you're looking for housing options.

Key Takeaways

  • The Tallahassee Housing Authority manages public housing units and Section 8 vouchers in Leon County, and you must contact them directly to learn about current program openings.
  • THA's main office is located at 2461 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, FL 32301, and you can reach them by phone at (850) 921-6580 during business hours.
  • Waiting lists for both public housing and Section 8 vouchers are typically closed, but THA announces openings on their website and through local media when they occur.
  • You will need proof of income, citizenship or may be able to access immigration status, and a valid ID to start any process process with THA.
  • THA also manages the Family Self-Sufficiency program, which pairs housing information with job training and financial counseling for residents working toward independence.

How to contact Tallahassee Housing Authority

The main office is located at 2461 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, FL 32301. You can call (850) 921-6580 during regular business hours. The office is typically open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though hours may vary seasonally or due to holidays. Calling ahead is often faster than visiting in person, especially if you have a specific question about program status or required documents.

THA also maintains a website where you can find information about current programs, read process forms, and check whether waiting lists are open. The website lists contact information for specific departments—such as maintenance, lease administration, or voucher programs—so you can reach the right office on your first call rather than being transferred multiple times.

Public housing and Section 8 voucher programs

THA operates public housing, which means the agency owns the buildings and you pay rent directly to THA. These are apartment complexes scattered throughout Tallahassee. Rent is typically set at 30 percent of your household income, though there is a minimum rent amount. Public housing waiting lists are almost always closed in Tallahassee, but THA will add your name when they reopen.

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program is different: THA gives you a voucher that you use to rent from a private landlord. You pay a portion of rent (usually 30 percent of income), and the voucher covers the rest, up to a limit set by the program. The Section 8 waiting list in Tallahassee is also typically closed. When it opens, demand is high and the list fills quickly—sometimes within days.

Both programs require you to meet income limits, which vary by household size. THA staff can tell you whether your household income qualifies. You will also need to pass a background check and provide proof of citizenship or may be able to access immigration status. Eviction history, criminal convictions, and drug-related offenses can disqualify you, though THA considers the details and timing of each case.

What documents you'll need to bring

Before you visit or call THA with an process, gather proof of income for the past 30 days—pay stubs, benefit statements, or a letter from your employer. You will also need a valid government-issued photo ID, proof of Social Security number (your card or a tax return), and proof of citizenship or may be able to access immigration status (passport, birth certificate, or immigration documents). If you are explore for housing with dependents, bring birth certificates or custody documents for each child.

If you are currently renting and want to transfer to a THA program, bring a copy of your lease and proof of current rent payments. If you are experiencing homelessness, bring any documentation you have—shelter records, letters from service providers, or proof of recent job loss. THA staff can work with incomplete documentation in some cases, but having what you can gather beforehand speeds up the process.

Waiting lists and how they work

Both public housing and Section 8 waiting lists in Tallahassee operate on a first-come, first-served basis once you are added to the list. However, the lists are closed most of the time. When THA announces an opening, there is usually a limited window—sometimes just a few weeks—to submit your process before the list closes again. THA announces openings on their website, through local news outlets, and sometimes through community organizations and churches.

Once you are on the waiting list, your position depends on when you applied, not on your need level or other factors. Wait times vary widely. In some cases, people wait months; in others, it can be years. THA will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available. You must respond within a set timeframe (usually a few days) or you lose your spot and go to the back of the list.

Family Self-Sufficiency program

THA runs a Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program for residents already receiving housing information. The program pairs your housing voucher or public housing lease with job training, financial counseling, and case management. The goal is to help you increase your income and eventually move off housing information. Participation is voluntary, and you work with a case manager to set goals and track progress.

One key feature of FSS is the escrow account. As your income rises, your rent payment increases, but a portion of that increase goes into an escrow account held by THA. When you complete the program (usually after five years), you receive the escrow balance as a lump sum to help you transition to market-rate housing. This creates a financial incentive to increase earnings while you have the safety net of affordable housing.

What to do if waiting lists are closed

If THA's waiting lists are closed when you need housing, explore other options. The City of Tallahassee and Leon County sometimes run emergency rental information programs, especially during economic hardship. 211 Tallahassee (dial 211 or visit 211.org) can connect you to local nonprofits that offer emergency rent help, utility information, or transitional housing. Community Action Agency of North Florida also serves Tallahassee residents with housing support.

Some private landlords accept Section 8 vouchers even when the program is not taking new applicants—they work with people who already hold vouchers. If you know someone with a Section 8 voucher, ask them which landlords they use. You can also contact THA's voucher department to ask for a list of participating landlords in your area. Getting on the waiting list as soon as it opens is your best path forward, so check THA's website regularly or call to ask when they expect to reopen.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Section 8 voucher or public housing unit?

Wait times vary greatly and depend on how many units become available and where you are on the list. Some people wait six months to a year; others wait several years. THA cannot predict your specific timeline. Once you are on the list and a unit or voucher becomes available in your area, THA will contact you and you typically have a few days to respond.

Can I be denied housing because of my credit score?

THA does not check credit scores. They focus on income, citizenship status, and background checks for criminal history and evictions. A poor credit history will not disqualify you, but an eviction record or certain criminal convictions may. THA reviews each case individually and considers how long ago the issue occurred.

What if I'm currently homeless—can I still explore?

Yes. THA accepts applications from people experiencing homelessness. Bring any documentation you have—shelter records, letters from service providers, or proof of recent job loss. You will still need to provide proof of identity and Social Security number if possible. Call THA to ask what documents they can work with in your situation.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher in a different city?

Section 8 vouchers are portable, meaning you can move to another area and use your voucher there. However, you must request a transfer from THA before you move. The receiving housing authority in your new city must have available funding to accept your voucher. Contact THA's voucher department to start the transfer process.

What happens if I lose my job while receiving housing information?

Report the change in income to THA when ready. Your rent will likely decrease because it is based on your income. You will not lose your housing, but you must keep THA informed of any changes in household composition, income, or employment status. Failing to report changes can result in lease violations or overpayment of rent.