The demand for affordable housing in South Florida continues to grow, and Section 8 — formally known as the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program — plays a critical role in helping low-income families secure safe, stable homes. Administered at the county and city level, Section 8 housing is a vital part of South Florida’s rental landscape.
Here’s a closer look at how Section 8 is distributed across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.
Section 8 Housing in Miami-Dade County
Miami-Dade County sees an enormous demand for Section 8 assistance. In 2024 alone, over 50,000 residents applied for the county’s Section 8 waitlist. However, only 5,000 applicants were randomly selected to be added to the list. The Miami-Dade County Housing and Community Development department oversees the program, reflecting the area’s high need for affordable housing solutions.
Historically, Miami-Dade has struggled with long waitlists and limited availability due to population growth and rising housing costs. Section 8 remains one of the few paths to affordable living for thousands of local families.
Section 8 Housing in Broward County
Broward County also operates an active Section 8 program through the Broward County Housing Authority. Additionally, several cities within Broward — including Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood — manage their own housing authorities and voucher programs.
For example, the Hollywood Housing Authority currently operates 120 public housing units and administers 828 Housing Choice Vouchers. This localized management helps spread Section 8 support across a larger portion of Broward residents, although demand continues to outpace supply.
Section 8 Housing in Palm Beach County
Palm Beach County’s Section 8 program is run by the Palm Beach County Housing Authority (PBCHA), with assistance also offered by the West Palm Beach Housing Authority. Together, they provide housing solutions for hundreds of families.
The West Palm Beach Housing Authority alone manages 732 public housing units while administering Section 8 vouchers to eligible families. With housing costs in Palm Beach continuing to rise, the voucher system remains a critical lifeline for many low- and moderate-income households.
The Bigger Picture: Subsidized Housing in Florida
Statewide, Florida offers approximately 203,994 subsidized housing units as of 2023. About 13% of these units remain unoccupied and available for new tenants. Importantly, Housing Choice Voucher programs — like Section 8 — make up 61.6% of the state’s total subsidized housing stock.
This means Section 8 is the dominant form of rental assistance in Florida, offering flexibility by allowing recipients to find housing in the private market rather than being limited to government-owned developments.
How to Apply for Section 8 Housing in South Florida
Given the high demand, those interested in applying for Section 8 assistance should contact the appropriate housing authority directly:
Each authority maintains its own eligibility requirements, application periods, and lottery systems, so staying informed is essential.
| County | Housing Authority | Contact Number | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami-Dade | Miami-Dade Housing and Community Development | (786) 469-4100 | Visit site |
| Broward | Broward County Housing Authority | (954) 739-1114 | Visit site |
| Palm Beach | Palm Beach County Housing Authority | (561) 684-2160 | Visit site |
Conclusion
Section 8 housing remains a crucial part of South Florida’s affordable housing strategy. Despite high demand and limited availability, Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties continue to provide vital rental assistance through Housing Choice Vouchers. As South Florida’s population and housing prices rise, Section 8 will only grow in importance for the region’s working families and vulnerable populations.
