What affordable housing programs exist in Broward County

Broward County runs several programs that help lower-income residents find stable housing. The main ones are public housing (owned and managed by the Broward County Housing Authority), Housing Choice Vouchers (formerly Section 8, which subsidize rent at private landlords), and affordable rental developments built or preserved through local funding and federal tax credits. The county also administers emergency rental information when funding is available, though these programs open and close based on state and federal money.

Each program has different income limits, wait times, and how much of your rent they cover. Public housing and vouchers are managed by the Broward County Housing Authority (BCHA). Affordable rental buildings are scattered across the county and run by nonprofits or private developers under affordability agreements that last 15 to 50 years. Knowing which program fits your situation saves time, because the process process and timeline differ significantly.

Key Takeaways

  • The Broward County Housing Authority manages public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers, and both have long wait lists that can take months or years to reach.
  • Affordable rental apartments exist throughout Broward but are not listed on standard rental websites — you must contact the property directly or use the county's searchable database.
  • Income limits vary by program and family size; a household that qualifies for public housing may not may have access to for a voucher, and vice versa.
  • Emergency rental information is available periodically but runs out of money quickly, so checking your local city website or calling 211 tells you whether funds are currently open.
  • Broward County has no statewide rent control, so landlords can raise rent at lease renewal, making affordable housing programs the main protection against displacement.

Public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers through BCHA

The Broward County Housing Authority owns and operates public housing complexes in Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach, and other municipalities. Public housing is the cheapest option — you pay 30 percent of your gross income as rent, and BCHA covers the rest. However, the wait list is typically several years long, and BCHA periodically closes it when the backlog becomes unmanageable. To check whether applications are open, call BCHA directly at (954) 765-4000 or visit their website.

Housing Choice Vouchers work differently: BCHA gives you a voucher worth a set amount (based on family size and the local market rent), and you find a private landlord willing to accept it. You pay 30 percent of your income, and the voucher covers the rest up to the voucher amount. The wait list for vouchers is also long — often three to five years or longer — and BCHA opens and closes applications based on funding. When you receive a voucher, you have a limited time (usually 120 days) to find a landlord, so landlord cooperation is critical.

Both programs require you to live in Broward County and meet income limits. For public housing, the limit is typically 50 percent of the area median income (AMI). For vouchers, it is usually 50 percent AMI as well, though BCHA can prioritize households at 30 percent AMI. A family of four in Broward earning roughly $35,000 to $45,000 per year may fall within these limits, but the exact threshold changes annually. Contact BCHA to confirm your household's income limit before you explore.

Finding affordable rental apartments in Broward

Affordable rental buildings exist throughout Broward but are not advertised on Zillow, Apartments.com, or Craigslist. Instead, they are managed by nonprofits, government agencies, or private developers under affordability agreements. The fastest way to find them is the Broward County Affordable Housing Database, a searchable list maintained by the county's Community Development Division. You can filter by city, number of bedrooms, and income limit. The database includes contact information for each property, and you call the landlord or property manager directly to ask about availability.

Income limits for affordable rental buildings vary widely. Some buildings serve households at 30 percent AMI (very low income), others at 50 percent AMI (low income), and some at 60 or 80 percent AMI (moderate income). A building's affordability agreement specifies how long rents stay below market rate — typically 15, 30, or 50 years. Once that period ends, the landlord can raise rents to market rate, so affordability is not permanent. When you call a property, ask how long the affordability period lasts and whether your income qualifies.

Availability changes constantly because buildings have turnover. If a property tells you there is no opening, ask to be added to a waiting list. Some buildings maintain lists and contact people as units become available. Others do not, so you may need to call back periodically. Properties in high-demand areas (near transit, near jobs, in safer neighborhoods) fill quickly, so persistence matters.

Income limits and how they are calculated

Affordable housing programs in Broward use area median income (AMI) as the threshold. AMI is the middle income for a family of four in Broward County, set annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In 2024, the AMI for Broward is approximately $82,000 for a family of four, though this figure changes yearly. Programs serving 30 percent AMI households accept families earning up to roughly $24,600; 50 percent AMI programs accept up to roughly $41,000; and 60 percent AMI programs accept up to roughly $49,200.

Income limits adjust for family size. A single person's limit is lower than a family of four's limit. When you contact a program or property, provide your household size and gross monthly or annual income (before taxes), and they will tell you whether you may have access to. Gross income includes wages, Social Security, disability benefits, child support, and other regular income. It does not include one-time payments or tax refunds. If you are self-employed, programs typically ask for tax returns from the past two years.

If your income is slightly above the limit, you may still be able to explore to some programs. A few properties reserve a small percentage of units for households at up to 80 or 100 percent AMI. Ask the property manager whether they have any flexibility, but do not expect it. Income limits are firm in most cases.

Emergency rental information in Broward

When Broward County or individual cities receive state or federal emergency rental information funding, they open programs to help renters behind on rent. These programs pay landlords directly for arrears (rent already owed) and sometimes for future rent. However, funding is temporary and runs out quickly — programs that open in one month may be closed by the next. To find out whether information is currently available, call 211 (a free helpline) or check your city's website under "community services" or "housing information."

Emergency rental information typically requires proof of a recent hardship (job loss, illness, reduction in hours), a signed lease, and proof of the unpaid rent (a notice from the landlord or court documents). Processing takes two to six weeks. If you have an eviction notice, tell the program when ready — many prioritize active cases. Some programs can contact the court to ask for a continuance while your process is being reviewed, which buys time.

Because these programs are temporary and competitive, do not rely on them as your only option. If you are behind on rent, contact your landlord when ready to explain the situation and ask for a payment plan. Many landlords will work with you if you communicate early. If your landlord refuses, then pursue emergency information.

how the process works and what documents you need

The process process differs by program. For BCHA public housing or vouchers, you explore directly to BCHA in person, by mail, or online (if they offer it). You will need proof of identity (driver's license or state ID), proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of residency in Broward (utility bill or lease), and information about any criminal history. BCHA will conduct a background check and home inspection if you are selected.

For affordable rental buildings, you typically fill out an process provided by the property manager. Requirements vary but usually include proof of income, references from previous landlords, and authorization for a credit and background check. Some properties require a guarantor (someone who will cover rent if you cannot). process fees are rare but possible — ask before you submit. Processing takes one to four weeks, and the property will contact you with a decision.

For emergency rental information, you explore through your city or county. You will need your lease, proof of income, proof of the unpaid rent, and proof of the hardship (layoff notice, medical bills, etc.). Some programs accept applications online; others require you to visit an office or mail documents. Call 211 or your city's housing office to find out the exact process and where to submit.

Wait times and what to expect

Public housing and voucher wait lists in Broward are long. Public housing wait times typically range from two to five years, depending on the size of the unit you need and current demand. Voucher wait times are often three to seven years. BCHA maintains the list in order of process date, though they may prioritize certain groups (homeless individuals, people with disabilities, victims of domestic violence). You can call BCHA to ask your position on the list, but do not expect to move up quickly.

Affordable rental buildings have shorter wait times because they are smaller and have more frequent turnover. If a building has an opening, you may hear back within a few weeks. If there is no opening, you may wait months or years on a waiting list. Some buildings do not maintain lists at all, so you have to call back periodically to check.

While you wait, consider other options. Some nonprofits in Broward offer rental information, case management, or help finding roommates to reduce housing costs. 211 can refer you to these organizations. If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness, contact the Broward County Homeless Partnership or a local shelter — they can connect you to rapid rehousing programs that move faster than traditional affordable housing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to live in a specific city in Broward to get public housing or a voucher?

No, but BCHA serves all of Broward County, and you can only live in public housing or use a voucher in Broward. You do not have to live in the city where you explore. However, some BCHA public housing complexes are in specific cities, so your options depend on where units are available.

What happens if my income goes up after I move into affordable housing?

In public housing, if your income rises above the program's limit, BCHA will increase your rent (you will still pay 30 percent of income, but the amount will be higher). Eventually, if your income stays high, you may be asked to leave. In voucher programs, your rent share increases, but you keep the voucher. In affordable rental buildings, your lease terms do not change until renewal, but the building's affordability agreement may expire, allowing the landlord to raise rent to market rate.

Can I explore to multiple programs at the same time?

Yes. You can be on the BCHA wait list, call affordable rental buildings, and pursue emergency information simultaneously. There is no rule against it. In fact, explore to multiple programs increases your chances of finding housing faster, because wait times and availability vary.

What if I have a criminal record or eviction history?

BCHA and affordable rental buildings conduct background checks. A criminal record or eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but it may. BCHA has specific policies about what offenses disqualify applicants (violent crimes and drug-related convictions are common barriers). Affordable rental buildings vary — some are more flexible than others. Be honest on your process; lying will disqualify you. If you have a record, ask the program or property manager directly whether you are likely to be approved before you spend time explore.

Is there affordable housing near my job or public transit?

Use the Broward County Affordable Housing Database and filter by city or area. Some affordable buildings are near transit (especially in Fort Lauderdale and along the Tri-Rail corridor), but many are not. Broward's public transit is limited compared to other counties, so location matters. If you find a building far from your job, ask the property manager about bus routes or whether carpooling is common among residents.