What the Alachua County Housing Authority does

The Alachua County Housing Authority (ACHA) is a public agency that owns and manages rental housing in Alachua County, Florida, and administers federal housing vouchers for low-income residents. It does not set countywide housing policy or regulate private landlords — it runs its own properties and distributes vouchers that let people rent from private owners. The Authority's main programs are public housing (apartments it owns directly) and the Housing Choice Voucher Program, often called Section 8.

ACHA serves Gainesville and unincorporated Alachua County. If you live in a city with its own housing authority — like Ocala or another municipality — that city's authority handles your case instead. ACHA's offices are located in Gainesville, and you can reach them by phone, mail, or in person to ask about current openings or to request information about programs.

Key Takeaways

  • ACHA runs public housing properties and distributes Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) to low-income households in Gainesville and unincorporated Alachua County.
  • Both programs have waiting lists that can be years long; ACHA opens and closes its lists depending on how many people are waiting and how many vouchers are available.
  • Public housing rent is based on your income, typically 30 percent of what you earn; voucher rent depends on the market rate of the unit you choose.
  • You must meet income limits, pass a background check, and provide proof of residency and citizenship or legal immigration status to be considered.
  • Contact ACHA directly to learn whether waiting lists are open, what documents you need, and how long the current wait is.

Public housing managed by ACHA

ACHA owns and operates apartment complexes throughout Gainesville and Alachua County. These are not subsidized private rentals — ACHA owns the buildings and sets the rules. Rent is calculated as 30 percent of your gross household income, with a minimum rent that varies by property. This means your rent payment changes if your income changes, and ACHA recertifies your income annually.

Public housing has strict lease terms. ACHA can evict you for lease violations, non-payment, or criminal activity. The Authority also conducts regular inspections of units and requires tenants to maintain the property. If you damage the unit beyond normal wear, you may be charged for repairs.

Waiting lists for public housing are managed by ACHA and often have long delays. The Authority prioritizes households based on criteria such as homelessness, living in substandard housing, or paying more than 50 percent of income toward rent. You can ask ACHA whether its public housing list is open and where you fall on the priority list if you are already waiting.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

The Housing Choice Voucher Program allows you to rent from a private landlord of your choice, and ACHA pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent. The voucher amount is based on the fair market rent for your area and the size of unit you need — ACHA does not set the rent, but it does set a maximum it will pay.

If you find a unit that rents for less than the voucher amount, you pay less. If the unit costs more, you pay the difference out of pocket. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher and pass ACHA's inspection of the property. Not all landlords participate, so finding a unit can take time.

Like public housing, voucher waiting lists are often long and ACHA opens and closes them based on funding and demand. Households experiencing homelessness or living in dangerous conditions are usually prioritized. Once you receive a voucher, you have a limited time — usually 60 to 120 days — to find a unit and have it inspected before the voucher expires.

Income limits and who can be considered

ACHA programs are limited to households earning below a certain income threshold. The limit depends on household size and is set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). For Alachua County, the limits change annually. A household of one might have a limit around $35,000 to $40,000 per year, while a household of four might be around $55,000 to $60,000, but you should confirm current limits with ACHA because these figures vary year to year.

You must also pass a background check, which includes criminal history and rental history. ACHA may deny you for felony convictions, drug-related offenses, or a pattern of evictions or non-payment. Some offenses are automatic disqualifiers; others are reviewed case-by-case. You will need to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal immigration status, a valid photo ID, and proof of residency in Alachua County.

How to contact ACHA and what to ask

The Alachua County Housing Authority is located in Gainesville. You can reach them by phone to ask whether waiting lists are currently open, what the current wait time is, and what documents you need to bring. Having this information before you visit or call saves time and helps you prepare.

When you contact ACHA, ask specifically: Are public housing lists open? Are voucher lists open? How long is the current wait? What documents do I need to bring? What are the current income limits for my household size? If you have a criminal history or prior eviction, ask whether ACHA has a policy on that issue before you submit paperwork.

ACHA's office hours and phone number are available through the Alachua County government website or by calling the main county line. You can also visit in person with your documents to ask questions or request information about programs.

What happens after you are on a waiting list

Once you are on a waiting list, ACHA will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available. For public housing, this may take months or years depending on how many people are ahead of you. For vouchers, the wait is often shorter but still unpredictable. ACHA will call or mail you with an offer; if you do not respond within the timeframe they give you, you may lose your place and have to reapply.

When you are offered a unit or voucher, you will be asked to come in for an appointment to sign paperwork and receive your lease or voucher. For public housing, you will sign a lease with ACHA and move into the unit they assign. For vouchers, you will receive the voucher and have a limited time to find a private rental that meets ACHA's standards and the landlord's willingness to participate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get public housing or a voucher from ACHA?

Wait times vary widely depending on how many people are on the list and how many units or vouchers become available. Some people wait months; others wait years. ACHA can tell you the current wait time when you call or visit. Waiting lists are sometimes closed when too many people are waiting, and they reopen when funding allows.

Can I be denied because of my criminal history?

ACHA reviews criminal history on a case-by-case basis, though certain offenses — particularly drug-related felonies or crimes of violence — may be automatic disqualifiers. Contact ACHA before you explore if you have concerns about your record; they can tell you whether your specific situation would likely result in denial.

What if I am already renting and want to move to ACHA housing?

You can be on the waiting list while you are renting privately. When ACHA offers you a unit or voucher, you will have time to give notice to your current landlord and move. For vouchers, you have 60 to 120 days to find a unit, so plan your move accordingly.

Do I have to live in Gainesville to use ACHA programs?

ACHA serves Gainesville and unincorporated Alachua County. If you live in an incorporated city within Alachua County, you may need to contact that city's housing authority instead. Call ACHA to confirm whether you are in their service area.

What if my income increases after I move into ACHA housing?

ACHA recertifies your income annually. If your income rises above the program limit, you may be required to leave public housing or your voucher may be terminated. For public housing, your rent will increase as your income increases. Ask ACHA about income limits and recertification rules when you explore.