Everything You Need to Know About Section 8 Housing in Fort Myers
To qualify for Section 8 housing vouchers in Fort Myers, you’ll need to make less than 50% of the median income.
Written by Annette Maxon
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
To qualify for Section 8 housing in
Fort Myers
, Florida
, your income must be 50% or less than the area’s median income. If you’re accepted, the program will pay 70% of your monthly rent; however, be prepared for extensive paperwork and long wait times. Though the program comes with huge benefits, it also comes with strict eligibility requirements, extensive processes, and incredibly long wait times—making the prospect of applying time-consuming, if not intimidating.
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What is Section 8 housing?
The Section 8 housing program has been around since the federal 1974 Housing and Community Development Act was signed into law. This program provides federal assistance for low-income, elderly, and disabled people looking to obtain safe and decent housing.
Here are the nuts and bolts of how Section 8 works:
- Tenants must apply through their local housing authority and satisfy federal and local qualifications
- Participants will be issued either a housing choice voucher or a project-based voucher
- Housing choice vouchers are the most flexible option and allow tenants to select any residence that meets the qualifications specified on the voucher
- Project-based vouchers are only eligible for specific properties and allow landlords to designate units as low-income residencies
- The size and composition of your family will determine the number of bedrooms assigned to your Section 8 voucher
- Section 8 participants in Fort Myers will not pay more than 30% of their income in rent. The government pays for the remaining 70%
Section 8 obligations
There are three parties involved in the Section 8 program—the tenants, landlord, and the local housing authority. Each group has its own set of obligations, as outlined here:
Tenant | Landlord | Housing authority |
|---|---|---|
Provide accurate and complete documentation | Screen tenants | Determine applicants’ eligibility and issue vouchers |
Find suitable housing and complete all required paperwork before voucher expires | Comply with fair housing laws | Approve units, rental amounts, and leases |
Pay rent promptly and attend all required appointments | Complete all necessary repairs and maintenance | Inspect subsidized units annually |
Notify the housing authority of any changes in income or family composition | Provide housing authority with documentation of any notices to tenant, including eviction notices | Ensure that both tenants and landlords comply with program rules |
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Key Takeaway The government will pay more than half of the monthly rent for Section 8 participants. However, be prepared for long wait times and strict requirements.
What are the requirements for Section 8 housing in Fort Myers?
The
Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers
runs the Section 8 program for all of Lee County. If you’re in the Fort Myers and Lee County area, your application will go through the Housing Authority’s office. Qualification for the Section 8 program corresponds to your income—in Fort Myers, your family income may not be more than 50% of the median income for Lee County or the Fort Myers metropolitan area.
Not sure how your income compares to the median in your area? The table below outlines the maximum income eligibility for a given family size:
Family size | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Low income | $40,250 | $46,000 | $51,750 | $57,500 | $62,100 | $66,700 | $71,300 | $75,900 |
Very low income | $25,200 | $28,800 | $32,400 | $35,950 | $38,850 | $41,750 | $44,600 | $47,500 |
Extremely low income | $15,100 | $17,420 | $21,960 | $26,500 | $31,040 | $35,580 | $40,120 | $44,660 |
How to apply for Section 8 housing in Fort Myers
The first step to getting a Section 8 housing voucher is to apply online through the
Housing Authority's application portal
. In this application, you’ll be asked to provide details on your family’s income, assets, and family composition. The info provided in your application will be cross-checked with other local agencies, your employers, and banks.
Once this online application is submitted, the Housing Authority will decide whether you are eligible for the Section 8 program. If you are, then you will be placed on a waiting list. Long lists are common across the nation because of the massive volume of people wanting federally-subsidized housing.
Unless you are in immediate need (i.e., currently homeless), it will likely take one to three years (in some rare cases, even five) to get a voucher.
When you make it to the top of the waitlist, the Housing Authority will reach out to you with a meeting time to confirm your eligibility. This appointment confirmation letter will be sent to you in the mail and will outline the required documents to bring to your appointment.
In general, be prepared to bring the following:
- Proof of your total household income
- Birth certificates for all members of your household
- Social Security Cards for all members of your household
- Photo IDs or a valid Driver’s License for household members 18 and older
If your application meets the eligibility requirements, you will be issued a Section 8 housing voucher at your appointment.
How to find Section 8 housing in Las Vegas
It’s recommended that you start looking for housing as soon as you receive your voucher. Generally, you have 60 days (120 days if you are elderly or disabled) to find housing and submit it for approval. When this time allotment is up, your voucher will expire.
To start your search,
AffordableHousing.com
and HUD’s interactive map
are reliable sources to use when searching for housing in your area.Once you’ve found a unit that you like, you’ll need to submit a Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA) to the Housing Authority. This will be reviewed and, if it meets the requirements stated on your voucher, the residence will be scheduled for an inspection.
Know that you cannot be at the inspection appointment, but will need to contact your prospective landlord afterward to find out whether the unit was approved.
If the unit does not pass the initial inspection, the landlord will have ten business days to make any improvements or repairs and show the unit at a follow-up appointment.
After the RFTA and inspection have been approved, you can move forward with signing the lease and paying your first month of rent.
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FAQs
What is the most Section 8 will pay?
In Fort Myers, a Section 8 voucher will pay up to 70% of your monthly rent. However, your family’s total income and composition (i.e., number of household members, any disabilities or medical conditions) determine the exact dollar amount you’re given.
How much is a 2 bedroom Section 8 voucher in Fort Myers?
In general, a 2-bedroom voucher will range from $1,108 to $1,354 in Fort Myers. This range varies based on changing fair market rents and your family’s income and composition.
Do I have to accept Section 8 in Florida?
Florida does not have any laws requiring landlords to accept Section 8. Most landlords choose to participate in Section 8 by contacting the Housing Authority and having their units listed in the Housing Authority’s systems.
Even so, it is illegal to
deny housing based on
race, national origin, sex, disability, familial status, or religion in Florida. If any of these factors influenced your decision to deny a Section 8 participant, you run the risk of getting charged for discriminatory practices.Save an average of 18% by bundling your home and auto insurance
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