Housing assistance in Florida

Where to apply for rental assistance and vouchers

Section 8 vouchers and public housing are run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). Each keeps its own waiting list, so apply to every agency serving places you could live. The state housing finance agency funds affordable apartments and homebuyer programs but usually does not take voucher applications.

Ask each agency: Is the waiting list open? How do I apply, and how will you contact me? Never pay to apply or to move up a list. See how to apply for Section 8 and how waiting lists work.

Programs and free legal help in Florida

No statewide emergency rent program? Most rent help is local. Call 211 and ask which county, charity, or community action programs are taking applications now. See emergency rental assistance.

Key tenant laws in Florida

Statewide rules for most private rentals. Cities, counties, subsidized housing, and your lease can add protections, and some rules have exceptions. Read the linked law before relying on a deadline.

Security deposit limit

No statutory cap on the amount. The landlord must hold the deposit in a separate Florida bank account (interest-bearing or not) or post a surety bond. Landlords with 5 or more units must tell the tenant in writing, within 30 days, where the deposit is held and whether it earns interest.

Fla. Stat. § 83.49(1)-(2)

Deposit return deadline

Within 15 days after the lease ends if there is no claim. If the landlord intends to keep any of it, the landlord must send written notice of the claim and the reason by certified mail or agreed e-mail within 30 days, or lose the right to make a claim. The tenant then has 15 days to object in writing. Without an objection, the landlord must return the balance within 30 days of the notice.

Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3)

Notice before an eviction for unpaid rent

3-day written notice demanding the rent or possession, not counting Saturdays, Sundays and court-observed legal holidays. The notice may be mailed, hand-delivered, e-mailed if agreed in writing, or left at the residence if the tenant is absent.

Fla. Stat. § 83.56(3)-(4)

Landlord entry notice

For repairs, at least 24 hours' notice, with entry between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. The landlord may enter at any time to protect or preserve the premises or in an emergency. Entry for other purposes requires the tenant's consent unless the tenant unreasonably refuses or is away for half the rental period.

Fla. Stat. § 83.53

Rent increases and rent control

State law prohibits cities, counties and other local governments from adopting or keeping any measure that controls rents (amended by ch. 2023-17 and ch. 2024-27). Since 2023, the state has also preempted local regulation of residential tenancies, including deposits, fees, lease terms and notice requirements.

Fla. Stat. §§ 125.0103(2), 83.425

If the landlord won’t make repairs

There is no repair-and-deduct statute. If the landlord fails to meet required building, housing and health code duties, the tenant can give 7 days' written notice of intent to withhold rent. After that, the violation can be a defense to an eviction for nonpayment, and the court can reduce the rent. In an eviction case, the tenant must pay the rent claimed into the court registry, or ask the court to set the amount within 5 business days, or lose all defenses except payment. A tenant can also end the lease after 7 days' written notice if the landlord fails to comply.

Fla. Stat. §§ 83.60, 83.56(1)

This is general information, not legal advice. If you have a notice or court papers, contact legal aid right away. See facing eviction, security deposit rights, and repairs and habitability.

Phone lines that serve Florida

• Shelter, rent help, and local services211
• HUD-approved housing counseling800-569-4287
• Housing discrimination complaints (HUD)800-669-9777
• Energy assistance referral (LIHEAP)866-674-6327
• Veterans at risk of homelessness877-424-3838
• Domestic violence hotline800-799-7233

More local contacts: HUD’s Florida resource page.

Next steps

1. Urgent? If you need shelter tonight or have an eviction court date, start with urgent housing help.
2. Behind on rent: call 211 and apply to several programs at once. Use our payment plan letter to propose terms to your landlord in writing.
3. Long-term help: apply to every housing agency above, plus income-restricted apartments. Gather your documents first.
4. Check affordability: use the rent affordability calculator or the Section 8 rent calculator.

Sources

Checked October 10, 2026. Laws, programs, and agency websites change; confirm details with the agency or court before relying on them. Report a correction.

1. Fla. Stat. § 83.49 Deposit money or advance rentFlorida Legislature
2. Fla. Stat. § 83.56 Termination of rental agreementFlorida Legislature
3. Fla. Stat. § 83.53 Landlord's access to dwelling unitFlorida Legislature
4. Fla. Stat. § 83.60 Defenses to action for rent or possessionFlorida Legislature
5. Fla. Stat. § 83.425 PreemptionFlorida Legislature
6. Fla. Stat. § 125.0103 Ordinances and rules imposing price controlsFlorida Legislature
7. Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (archived February 2026)FloridaCommerce
8. Florida Law HelpFlorida Law Help
9. Florida Law Help - About UsFlorida Law Help
10. Homebuyer OverviewFlorida Housing Finance Corporation
11. Miami-Dade Public Housing and Community DevelopmentMiami-Dade County
12. Jacksonville HousingJacksonville Housing Authority
13. Housing Authority of the City of Fort LauderdaleHousing Authority of the City of Fort Lauderdale