Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Charlotte County, Florida
Charlotte County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,575 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,464 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $30.29 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,575
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 20% less than in Florida
- Typical rent
- $1,464
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 12% less than in Florida
- Wage needed
- $30.29
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $63,000 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 62%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 4% more than in Florida
Only here
Renting in Charlotte County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Among the neighboring counties, Glades County has the lowest typical rent ($886), 39% below the $1,464 in Charlotte County.
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Charlotte County has the 7th highest homeownership rate of the 67 counties in Florida (84%).
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
Fair market rent
What HUD sets for each size
Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Charlotte County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.
The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)
According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Charlotte County was $1,851 a month in September 2026: 0.7% less than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,097 | $21.10 | $43,880 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,204 | $23.15 | $48,160 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,575 | $30.29 | $63,000 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,137 | $41.10 | $85,480 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,556 | $49.15 | $102,240 |
HUD area: Punta Gorda, FL MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
The fair market rent for your ZIP code
HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 15 ZIP codes in Charlotte County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,390 in 33946 to $2,130 in 33954. 8 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,575).
Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)
| 33946 | Punta Gorda, FL | $1,100 | $1,110 | $1,390 | $1,930 | $2,200 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33947 | Punta Gorda, FL | $1,160 | $1,270 | $1,660 | $2,250 | $2,690 |
| 33948 | Punta Gorda, FL | $1,160 | $1,270 | $1,660 | $2,250 | $2,690 |
| 33950 | Punta Gorda, FL | $1,070 | $1,180 | $1,540 | $2,090 | $2,500 |
| 33952 | Punta Gorda, FL | $1,050 | $1,140 | $1,490 | $2,020 | $2,420 |
| 33953 | Punta Gorda, FL | $1,430 | $1,570 | $2,050 | $2,780 | $3,330 |
| 33954 | Punta Gorda, FL | $1,480 | $1,630 | $2,130 | $2,890 | $3,460 |
| 33955 | Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL | $1,470 | $1,480 | $1,820 | $2,450 | $2,890 |
| 33955 | Punta Gorda, FL | $1,470 | $1,480 | $1,820 | $2,450 | $2,890 |
| 33980 | Punta Gorda, FL | $1,050 | $1,090 | $1,430 | $1,940 | $2,320 |
| 33981 | Punta Gorda, FL | $1,180 | $1,230 | $1,610 | $2,180 | $2,610 |
| 33982 | Punta Gorda, FL | $1,050 | $1,110 | $1,450 | $1,970 | $2,350 |
| 33983 | Punta Gorda, FL | $1,160 | $1,270 | $1,660 | $2,250 | $2,690 |
| 34224 | North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL | $990 | $1,090 | $1,420 | $1,930 | $2,300 |
| 34224 | Punta Gorda, FL | $990 | $1,090 | $1,420 | $1,930 | $2,300 |
- 33946 · Punta Gorda, FL $1,390$1,930
- 33947 · Punta Gorda, FL $1,660$2,250
- 33948 · Punta Gorda, FL $1,660$2,250
- 33950 · Punta Gorda, FL $1,540$2,090
- 33952 · Punta Gorda, FL $1,490$2,020
- 33953 · Punta Gorda, FL $2,050$2,780
- 33954 · Punta Gorda, FL $2,130$2,890
- 33955 · Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL $1,820$2,450
- 33955 · Punta Gorda, FL $1,820$2,450
- 33980 · Punta Gorda, FL $1,430$1,940
- 33981 · Punta Gorda, FL $1,610$2,180
- 33982 · Punta Gorda, FL $1,450$1,970
- 33983 · Punta Gorda, FL $1,660$2,250
- 34224 · North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL $1,420$1,930
- 34224 · Punta Gorda, FL $1,420$1,930
Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Charlotte County, 62% of renter households are in that position; in Florida, 60%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).
Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.
62%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
14,665 households rent in Charlotte County
- Spend half or more of their income 30%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 32%
- Spend less than 30% 38%
Compared with the state and the country
- Charlotte 62%
- Florida 60%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Charlotte County
HUD lists 19 properties with homes for low-income households in Charlotte County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 8
- HUD-assisted
- 6
- public housing
- 5
2,098 homes in all; 1,948 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Seven Palms Tax credit (LIHTC) 1200 Slash Pine Cir, Punta Gorda 33950 336 low-income homes · 1 bd: 15 · 2 bd: 141 · 3 bd: 84 · In service since 2002 · For families
- Hampton Point Tax credit (LIHTC) 2511 Luther Rd, Port Charlotte 33983 284 low-income homes · 2 bd: 116 · 3 bd: 128 · 4 bd: 40 · In service since 2005 · For families
- Murdock Circle Tax credit (LIHTC) 17840 Murdock Cir, Port Charlotte 33948 264 low-income homes · 1 bd: 80 · 2 bd: 96 · 3 bd: 64 · 4 bd: 24 · In service since 2002 · For families
- Rotonda Lakes Tax credit (LIHTC) 101 Rotonda Lakes Cir, Rotonda West 33947 176 low-income homes · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 112 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 1998 · For families
- Gulf Breeze Tax credit (LIHTC) 340 Gulf Breeze Ave, Punta Gorda 33950 170 homes, 168 low-income · 1 bd: 56 · 2 bd: 74 · 3 bd: 2 · 4 bd: 38 · In service since 2008 · For families
- Charleston Cay Tax credit (LIHTC) 23450 Charleston Cir, Port Charlotte 33980 128 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 56 · 3 bd: 48 · In service since 2007 · For families
- Grove City Manor HUD-assisted 6433 Gasparilla Pines Blvd, Grove City 34224 101 homes, 100 low-income · For older adults · (941) 697-4677
- Charlotte Towers HUD-assisted 2295 Aaron St, Port Charlotte 33952 97 low-income homes · For older adults · (941) 629-6664
- Gulf Breeze Apartments Public housing 325 Gulf Breeze Ave, Punta Gorda 33950 171 homes, 85 low-income · Run by Punta Gorda Housing Authority · Average payment: $548 a month · Average wait: 21 months · (941) 639-4344
- Charlotte Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 520 Rio De Janeiro Ave, Punta Gorda 33983 82 low-income homes · 1 bd: 41 · 2 bd: 41 · In service since 2011 · For older adults
- Villa San Carlos II HUD-assisted 22250 Vick St, Port Charlotte 33980 54 homes, 53 low-income · For older adults · (941) 624-4404
- Villa San Carlos HUD-assisted 2550 Easy St, Port Charlotte 33952 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (941) 624-2283
- The Verandas of Punta Gorda - Phase II Public housing 24500 Airport Rd, Punta Gorda 33950 35 low-income homes · Run by Punta Gorda Housing Authority · Average payment: $439 a month · Homes at several sites · (941) 639-4344
- City of Punta Gorda Housing Auth. Public housing 412 Fitzhugh Ave, Punta Gorda 33950 30 low-income homes · Run by Punta Gorda Housing Authority · (941) 639-4344
- The Verandas of Punta Gorda - Phase 1 Public housing 24500 Airport Rd, Punta Gorda 33950 30 low-income homes · Run by Punta Gorda Housing Authority · Average payment: $499 a month · (941) 639-4344
- Harbor Place Apartments HUD-assisted 632 N Ellicott Cir, Port Charlotte 33952 14 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (239) 542-3223
- William Place HUD-assisted 218 W William St, Punta Gorda 33950 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (863) 674-5779
- Verandas of Punta Gorda III Public housing 24420 Airport Rd, Punta Gorda 33950 4 low-income homes · Run by Punta Gorda Housing Authority · (941) 639-4344
- Verandas of Punta Gorda II Tax credit (LIHTC) 24500 Airport Rd, Punta Gorda 33950 60 homes · 1 bd: 56 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2017 · For older adults, families
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in Charlotte County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 1 agency serves in Charlotte County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
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You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
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Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
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Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
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If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
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When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
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Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $20,300 | $33,750 | $54,050 |
| 2 people | $23,200 | $38,600 | $61,800 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $43,450 | $69,500 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $48,250 | $77,200 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $52,150 | $83,400 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $56,000 | $89,550 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $59,850 | $95,750 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $63,700 | $101,950 |
Area median income: $97,500. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Punta Gorda, FL MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $987 – $1,207
- 1 bedroom $1,084 – $1,324
- 2 bedrooms $1,418 – $1,733
- 3 bedrooms $1,923 – $2,351
- 4 bedrooms $2,300 – $2,812
The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.
Housing agencies that serve this place
- Punta Gorda Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 393 vouchers · 270 public housing units (941) 639-4344 Punta Gorda Housing Authority: kurt@puntagordaha.org
Housing agencies in Florida Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Florida
What Florida law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
See your rights, rule by ruleCompare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
- When must they return my deposit?
- 15 days
- Fla. Stat. §83.49(3)(a)
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 3 days
- Fla. Stat. §83.56(3)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 30 days
- Fla. Stat. §83.57(3)
- Only a court order can remove youFla. Stat. §83.67(2)
- Protection from retaliationFla. Stat. §83.64
Help
Where to get help with rent in Charlotte County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Lee County Housing Development Corporation
3677 Central Ave Ste F, Fort Myers · 22 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 8 more
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Affordable Homeownership Foundation Inc
5264 Clayton Ct Ste 1, Fort Myers · 24 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 11 more
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Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties, Inc.
12751 New Brittany Blvd Ste 100, Fort Myers · 25 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Charlotte County or the whole state, with what each page says about being open.
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Florida Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Run by FloridaCommerce
Help from the federal LIHEAP program in Florida that pays the electric or gas company directly, including past-due bills and reconnection
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Charlotte County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Count power on top of the rent: in Florida, the average home bill was $156 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$3,150
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,575
- Security deposit
- $1,575
- Total
- $3,150
When you'll have it
Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.
What helps
- Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
- On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
- Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in Charlotte County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,097; 1 bedroom: $1,204; 2 bedrooms: $1,575; 3 bedrooms: $2,137; 4 bedrooms: $2,556. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Charlotte County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,575) without spending more than 30% of income takes $30.29 an hour full time, or $63,000 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Charlotte County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $48,250 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
How much does Section 8 pay in Charlotte County?
The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $1,418 and $1,733 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Charlotte County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,390 in 33946 to $2,130 in 33954. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.
How many low-income apartments are there in Charlotte County?
HUD lists 19 properties with homes for low-income households in Charlotte County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.
How many households spend too much on rent in Charlotte County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Charlotte County, 62% of renter households are in that position; in Florida, 60%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).