Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in DeSoto County, Florida
DeSoto County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,089 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $932 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $20.94 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,089
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 44% less than in Florida
- Typical rent
- $932
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 44% less than in Florida
- Wage needed
- $20.94
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $43,560 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 46%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 23% less than in Florida
Only here
Renting in DeSoto County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
12% of households in DeSoto County have no internet at home, against 6% in Florida.
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 DeSoto 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 DeSoto County was $1,524 a month in September 2026. 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 | $948 | $18.23 | $37,920 |
| 1 bedroom | $954 | $18.35 | $38,160 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,089 | $20.94 | $43,560 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,497 | $28.79 | $59,880 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,679 | $32.29 | $67,160 |
HUD area: DeSoto County, FL. 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 7 ZIP codes in DeSoto County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,220 in 34268 to $1,350 in 34266. 7 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,089).
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)
| 34266 | DeSoto County, FL | $960 | $1,110 | $1,350 | $1,790 | $2,130 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34266 | North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL | $960 | $1,110 | $1,350 | $1,790 | $2,130 |
| 34266 | Sebring, FL | $960 | $1,110 | $1,350 | $1,790 | $2,130 |
| 34267 | DeSoto County, FL | $1,120 | $1,140 | $1,280 | $1,760 | $2,120 |
| 34268 | DeSoto County, FL | $1,070 | $1,090 | $1,220 | $1,670 | $2,020 |
| 34269 | DeSoto County, FL | $1,120 | $1,140 | $1,330 | $1,840 | $2,120 |
| 34269 | Punta Gorda, FL | $1,120 | $1,140 | $1,330 | $1,840 | $2,120 |
- 34266 · DeSoto County, FL $1,350$1,790
- 34266 · North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL $1,350$1,790
- 34266 · Sebring, FL $1,350$1,790
- 34267 · DeSoto County, FL $1,280$1,760
- 34268 · DeSoto County, FL $1,220$1,670
- 34269 · DeSoto County, FL $1,330$1,840
- 34269 · Punta Gorda, FL $1,330$1,840
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 DeSoto County, 46% 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.
46%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
3,524 households rent in DeSoto County
- Spend half or more of their income 26%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 20%
- Spend less than 30% 54%
Compared with the state and the country
- DeSoto 46%
- Florida 60%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in DeSoto County
HUD lists 10 properties with homes for low-income households in DeSoto County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 8
- public housing
- 2
692 homes in all; 618 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Arcadia Oaks Tax credit (LIHTC) 302 N 10th Ave, Arcadia 34266 130 low-income homes · 1 bd: 26 · 2 bd: 38 · 3 bd: 44 · 4 bd: 22 · In service since 2009 · For families
- Oaks Trail Tax credit (LIHTC) 1300 NE Oak St, Arcadia 34266 123 low-income homes · 2 bd: 46 · 3 bd: 77 · In service since 2000
- The Oaks Public housing 15 Booker T Washington Ave, Arcadia 34266 93 homes, 69 low-income · Run by Arcadia Housing Authority · Average payment: $457 a month · Average wait: 17 months · Homes at several sites · (863) 494-4343
- Mcpines Tax credit (LIHTC) 1514 E Cypress St, Arcadia 34266 64 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 56 · In service since 2004
- The Palms Public housing 612 S Dade Ave, Arcadia 34266 61 low-income homes · Run by Arcadia Housing Authority · Average payment: $436 a month · Average wait: 48 months · Homes at several sites · (863) 494-4343
- Jacaranda Trail II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1650 SE Hargrave St, Arcadia 34266 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 26 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Desoto Landing Tax credit (LIHTC) 2019 SE Heron Cv, Arcadia 34266 48 low-income homes · 3 bd: 24 · 4 bd: 24 · In service since 2007
- Wood Park Pointe Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 600 W Gibson St, Arcadia 34266 37 low-income homes · 1 bd: 37 · In service since 1992 · For families
- Wood Park Pointe Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 600 W Gibson St, Arcadia 34266 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 30 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 1995 · For families
- Jacaranda Trail Tax credit (LIHTC) 1650 SE Hargrave St, Arcadia 34266 50 homes · 1 bd: 15 · 2 bd: 15 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2018 · For 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 DeSoto 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 DeSoto County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
-
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
-
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)
-
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)
-
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)
-
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
-
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 | $16,450 | $27,400 | $43,850 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $31,350 | $50,100 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $35,250 | $56,350 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $39,150 | $62,600 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $42,250 | $67,650 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $45,400 | $72,650 |
| 7 people | $48,550 | $48,550 | $77,650 |
| 8 people | $51,700 | $51,700 | $82,650 |
Area median income: $65,800. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: DeSoto County, FL. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $853 – $1,043
- 1 bedroom $859 – $1,049
- 2 bedrooms $980 – $1,198
- 3 bedrooms $1,347 – $1,647
- 4 bedrooms $1,511 – $1,847
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
- Arcadia Housing Authority Public housing · 154 public housing units (863) 494-4343 Arcadia Housing Authority: director@housingarcadia.com
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 DeSoto County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Florida Non-Profit Housing Inc
3909 Kenilworth Blvd, Sebring · 31 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 5 more
-
Lee County Housing Development Corporation
3677 Central Ave Ste F, Fort Myers · 40 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 8 more
-
Affordable Homeownership Foundation Inc
5264 Clayton Ct Ste 1, Fort Myers · 42 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 11 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in DeSoto County or the whole state, with what each page says about being open.
-
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 DeSoto 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
$2,178
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,089
- Security deposit
- $1,089
- Total
- $2,178
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 DeSoto County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $948; 1 bedroom: $954; 2 bedrooms: $1,089; 3 bedrooms: $1,497; 4 bedrooms: $1,679. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in DeSoto County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,089) without spending more than 30% of income takes $20.94 an hour full time, or $43,560 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in DeSoto County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $39,150 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 DeSoto 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 $980 and $1,198 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in DeSoto County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,220 in 34268 to $1,350 in 34266. 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 DeSoto County?
HUD lists 10 properties with homes for low-income households in DeSoto County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) 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 DeSoto County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In DeSoto County, 46% of renter households are in that position; in Florida, 60%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).