Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Hernando County, Florida
Hernando County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,917 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,298 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $36.87 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,917
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 2% less than in Florida
- Typical rent
- $1,298
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 22% less than in Florida
- Wage needed
- $36.87
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $76,680 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 56%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 7% less than in Florida
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 Hernando 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 Hernando County was $1,809 a month in September 2026: about the same as 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 | $1,597 | $30.71 | $63,880 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,648 | $31.69 | $65,920 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,917 | $36.87 | $76,680 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,448 | $47.08 | $97,920 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,977 | $57.25 | $119,080 |
HUD area: Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, 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 11 ZIP codes in Hernando County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,330 in 34661 to $1,980 in 34609. 1 ZIP code is above the county's fair market rent ($1,917).
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)
| 34601 | Homosassa Springs, FL | $1,170 | $1,210 | $1,410 | $1,800 | $2,190 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34601 | Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | $1,170 | $1,210 | $1,410 | $1,800 | $2,190 |
| 34602 | Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | $1,320 | $1,360 | $1,580 | $2,020 | $2,450 |
| 34604 | Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | $1,260 | $1,300 | $1,510 | $1,930 | $2,340 |
| 34606 | Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | $1,270 | $1,320 | $1,530 | $1,950 | $2,380 |
| 34607 | Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | $1,350 | $1,390 | $1,620 | $2,070 | $2,520 |
| 34608 | Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | $1,320 | $1,360 | $1,580 | $2,020 | $2,450 |
| 34609 | Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | $1,650 | $1,700 | $1,980 | $2,530 | $3,070 |
| 34613 | Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | $1,220 | $1,260 | $1,460 | $1,860 | $2,270 |
| 34614 | Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | $1,160 | $1,200 | $1,400 | $1,820 | $2,210 |
| 34661 | Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | $1,100 | $1,140 | $1,330 | $1,670 | $2,020 |
- 34601 · Homosassa Springs, FL $1,410$1,800
- 34601 · Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL $1,410$1,800
- 34602 · Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL $1,580$2,020
- 34604 · Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL $1,510$1,930
- 34606 · Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL $1,530$1,950
- 34607 · Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL $1,620$2,070
- 34608 · Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL $1,580$2,020
- 34609 · Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL $1,980$2,530
- 34613 · Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL $1,460$1,860
- 34614 · Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL $1,400$1,820
- 34661 · Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL $1,330$1,670
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 Hernando County, 56% 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.
56%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
14,400 households rent in Hernando County
- Spend half or more of their income 26%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 29%
- Spend less than 30% 44%
Compared with the state and the country
- Hernando 56%
- Florida 60%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Hernando County
HUD lists 21 properties with homes for low-income households in Hernando 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)
- 18
- HUD-assisted
- 2
- public housing
- 1
1,820 homes in all; 1,514 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Bridgewater Club Tax credit (LIHTC) 4300 Bridgewater Club Loop, Spring Hill 34607 192 homes, 190 low-income · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 104 · 3 bd: 32 · 4 bd: 16 · In service since 2003
- Spring Haven Tax credit (LIHTC) 220 Spring Haven Loop, Spring Hill 34608 176 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 104 · 3 bd: 56 · In service since 2005 · For families
- Brook Haven Tax credit (LIHTC) 7781 Crystal Brook Cir, Brooksville 34601 160 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 120 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2007 · For families
- Mariner's Cay Tax credit (LIHTC) 4253 Central Park Dr, Spring Hill 34608 160 low-income homes · 2 bd: 104 · 3 bd: 56 · In service since 2010 · For families
- Nantucket Cove Tax credit (LIHTC) 400 Cape Cod Loop, Spring Hill 34607 128 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 32 · 4 bd: 32 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Vista Park Senior Living Tax credit (LIHTC) 12255 Cortez Blvd, Brooksville 34613 103 homes, 94 low-income · 1 bd: 53 · 2 bd: 39 · 3 bd: 11 · In service since 2015 · For older adults
- Freedom Gardens II Tax credit (LIHTC) 932 Freedom Way, Brooksville 34601 94 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 34 · In service since 2019
- Madison Reserve Tax credit (LIHTC) 10363 Quality Dr, Spring Hill 34609 90 low-income homes · 1 bd: 46 · 2 bd: 44 · In service since 2012 · For older adults
- Vista Grand at Spring Hill Tax credit (LIHTC) 10380 Quality Dr, Spring Hill 34609 90 low-income homes · 1 bd: 45 · 2 bd: 45 · In service since 2012 · For older adults
- Spring Haven II Tax credit (LIHTC) 305 Glenn Ivy Ter, Spring Hill 34608 88 low-income homes · 2 bd: 64 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2007 · For families
- Magnolia Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 20180 Barnett Rd, Brooksville 34601 60 low-income homes · In service since 2012 · For older adults, families
- Norbourne Estates I Tax credit (LIHTC) 600 Darby Ln, Brooksville 34601 45 homes, 44 low-income · In service since 1991
- HILLSIDE and SUMMIT Public housing Brooksville 34601 36 low-income homes · Run by Brooksville Housing Authority · Homes at several sites · (352) 754-4160
- Villas of Shady Oaks Tax credit (LIHTC) 34 Shady Oak Villa Cir, Brooksville 34601 36 low-income homes · In service since 1994
- Portillo Tax credit (LIHTC) 3474 Portillo Rd, Spring Hill 34609 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 1998 · For older adults
- Norbourne Estates II Tax credit (LIHTC) 600 Darby Ln, Brooksville 34601 16 low-income homes · In service since 1993
- Portillo Apartments HUD-assisted 3559 Portillo Rd, Spring Hill 34608 15 homes, 14 low-income · For people with disabilities
- Spring Hill Apartments HUD-assisted 4200 Portillo Rd, Spring Hill 34608 15 homes, 14 low-income · For people with disabilities · (352) 684-7225
- Hammock Ridge Tax credit (LIHTC) Omaha Circle and Antilles Lane, Spring Hill 34606 104 homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 60 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2018 · For families
- Freedom Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 932 Freedom Way, Brooksville 34601 96 homes · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2018 · For families
- Hammock Ridge II Tax credit (LIHTC) 8234 Omaha Cir, Spring Hill 34606 92 homes · 1 bd: 48 · 2 bd: 44 · In service since 2019 · 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 Hernando County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 2 agencies serve in Hernando 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 | $24,100 | $40,150 | $64,250 |
| 2 people | $27,550 | $45,850 | $73,400 |
| 3 people | $31,000 | $51,600 | $82,600 |
| 4 people | $34,400 | $57,350 | $91,750 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $61,950 | $99,100 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $66,550 | $106,450 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $71,150 | $113,800 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $75,700 | $121,150 |
Area median income: $104,700. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,437 – $1,757
- 1 bedroom $1,483 – $1,813
- 2 bedrooms $1,725 – $2,109
- 3 bedrooms $2,203 – $2,693
- 4 bedrooms $2,679 – $3,275
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
- Hernando County Housing Authority Section 8 vouchers · 440 vouchers (352) 754-4160 Hernando County Housing Authority: tbeverly@hernandocounty.us
- Brooksville Housing Authority Public housing · 36 public housing units (352) 754-4160 Brooksville Housing Authority: tbeverly@hernandocounty.us
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 Hernando County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, Inc. - Inverness Office
106 N Osceola Ave, Inverness · 23 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 6 more
-
Solita's House Inc
1029 E Hillsborough Ave, Tampa · 39 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 6 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Hernando 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 Hernando 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
$3,834
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,917
- Security deposit
- $1,917
- Total
- $3,834
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 Hernando County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,597; 1 bedroom: $1,648; 2 bedrooms: $1,917; 3 bedrooms: $2,448; 4 bedrooms: $2,977. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Hernando County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,917) without spending more than 30% of income takes $36.87 an hour full time, or $76,680 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Hernando County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $57,350 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 Hernando 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 $1,725 and $2,109 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Hernando County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,330 in 34661 to $1,980 in 34609. 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 Hernando County?
HUD lists 21 properties with homes for low-income households in Hernando 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 Hernando County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Hernando County, 56% of renter households are in that position; in Florida, 60%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).