Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Highlands County, Florida
Highlands County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,259 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,035 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $24.21 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,259
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 36% less than in Florida
- Typical rent
- $1,035
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 38% less than in Florida
- Wage needed
- $24.21
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $50,360 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 56%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 8% 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 Highlands 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 Highlands County was $1,517 a month in September 2026: 0.6% more 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 | $877 | $16.87 | $35,080 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,022 | $19.65 | $40,880 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,259 | $24.21 | $50,360 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,500 | $28.85 | $60,000 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,905 | $36.63 | $76,200 |
HUD area: Sebring, 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 10 ZIP codes in Highlands County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,150 in 33876 to $1,430 in 33872. 7 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,259).
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)
| 33825 | Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $1,110 | $1,110 | $1,350 | $1,830 | $2,260 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33825 | Sebring, FL | $1,110 | $1,110 | $1,350 | $1,830 | $2,260 |
| 33852 | Sebring, FL | $970 | $1,140 | $1,400 | $1,670 | $2,120 |
| 33857 | Sebring, FL | $970 | $1,030 | $1,240 | $1,560 | $1,820 |
| 33870 | Sebring, FL | $860 | $1,000 | $1,230 | $1,470 | $1,860 |
| 33872 | Sebring, FL | $1,000 | $1,160 | $1,430 | $1,700 | $2,160 |
| 33875 | Sebring, FL | $980 | $1,140 | $1,410 | $1,680 | $2,130 |
| 33876 | Sebring, FL | $790 | $920 | $1,150 | $1,390 | $1,820 |
| 33960 | Glades County, FL | $990 | $1,100 | $1,320 | $1,620 | $1,990 |
| 33960 | Sebring, FL | $990 | $1,100 | $1,320 | $1,620 | $1,990 |
- 33825 · Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL $1,350$1,830
- 33825 · Sebring, FL $1,350$1,830
- 33852 · Sebring, FL $1,400$1,670
- 33857 · Sebring, FL $1,240$1,560
- 33870 · Sebring, FL $1,230$1,470
- 33872 · Sebring, FL $1,430$1,700
- 33875 · Sebring, FL $1,410$1,680
- 33876 · Sebring, FL $1,150$1,390
- 33960 · Glades County, FL $1,320$1,620
- 33960 · Sebring, FL $1,320$1,620
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 Highlands 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.
10,034 households rent in Highlands County
- Spend half or more of their income 29%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 26%
- Spend less than 30% 44%
Compared with the state and the country
- Highlands 56%
- Florida 60%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Highlands County
HUD lists 16 properties with homes for low-income households in Highlands County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 10
- HUD-assisted
- 6
880 homes in all; 878 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Groves at Victoria Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 2010 Village Grove Blvd, Sebring 33870 122 low-income homes · 1 bd: 62 · 2 bd: 60 · In service since 2005 · For older adults
- Park Crest Terrace I Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Cody Way, Sebring 33870 100 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 68 · 4 bd: 16 · In service since 2000 · For families
- Palms at Lake Tulane Tax credit (LIHTC) 1033 Hal McRae Loop, Avon Park 33825 80 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 37 · 3 bd: 31 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Fair Havens Village HUD-assisted 3015 Spinks Rd, Sebring 33870 80 homes, 79 low-income · For older adults
- Highlands Cove I Tax credit (LIHTC) 454 Maclyn Cir, Lake Placid 33852 64 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 20 · 4 bd: 20 · In service since 2011 · For families
- Lakeside Park II HUD-assisted 21 Tulane Dr, Avon Park 33825 63 low-income homes · For families · (863) 452-4432
- Highland Palms Tax credit (LIHTC) 1016 Canberra Cir, Avon Park 33825 52 low-income homes · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 32 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2010
- Delaney Heights HUD-assisted 21 Tulane Dr, Avon Park 33825 50 low-income homes · For families · (863) 452-4432
- Thornbury Tax credit (LIHTC) 31 Chelsea St, Lake Placid 33852 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 26 · 2 bd: 22 · In service since 2007 · For families
- Park Crest Terrace II Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Cody Way, Sebring 33870 44 low-income homes · 2 bd: 14 · 3 bd: 20 · 4 bd: 10 · In service since 2001 · For families
- Briarwood of Sebring Tax credit (LIHTC) 1335 Spinks Ln, Sebring 33870 40 low-income homes · In service since 1993
- Heron's Landing Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 Herons Landing Dr, Lake Placid 33852 37 low-income homes · 1 bd: 30 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 1992 · For families
- Castle Hill of Avon Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 1025 S Castle Hill Dr, Avon Park 33825 36 low-income homes · In service since 1994
- Ridgedale Apartments HUD-assisted 702 S Fairview Ter, Avon Park 33825 36 low-income homes · For families · (863) 452-4432
- Lakeside Park I HUD-assisted 25 Tulane Dr, Avon Park 33825 16 low-income homes · For families · (863) 452-4432
- Highlands Co Voa HUD-assisted 1427 Queen Palm Ave, Sebring 33870 12 homes, 11 low-income · For people with disabilities · (863) 402-1325
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 Highlands 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 Highlands 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 | $17,000 | $28,300 | $45,300 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $32,350 | $51,750 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $36,400 | $58,200 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $40,400 | $64,650 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $43,650 | $69,850 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $46,900 | $75,000 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $50,100 | $80,200 |
| 8 people | $53,350 | $53,350 | $85,350 |
Area median income: $75,600. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Sebring, FL MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $789 – $965
- 1 bedroom $920 – $1,124
- 2 bedrooms $1,133 – $1,385
- 3 bedrooms $1,350 – $1,650
- 4 bedrooms $1,715 – $2,096
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
- Housing Authority of Avon Park Public housing (863) 452-4432 Housing Authority of Avon Park: penny.pieratt@avonparkha.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 Highlands County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Highlands County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Florida Non-Profit Housing Inc
3909 Kenilworth Blvd, Sebring · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 5 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Highlands 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 Highlands 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
$2,518
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,259
- Security deposit
- $1,259
- Total
- $2,518
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 Highlands County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $877; 1 bedroom: $1,022; 2 bedrooms: $1,259; 3 bedrooms: $1,500; 4 bedrooms: $1,905. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Highlands County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,259) without spending more than 30% of income takes $24.21 an hour full time, or $50,360 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Highlands County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $40,400 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 Highlands 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 $1,133 and $1,385 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Highlands County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,150 in 33876 to $1,430 in 33872. 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 Highlands County?
HUD lists 16 properties with homes for low-income households in Highlands County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. 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 Highlands County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Highlands County, 56% of renter households are in that position; in Florida, 60%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).