Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Leon County, Florida
Leon County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,424 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,291 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $27.38 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,424
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 27% less than in Florida
- Typical rent
- $1,291
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 23% less than in Florida
- Wage needed
- $27.38
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $56,960 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 59%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 2% less than in Florida
Only here
Renting in Leon County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Leon County has the 2nd lowest homeownership rate of the 67 counties in Florida (53%).
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Leon County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,291, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Wakulla County ($1,108).
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 Leon 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 Leon County was $1,473 a month in September 2026: 1.5% 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 | $1,186 | $22.81 | $47,440 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,264 | $24.31 | $50,560 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,424 | $27.38 | $56,960 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,742 | $33.50 | $69,680 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,871 | $35.98 | $74,840 |
HUD area: Tallahassee, FL HUD Metro FMR Area. 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 14 ZIP codes in Leon County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,220 in 32305 to $1,790 in 32317. 10 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,424).
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)
| 32301 | $1,250 | $1,330 | $1,500 | $1,840 | $1,970 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32303 | $1,270 | $1,360 | $1,530 | $1,870 | $2,010 |
| 32304 | $1,170 | $1,250 | $1,410 | $1,730 | $1,850 |
| 32305 | $990 | $1,090 | $1,220 | $1,510 | $1,620 |
| 32306 | $1,180 | $1,260 | $1,430 | $1,750 | $1,870 |
| 32307 | $1,170 | $1,240 | $1,400 | $1,720 | $1,840 |
| 32308 | $1,270 | $1,350 | $1,520 | $1,860 | $2,000 |
| 32309 | $1,320 | $1,400 | $1,580 | $1,930 | $2,080 |
| 32310 | $1,000 | $1,090 | $1,220 | $1,510 | $1,620 |
| 32311 | $1,490 | $1,590 | $1,790 | $2,190 | $2,350 |
| 32312 | $1,470 | $1,560 | $1,760 | $2,150 | $2,310 |
| 32313 | $1,210 | $1,290 | $1,450 | $1,770 | $1,910 |
| 32317 | $1,490 | $1,590 | $1,790 | $2,190 | $2,350 |
| 32399 | $1,210 | $1,290 | $1,450 | $1,770 | $1,910 |
- 32301 $1,500$1,840
- 32303 $1,530$1,870
- 32304 $1,410$1,730
- 32305 $1,220$1,510
- 32306 $1,430$1,750
- 32307 $1,400$1,720
- 32308 $1,520$1,860
- 32309 $1,580$1,930
- 32310 $1,220$1,510
- 32311 $1,790$2,190
- 32312 $1,760$2,150
- 32313 $1,450$1,770
- 32317 $1,790$2,190
- 32399 $1,450$1,770
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 Leon County, 59% 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.
59%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
58,151 households rent in Leon County
- Spend half or more of their income 33%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 26%
- Spend less than 30% 41%
Compared with the state and the country
- Leon 59%
- Florida 60%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Leon County
HUD lists 28 properties with homes for low-income households in Leon 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)
- 13
- HUD-assisted
- 15
- public housing
- 2
3,202 homes in all; 2,805 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Glen Oaks Tax credit (LIHTC) 2074 Midyette Rd, Tallahassee 32301 256 low-income homes · 2 bd: 128 · 3 bd: 128 · In service since 1998 · For families
- Lakes at San Marcos Tax credit (LIHTC) 4768 Woodville Hwy, Tallahassee 32305 312 homes, 234 low-income · 1 bd: 60 · 2 bd: 192 · 3 bd: 60 · In service since 2010 · For families
- Springfield Apts Public housing 1700 Joe Louis St, Tallahassee 32304 195 homes, 189 low-income · Run by Tallahassee Housing Authority · Average payment: $355 a month · Average wait: 77 months · (850) 385-6126
- Sienna Square Tax credit (LIHTC) 1747 Capital Cir NE, Tallahassee 32308 184 low-income homes · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 136 · In service since 1993 · For families
- Savannah Sound Tax credit (LIHTC) 1950 N Point Blvd, Tallahassee 32308 160 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 96 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 1995 · For families
- Jamestown Woods Tax credit (LIHTC) 3150 Windsong Dr, Tallahassee 32308 150 low-income homes · 1 bd: 78 · 2 bd: 72 · In service since 2004 · For older adults
- Pinewood Place Public housing 634 Mark Dr, Tallahassee 32312 149 homes, 147 low-income · Run by Tallahassee Housing Authority · Average payment: $556 a month · Average wait: 61 months · (850) 385-6126
- Hickory Hill Tax credit (LIHTC) 2315 Jackson Bluff Rd, Tallahassee 32304 128 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 64 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Springwood - Tallahassee Tax credit (LIHTC) 2660 Old Bainbridge Rd, Tallahassee 32303 113 low-income homes · 3 bd: 103 · In service since 1995 · For families
- Mission Hills Apartments HUD-assisted 2425 Mission Rd, Tallahassee 32304 112 low-income homes · For families · (850) 575-8609
- Casa Calderon HUD-assisted 800 W Virginia St, Tallahassee 32304 112 homes, 111 low-income · For older adults · (850) 222-4026
- Magnolia Terrace HUD-assisted 509 E Magnolia Dr, Tallahassee 32301 108 low-income homes · For families · (850) 877-6420
- Westminster Gardens HUD-assisted 301 E Carolina St, Tallahassee 32301 150 homes, 100 low-income · For older adults · (850) 224-8021
- Griffin Heights Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1010 Basin St, Tallahassee 32304 100 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 18 · 4 bd: 32 · In service since 2011 · For families · (850) 224-1314
- Leon Arms HUD-assisted 2502 Holton St, Tallahassee 32310 100 low-income homes · For families · (850) 576-7308
- Sunrise Place Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 2525 Texas St, Tallahassee 32301 99 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 31 · 3 bd: 52 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2013 · For families · (850) 942-0035
- Goodbread Hills Tax credit (LIHTC) 1010 N Macomb St, Tallahassee 32303 93 low-income homes · 1 bd: 13 · 2 bd: 64 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2007 · For families
- Lake Ella Manor HUD-assisted 1433 N Adams St, Tallahassee 32303 73 homes, 72 low-income · For older adults · (850) 224-1341
- Briarwood Apts II HUD-assisted 4495 Shelfer Rd, Tallahassee 32305 63 low-income homes · For families · (850) 878-2133
- Bethel Towers HUD-assisted 324 N Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Tallahassee 32301 60 homes, 59 low-income · For older adults · (850) 224-2486
- Palmetto Apartments HUD-assisted 1561 Blountstown St, Tallahassee 32304 52 low-income homes · For families · (850) 575-6444
- Miracle Village HUD-assisted 1208 Birmingham St, Tallahassee 32304 45 homes, 44 low-income · For older adults · (850) 222-0561
- Gibb Mabry Village HUD-assisted 2441 Roberts Ave, Tallahassee 32310 40 homes, 39 low-income · For people with disabilities · (850) 576-7145
- Gibb Oakridge Village HUD-assisted 274 Ross Rd, Tallahassee 32305 40 homes, 39 low-income · For people with disabilities · (850) 942-4777
- Briarwood Manor Apartments HUD-assisted 4495 Shelfer Rd, Tallahassee 32305 92 homes, 37 low-income · For families · (850) 878-2133
- California Villas Tax credit (LIHTC) 805 California St, Tallahassee 32304 16 low-income homes
- Kenwood Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 410 Junco Ct, Tallahassee 32304 112 homes · 1 bd: 56 · 2 bd: 56 · In service since 2018 · For older adults, families
- Casanas Village at Frenchtown Square Tax credit (LIHTC) 448 W Georgia St, Tallahassee 32301 88 homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 53 · 3 bd: 15 · In service since 2019 · For families
2 properties have two programs at the same address and appear once. Search HUD's map
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 Leon 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 Leon 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 | $20,900 | $34,850 | $55,750 |
| 2 people | $23,900 | $39,800 | $63,700 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $44,800 | $71,650 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $49,750 | $79,600 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $53,750 | $86,000 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $57,750 | $92,350 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $61,700 | $98,750 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $65,700 | $105,100 |
Area median income: $99,500. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Tallahassee, FL HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,067 – $1,305
- 1 bedroom $1,138 – $1,390
- 2 bedrooms $1,282 – $1,566
- 3 bedrooms $1,568 – $1,916
- 4 bedrooms $1,684 – $2,058
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
- Tallahassee Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 2,797 vouchers · 336 public housing units (850) 385-6126 Tallahassee Housing Authority: Tamaraberryandrews@tallha.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 Leon County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Leon County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Tallahassee Urban League, Inc
923 Old Bainbridge Rd, Tallahassee · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 11 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Leon 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 Leon 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
$2,848
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,424
- Security deposit
- $1,424
- Total
- $2,848
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 Leon County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,186; 1 bedroom: $1,264; 2 bedrooms: $1,424; 3 bedrooms: $1,742; 4 bedrooms: $1,871. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Leon County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,424) without spending more than 30% of income takes $27.38 an hour full time, or $56,960 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Leon County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $49,750 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 Leon 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 $1,282 and $1,566 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Leon County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,220 in 32305 to $1,790 in 32317. 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 Leon County?
HUD lists 28 properties with homes for low-income households in Leon 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 Leon County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Leon County, 59% of renter households are in that position; in Florida, 60%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).