Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Manatee County, Florida
Manatee County has a HUD fair market rent of $2,188 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,671 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $42.08 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $2,188
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 12% more than in Florida
- Typical rent
- $1,671
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- About the same as in Florida
- Wage needed
- $42.08
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $87,520 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 61%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- About the same as in Florida
Only here
Renting in Manatee County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Nearby, in DeSoto County, the typical rent is $932: 44% less than in Manatee County ($1,671).
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 Manatee 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 Manatee County was $2,031 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 | $1,749 | $33.63 | $69,960 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,876 | $36.08 | $75,040 |
| 2 bedrooms | $2,188 | $42.08 | $87,520 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,775 | $53.37 | $111,000 |
| 4 bedrooms | $3,309 | $63.63 | $132,360 |
HUD area: North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, 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 19 ZIP codes in Manatee County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,740 in 34205 to $2,800 in 34202. 10 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($2,188).
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)
| 34201 | $1,910 | $2,050 | $2,390 | $3,040 | $3,620 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34202 | $2,240 | $2,400 | $2,800 | $3,550 | $4,230 |
| 34203 | $1,510 | $1,620 | $1,890 | $2,400 | $2,860 |
| 34205 | $1,390 | $1,490 | $1,740 | $2,210 | $2,630 |
| 34207 | $1,480 | $1,590 | $1,850 | $2,350 | $2,800 |
| 34208 | $1,530 | $1,640 | $1,910 | $2,420 | $2,890 |
| 34209 | $1,890 | $2,030 | $2,370 | $3,010 | $3,580 |
| 34210 | $1,600 | $1,710 | $2,000 | $2,540 | $3,020 |
| 34211 | $2,170 | $2,330 | $2,720 | $3,450 | $4,110 |
| 34212 | $2,030 | $2,180 | $2,540 | $3,220 | $3,840 |
| 34215 | $1,710 | $1,840 | $2,150 | $2,720 | $3,240 |
| 34216 | $1,790 | $1,920 | $2,240 | $2,840 | $3,390 |
| 34217 | $1,790 | $1,920 | $2,240 | $2,840 | $3,390 |
| 34219 | $2,010 | $2,160 | $2,520 | $3,200 | $3,810 |
| 34221 | $1,640 | $1,760 | $2,050 | $2,600 | $3,100 |
| 34222 | $1,550 | $1,660 | $1,940 | $2,460 | $2,930 |
| 34243 | $2,100 | $2,250 | $2,630 | $3,340 | $3,980 |
| 34250 | $1,640 | $1,760 | $2,050 | $2,600 | $3,100 |
| 34251 | $1,880 | $2,000 | $2,330 | $2,980 | $3,560 |
- 34201 $2,390$3,040
- 34202 $2,800$3,550
- 34203 $1,890$2,400
- 34205 $1,740$2,210
- 34207 $1,850$2,350
- 34208 $1,910$2,420
- 34209 $2,370$3,010
- 34210 $2,000$2,540
- 34211 $2,720$3,450
- 34212 $2,540$3,220
- 34215 $2,150$2,720
- 34216 $2,240$2,840
- 34217 $2,240$2,840
- 34219 $2,520$3,200
- 34221 $2,050$2,600
- 34222 $1,940$2,460
- 34243 $2,630$3,340
- 34250 $2,050$2,600
- 34251 $2,330$2,980
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 Manatee County, 61% 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.
61%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
45,374 households rent in Manatee County
- Spend half or more of their income 31%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 30%
- Spend less than 30% 39%
Compared with the state and the country
- Manatee 61%
- Florida 60%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Manatee County
HUD lists 36 properties with homes for low-income households in Manatee 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)
- 19
- HUD-assisted
- 10
- public housing
- 7
3,775 homes in all; 3,320 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Tuscany Lakes Tax credit (LIHTC) 5641 36th Ct E, Ellenton 34222 348 low-income homes · 1 bd: 44 · 2 bd: 180 · 3 bd: 124 · In service since 2005
- Woodbury Tax credit (LIHTC) 955 53rd St E, Bradenton 34208 270 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 156 · 3 bd: 90 · In service since 1995 · For families
- Venue at Lockwood Tax credit (LIHTC) 3224 54th Dr E, Bradenton 34203 264 homes, 262 low-income · 1 bd: 56 · 2 bd: 128 · 3 bd: 56 · 4 bd: 24 · In service since 2002 · For families
- Mira Lagos Tax credit (LIHTC) 358 34th Avenue Dr E, Bradenton 34208 226 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 96 · 3 bd: 76 · In service since 1993 · For families
- Palmetto Trace Tax credit (LIHTC) 708 2nd Ave E, Palmetto 34221 196 low-income homes · 2 bd: 132 · 3 bd: 64 · In service since 1994 · For families
- Centre Court - Bradenton Tax credit (LIHTC) 4255 52nd Pl W, Bradenton 34210 180 low-income homes · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 84 · 3 bd: 56 · In service since 2001 · For families
- River Trace Tax credit (LIHTC) 2705 River Trace Cir, Bradenton 34208 178 homes, 176 low-income · 1 bd: 44 · 2 bd: 94 · 3 bd: 40 · In service since 2001
- Oaks at Ellenton Tax credit (LIHTC) 1651 36th Ave E, Ellenton 34222 168 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 88 · 3 bd: 48 · In service since 1996 · For families
- Bradenton Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 1401 3rd St W, Bradenton 34205 160 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 96 · 3 bd: 48 · In service since 2002 · For families
- La Mirada Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 1515 55th Ave W, Bradenton 34207 144 low-income homes · 2 bd: 64 · 3 bd: 80 · In service since 2004 · For families
- W D Suggs Public housing 906 21st St E, Bradenton 34208 122 homes, 121 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Bradenton · Average payment: $622 a month · Average wait: 14 months · (941) 748-5568
- New Singeltary Tax credit (LIHTC) 1403 3rd St W, Bradenton 34205 117 low-income homes · 1 bd: 43 · 2 bd: 49 · 3 bd: 21 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2004
- Woodwinds Apartments HUD-assisted 1800 Woodwinds Dr, Bradenton 34208 96 low-income homes · For older adults · (941) 748-6553
- Presbyterian Villas of Bradenton HUD-assisted 6125 14th St W, Bradenton 34207 210 homes, 93 low-income · For older adults · (941) 756-9000
- Pine Village Public housing 2803 46th Avenue Dr W, Bradenton 34207 80 homes, 77 low-income · Run by Manatee County Housing Authority · Average payment: $523 a month · Average wait: 25 months · (941) 756-3974
- The Courtney HUD-assisted 699 Haben Blvd, Palmetto 34221 72 homes, 71 low-income · For older adults · (941) 722-5119
- Holy Cross Manor HUD-assisted 510 26th St W, Palmetto 34221 68 low-income homes · For older adults · (941) 729-2063
- Holy Cross Manor II HUD-assisted 520 26th St W, Palmetto 34221 68 low-income homes · For older adults · (941) 729-2063
- New Singletary Public housing 1302 3rd St W, Bradenton 34205 117 homes, 65 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Bradenton · Homes at several sites · (941) 748-5568
- Elm Lake Tax credit (LIHTC) 6318 14th St E, Bradenton 34203 64 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 1999 · For families
- Bradenton Village Public housing 1411 3rd St W, Bradenton 34205 160 homes, 60 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Bradenton · (941) 748-5568
- Palmetto Villas Tax credit (LIHTC) 2407 13th Avenue Dr E, Palmetto 34221 49 homes, 48 low-income · In service since 1994
- Rosewood Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 1639 40th Avenue Cir E, Ellenton 34222 42 low-income homes · In service since 1992
- Lake East I HUD-assisted 2404 2406 16th STREET COURT, Bradenton 34208 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (941) 745-1889
- River Trace Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 1449 17th Street Cir E, Bradenton 34208 40 low-income homes · 4 bd: 40 · In service since 1995 · For families
- Bradenton Village II Tax credit (LIHTC) 104 17th Ave W, Bradenton 34205 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 36 · In service since 2010 · For older adults, families
- Village Central Tax credit (LIHTC) 1201 5th St W, Bradenton 34205 25 low-income homes · 1 bd: 13 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2009 · For families
- Lake East II HUD-assisted 1607 1609 24TH Ave E, Bradenton 34208 22 low-income homes · For older adults · (941) 745-1889
- Holiday Heights Voa Living Center HUD-assisted 4807 18th St W, Bradenton 34207 18 homes, 17 low-income · For people with disabilities · (727) 369-8500
- Manatee County Voa Living Center HUD-assisted 912 63rd Ave W, Bradenton 34207 11 homes, 10 low-income · For people with disabilities · (813) 282-1525
- Bradenton Voa Living Center HUD-assisted 1128 11th ST W, Bradenton 34205 9 homes, 8 low-income · For people with disabilities · (941) 739-6506
- 510 11th Avenue West Public housing 510 11th Ave W, Bradenton 34205 1 low-income home · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Bradenton · (941) 748-5568
- 524 11th Avenue West Public housing 524 11th Ave W, Bradenton 34205 1 low-income home · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Bradenton · (941) 748-5568
- Addison Tax credit (LIHTC) 702 6th Ave E, Bradenton 34208 90 homes · 1 bd: 25 · 2 bd: 53 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2018 · For families
- Grand Palms Tax credit (LIHTC) 1715 14th St W, Bradenton 34205 72 homes · 1 bd: 36 · 2 bd: 36 · In service since 2019 · For older adults, families
- G D Rogers Addn Public housing Bradenton 34205 11 homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Bradenton · (941) 748-5568
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 Manatee 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 Manatee 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)
-
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
-
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 | $24,000 | $39,950 | $63,950 |
| 2 people | $27,400 | $45,650 | $73,050 |
| 3 people | $30,850 | $51,350 | $82,200 |
| 4 people | $34,250 | $57,050 | $91,300 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $61,650 | $98,650 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $66,200 | $105,950 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $70,750 | $113,250 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $75,350 | $120,550 |
Area median income: $109,700. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,574 – $1,924
- 1 bedroom $1,688 – $2,064
- 2 bedrooms $1,969 – $2,407
- 3 bedrooms $2,498 – $3,053
- 4 bedrooms $2,978 – $3,640
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
- Manatee County Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,286 vouchers · 77 public housing units (941) 756-3974 Manatee County Housing Authority: willie.calhoun@manateehousing.com
- Housing Authority of the City of Bradenton Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 203 vouchers · 400 public housing units (941) 748-5568 Housing Authority of the City of Bradenton: dominiqued@bradentonhousing.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 Manatee County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Manatee County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Step Up Suncoast, Inc. F/K/A Manatee Community Action Agency, Inc.
6428 Parkland Dr, Sarasota · Spanish
- Budget and financial counseling
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 4 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Manatee 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 Manatee 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
$4,376
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $2,188
- Security deposit
- $2,188
- Total
- $4,376
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 Manatee County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,749; 1 bedroom: $1,876; 2 bedrooms: $2,188; 3 bedrooms: $2,775; 4 bedrooms: $3,309. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Manatee County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($2,188) without spending more than 30% of income takes $42.08 an hour full time, or $87,520 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Manatee County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $57,050 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 Manatee 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 $1,969 and $2,407 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Manatee County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,740 in 34205 to $2,800 in 34202. 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 Manatee County?
HUD lists 36 properties with homes for low-income households in Manatee 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 Manatee County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Manatee County, 61% of renter households are in that position; in Florida, 60%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).