Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Polk County, Florida
Polk County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,608 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,363 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $30.92 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,608
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 18% less than in Florida
- Typical rent
- $1,363
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 18% less than in Florida
- Wage needed
- $30.92
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $64,320 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 54%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 10% less than in Florida
Only here
Renting in Polk County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Among the neighboring counties, DeSoto County has the lowest typical rent ($932), 32% below the $1,363 in Polk County.
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 Polk 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 Polk County was $1,814 a month in September 2026: 0.9% 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 | $1,258 | $24.19 | $50,320 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,338 | $25.73 | $53,520 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,608 | $30.92 | $64,320 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,212 | $42.54 | $88,480 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,688 | $51.69 | $107,520 |
HUD area: Lakeland-Winter Haven, 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 49 ZIP codes in Polk County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,350 in 33815 to $2,350 in 33858. 19 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,608).
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)
| 33801 | Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $1,220 | $1,300 | $1,560 | $2,150 | $2,610 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33803 | Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $1,430 | $1,520 | $1,830 | $2,520 | $3,060 |
| 33805 | Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $1,170 | $1,250 | $1,500 | $2,060 | $2,510 |
| 33809 | Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $1,420 | $1,510 | $1,820 | $2,500 | $3,040 |
| 33809 | Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | $1,420 | $1,510 | $1,820 | $2,500 | $3,040 |
| 33810 | Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $1,410 | $1,500 | $1,800 | $2,470 | $3,010 |
| 33810 | Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | $1,410 | $1,500 | $1,800 | $2,470 | $3,010 |
| 33811 | Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $1,240 | $1,310 | $1,580 | $2,170 | $2,640 |
| 33812 | Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $1,590 | $1,690 | $2,030 | $2,790 | $3,390 |
| 33813 | Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $1,590 | $1,690 | $2,030 | $2,790 | $3,390 |
| 33815 | Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $1,110 | $1,120 | $1,350 | $1,860 | $2,260 |
| 33823 | Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $1,110 | $1,110 | $1,350 | $1,830 | $2,260 |
| 33827 | Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $1,360 | $1,380 | $1,670 | $2,280 | $2,790 |
| 33830 | Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $1,110 | $1,120 | $1,350 | $1,860 | $2,260 |
| 33835 | Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $1,150 | $1,220 | $1,470 | $2,020 | $2,460 |
| 33837 | Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $1,650 | $1,760 | $2,110 | $2,900 | $3,530 |
| 33838 | Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $1,420 | $1,510 | $1,820 | $2,500 | $3,040 |
| 33839 | Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $1,460 | $1,550 | $1,860 | $2,560 | $3,110 |
| 33840 | Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $1,430 | $1,520 | $1,830 | $2,520 | $3,060 |
| 33841 | Hardee County, FL | $1,110 | $1,110 | $1,350 | $1,830 | $2,260 |
| 33841 | Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $1,110 | $1,110 | $1,350 | $1,830 | $2,260 |
| 33843 | Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $1,110 | $1,110 | $1,350 | $1,830 | $2,260 |
| 33843 | Sebring, FL | $1,110 | $1,110 | $1,350 | $1,830 | $2,260 |
| 33844 | Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $1,130 | $1,210 | $1,450 | $1,990 | $2,420 |
| 33847 | Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $1,110 | $1,110 | $1,350 | $1,830 | $2,260 |
| 33849 | Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $1,270 | $1,340 | $1,590 | $2,140 | $2,600 |
| 33849 | Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | $1,270 | $1,340 | $1,590 | $2,140 | $2,600 |
| 33850 | Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $1,110 | $1,110 | $1,350 | $1,840 | $2,260 |
| 33851 | Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $1,240 | $1,320 | $1,580 | $2,170 | $2,640 |
| 33853 | Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $1,110 | $1,110 | $1,350 | $1,830 | $2,260 |
| 33854 | Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $1,110 | $1,110 | $1,350 | $1,830 | $2,260 |
| 33855 | Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $1,110 | $1,170 | $1,410 | $1,930 | $2,350 |
| 33856 | Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $1,110 | $1,110 | $1,350 | $1,830 | $2,260 |
| 33858 | Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $1,870 | $1,980 | $2,350 | $3,180 | $3,830 |
| 33859 | Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $1,180 | $1,260 | $1,510 | $2,080 | $2,520 |
| 33860 | Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $1,150 | $1,220 | $1,470 | $2,020 | $2,460 |
| 33860 | Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | $1,150 | $1,220 | $1,470 | $2,020 | $2,460 |
| 33867 | Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $1,110 | $1,180 | $1,420 | $1,950 | $2,370 |
| 33868 | Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $1,110 | $1,130 | $1,360 | $1,870 | $2,270 |
| 33877 | Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $1,260 | $1,340 | $1,610 | $2,210 | $2,680 |
| 33880 | Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $1,130 | $1,200 | $1,440 | $1,980 | $2,410 |
| 33881 | Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $1,120 | $1,190 | $1,430 | $1,970 | $2,390 |
| 33884 | Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $1,460 | $1,550 | $1,860 | $2,560 | $3,110 |
| 33897 | Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $1,800 | $1,910 | $2,300 | $3,150 | $3,830 |
| 33897 | Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | $1,800 | $1,910 | $2,300 | $3,150 | $3,830 |
| 33898 | Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $1,110 | $1,180 | $1,420 | $1,950 | $2,370 |
| 33898 | Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | $1,110 | $1,180 | $1,420 | $1,950 | $2,370 |
| 34759 | Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $1,650 | $1,750 | $2,080 | $2,820 | $3,400 |
| 34759 | Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | $1,650 | $1,750 | $2,080 | $2,820 | $3,400 |
- 33801 · Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL $1,560$2,150
- 33803 · Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL $1,830$2,520
- 33805 · Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL $1,500$2,060
- 33809 · Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL $1,820$2,500
- 33809 · Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL $1,820$2,500
- 33810 · Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL $1,800$2,470
- 33810 · Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL $1,800$2,470
- 33811 · Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL $1,580$2,170
- 33812 · Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL $2,030$2,790
- 33813 · Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL $2,030$2,790
- 33815 · Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL $1,350$1,860
- 33823 · Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL $1,350$1,830
- 33827 · Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL $1,670$2,280
- 33830 · Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL $1,350$1,860
- 33835 · Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL $1,470$2,020
- 33837 · Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL $2,110$2,900
- 33838 · Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL $1,820$2,500
- 33839 · Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL $1,860$2,560
- 33840 · Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL $1,830$2,520
- 33841 · Hardee County, FL $1,350$1,830
- 33841 · Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL $1,350$1,830
- 33843 · Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL $1,350$1,830
- 33843 · Sebring, FL $1,350$1,830
- 33844 · Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL $1,450$1,990
- 33847 · Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL $1,350$1,830
- 33849 · Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL $1,590$2,140
- 33849 · Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL $1,590$2,140
- 33850 · Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL $1,350$1,840
- 33851 · Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL $1,580$2,170
- 33853 · Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL $1,350$1,830
- 33854 · Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL $1,350$1,830
- 33855 · Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL $1,410$1,930
- 33856 · Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL $1,350$1,830
- 33858 · Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL $2,350$3,180
- 33859 · Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL $1,510$2,080
- 33860 · Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL $1,470$2,020
- 33860 · Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL $1,470$2,020
- 33867 · Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL $1,420$1,950
- 33868 · Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL $1,360$1,870
- 33877 · Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL $1,610$2,210
- 33880 · Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL $1,440$1,980
- 33881 · Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL $1,430$1,970
- 33884 · Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL $1,860$2,560
- 33897 · Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL $2,300$3,150
- 33897 · Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL $2,300$3,150
- 33898 · Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL $1,420$1,950
- 33898 · Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL $1,420$1,950
- 34759 · Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL $2,080$2,820
- 34759 · Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL $2,080$2,820
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 Polk County, 54% 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.
54%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
85,480 households rent in Polk County
- Spend half or more of their income 27%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 27%
- Spend less than 30% 46%
Compared with the state and the country
- Polk 54%
- Florida 60%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Polk County
HUD lists 54 properties with homes for low-income households in Polk 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)
- 28
- HUD-assisted
- 19
- public housing
- 13
5,582 homes in all; 4,620 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Providence Reserve Tax credit (LIHTC) 815 Providence Reserve Loop, Lakeland 33805 220 homes, 218 low-income · 2 bd: 132 · 3 bd: 72 · 4 bd: 16 · In service since 1999
- Cambridge Cove Tax credit (LIHTC) 1700 Cambridge Cove Pass, Lakeland 33810 200 low-income homes · 1 bd: 48 · 2 bd: 88 · 3 bd: 40 · 4 bd: 24 · In service since 2002 · For families
- Wilmington Tax credit (LIHTC) 5425 Wilmington Blvd, Lakeland 33813 200 low-income homes · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 100 · 3 bd: 60 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Renaissance at Washington Ridge Tax credit (LIHTC) 1550 Hawkins Way, Lakeland 33805 196 low-income homes · 1 bd: 78 · 2 bd: 78 · 3 bd: 36 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2003 · For older adults, families
- Tower Point Tax credit (LIHTC) 101 Tower Point Cir, Lake Wales 33859 192 low-income homes · 2 bd: 96 · 3 bd: 80 · 4 bd: 16 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Meetinghouse at Bartow Tax credit (LIHTC) 1400 Old Bartow Eagle Lake Rd, Bartow 33830 160 low-income homes · 1 bd: 80 · 2 bd: 80 · In service since 2005 · For older adults
- Pinnacle Pines Tax credit (LIHTC) 501 Live Oak Ave W, Haines City 33844 156 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 84 · 3 bd: 48 · In service since 2006 · For families
- ST Luke's Life Center Tax credit (LIHTC) 909 Quincy St, Lakeland 33815 150 low-income homes · 1 bd: 76 · 2 bd: 74 · In service since 2007 · For older adults, families
- Summerlin Oaks Tax credit (LIHTC) 980 E Church St, Bartow 33830 144 low-income homes · 2 bd: 72 · 3 bd: 64 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2007 · For families
- Grove Manor Public housing 100 W Sessoms Ave, Lake Wales 33853 140 low-income homes · Run by Lake Wales Housing Authority · Average payment: $309 a month · (863) 676-7414
- Banyan Reserve Senior Tax credit (LIHTC) 940 Serenity Hills Dr, Lakeland 33805 139 low-income homes · 1 bd: 70 · 2 bd: 69 · In service since 2020 · For older adults
- Lakewood Terrace Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1315 W 14th St, Lakeland 33805 132 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 60 · 4 bd: 16 · In service since 2009 · For families · (863) 683-6428
- Winter Haven Manor HUD-assisted 140 Avenue A SW, Winter Haven 33880 126 homes, 125 low-income · For older adults · (863) 293-5630
- Abbey Lane Apartments HUD-assisted 100 Evergreen Pl SW, Winter Haven 33880 125 homes, 124 low-income · For families · (863) 293-1559
- Name Unknown Public housing 2538 6th St NE, Winter Haven 33881 122 homes, 121 low-income · Run by Winter Haven Housing Authority · Average payment: $470 a month · Average wait: 5 months · Homes at several sites · (863) 294-7369
- Azalea Gardens (BARTOW) Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1050 Golfview Ave, Bartow 33830 120 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 66 · 3 bd: 42 · In service since 1998 · For families · (863) 533-7796
- Washington Oaks/The Manor Public housing 150 W 14th St, Lakeland 33805 197 homes, 108 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Lakeland · Average payment: $428 a month · Average wait: 29 months · (863) 687-2911
- Lakeview Presbyterian Homes HUD-assisted 515 E Orange St, Lakeland 33801 104 low-income homes · For older adults · (863) 688-4608
- Manor at West Bartow Tax credit (LIHTC) 850 Gordon Ave, Bartow 33830 100 low-income homes · 1 bd: 50 · 2 bd: 50 · In service since 2009 · For older adults
- Twin Lakes Estates I Tax credit (LIHTC) 501 Hartsell Avenue, Lakeland 33815 100 low-income homes · 1 bd: 50 · 2 bd: 50 · In service since 2019 · For families
- Episcopal-Catholic Apartments HUD-assisted 500 Avenue L NW, Winter Haven 33881 199 homes, 97 low-income · For older adults
- Palm Place Apartments HUD-assisted 2401 2nd St NW, Winter Haven 33881 90 low-income homes · For families · (863) 294-7570
- Lake Wales Gardens HUD-assisted 504 4th St S, Lake Wales 33853 96 homes, 87 low-income · For families · (863) 676-8648
- Lakeside Terrace Senior Tax credit (LIHTC) · Public housing 391 Avenue O NE, Winter Haven 33881 84 low-income homes · 1 bd: 42 · 2 bd: 42 · In service since 2009 · For older adults · Run by Winter Haven Housing Authority · (863) 294-7369
- Lakeview Tower HUD-assisted 745 Avenue A SW, Winter Haven 33880 156 homes, 82 low-income · For older adults · (863) 293-6014
- Carver Village Public housing 1060 S Woodlawn Ave, Bartow 33830 82 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of Bartow · Average payment: $357 a month · Average wait: 33 months · (863) 533-6311
- Cambridge Cove II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1810 Grand Bay Cir, Lakeland 33810 80 low-income homes · 3 bd: 56 · 4 bd: 24 · In service since 2008 · For families
- Villas at Lake Bonnet Tax credit (LIHTC) 303 N Brunnell Pkwy, Lakeland 33815 75 low-income homes · 2 bd: 60 · 3 bd: 15 · In service since 2011 · For families
- Colton Meadow Tax credit (LIHTC) 1919 W 10th St, Lakeland 33805 72 low-income homes · 2 bd: 50 · 3 bd: 20 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2011 · For families
- Trinity Apartments of Lakeland HUD-assisted 1201 S Central Ave, Lakeland 33815 70 low-income homes · For older adults · (863) 683-5070
- Tupelo Vue Tax credit (LIHTC) 525 Avenue G NW, Winter Haven 33881 70 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 38 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2016 · For families
- Sterling Place HUD-assisted 600 Old Combee Rd, Lakeland 33809 70 homes, 69 low-income · For older adults · (863) 859-7856
- Cypress Cathedral Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1601 Havendale Blvd NW, Winter Haven 33881 68 low-income homes · For older adults
- Harbour Court Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 266 Peninsular Dr, Haines City 33844 64 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 32 · In service since 2016 · For families · (863) 274-4528
- Whispering Pines (BARTOW) Tax credit (LIHTC) 4302 Scott Dr, Bartow 33830 64 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 50 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Crystalwood Apartments HUD-assisted 1935 Crystal Grove Dr, Lakeland 33801 64 homes, 63 low-income · For families
- Colton/Bonnei Public housing 2626 N Florida Ave, Lakeland 33805 57 homes, 56 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Lakeland · Average payment: $462 a month · Average wait: 30 months · Homes at several sites · (863) 687-2911
- Orangemont Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 410 Winston Ave, Lake Wales 33853 53 low-income homes
- Cypress Cove Tax credit (LIHTC) 930 5th St, Winter Haven 33881 80 homes, 48 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 24 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2010 · For families
- Cottages at Williamstown Public housing 1450 Kennedy Blvd, Lakeland 33810 48 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Lakeland · Average payment: $383 a month · Average wait: 21 months · (863) 687-2911
- Carrington Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 1141 Kettles Ave, Lakeland 33805 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 19 · 3 bd: 9 · 4 bd: 12 · In service since 2002 · For families
- Lakeland Presbyterian Apts HUD-assisted 530 S Florida Ave, Lakeland 33801 196 homes, 39 low-income · For older adults · (863) 688-4608
- Ridgewood Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 2201 Ridgewood Rd NW, Winter Haven 33881 33 low-income homes · 1 bd: 9 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2018 · For older adults, families
- Sunrise Park Apartments - Phase I Public housing 212 Sunrise Pkwy, Lake Wales 33853 72 homes, 32 low-income · Run by Lake Wales Housing Authority · Average payment: $508 a month · Average wait: 85 months · (863) 676-7414
- Redwood Apartments HUD-assisted 940 Alfred St E, Lake Alfred 33850 30 low-income homes · For families · (863) 956-4335
- Mulberry Homes Public housing 1101 SE 3rd Pl, Mulberry 33860 26 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Mulberry · Average payment: $663 a month · Average wait: 38 months · Homes at several sites · (813) 752-0569
- Dakota Park Public housing 1403 Kettles Ave, Lakeland 33805 40 homes, 20 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Lakeland · Average payment: $462 a month · Average wait: 32 months · (863) 687-2911
- Peace River Center Properties Inc. HUD-assisted 728 E Bella Vista St, Lakeland 33805 19 homes, 18 low-income · For people with disabilities · (863) 499-2520
- Twin Lakes Estates Phase II - Family Public housing 550 Air Force St, Lakeland 33815 132 homes, 14 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Lakeland · (863) 687-2911
- Twin Lakes Estates Phase I Public housing 615 Navy Dr, Lakeland 33815 100 homes, 10 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Lakeland · (863) 687-2911
- Abilities at Eagles Nest HUD-assisted 1920 E Edgewood Dr, Lakeland 33803 5 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (727) 538-7370
- 8th Street Scattered Site Public housing Winter Haven 33881 2 low-income homes · Run by Winter Haven Housing Authority · Homes at several sites · (863) 294-7369
- Villages at Noah S Landing Tax credit (LIHTC) 4700 Melody Ln, Lakeland 33805 126 homes · 2 bd: 10 · 3 bd: 20 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2018 · For people with disabilities, families
- Aida Palms Tax credit (LIHTC) 140 Aida St, Lakeland 33805 96 homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 52 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2018 · For families
6 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 Polk County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 5 agencies serve in Polk 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 | $18,350 | $30,600 | $48,900 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $34,950 | $55,900 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $39,300 | $62,900 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $43,650 | $69,850 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $47,150 | $75,450 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $50,650 | $81,050 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $54,150 | $86,650 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $57,650 | $92,250 |
Area median income: $83,900. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,132 – $1,384
- 1 bedroom $1,204 – $1,472
- 2 bedrooms $1,447 – $1,769
- 3 bedrooms $1,991 – $2,433
- 4 bedrooms $2,419 – $2,957
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 the City of Lakeland Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,818 vouchers · 573 public housing units (863) 687-2911 Housing Authority of the City of Lakeland: bstevenson@lakelandhousing.org
- Winter Haven Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 385 vouchers · 207 public housing units (863) 294-7369 Winter Haven Housing Authority: lwatkins@winterhavenhousing.com
- Lake Wales Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 274 vouchers · 212 public housing units (863) 676-7414 Lake Wales Housing Authority: alkirklandjr@lakewaleshousing.org
- Housing Authority of Bartow Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 89 vouchers · 82 public housing units (863) 533-6311 Housing Authority of Bartow: alkirklandjr@lakewaleshousing.org
- Housing Authority of the City of Mulberry Public housing · 26 public housing units (813) 752-0569 Housing Authority of the City of Mulberry: patriciab@plantcityhousing.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 Polk County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Polk County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Housing and Neighborhood Development Services of Central Florida, Inc.
825 E Main St, Lakeland · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 9 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Polk 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 Polk 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
$3,216
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,608
- Security deposit
- $1,608
- Total
- $3,216
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 Polk County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,258; 1 bedroom: $1,338; 2 bedrooms: $1,608; 3 bedrooms: $2,212; 4 bedrooms: $2,688. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Polk County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,608) without spending more than 30% of income takes $30.92 an hour full time, or $64,320 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Polk County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $43,650 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 Polk 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 $1,447 and $1,769 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Polk County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,350 in 33815 to $2,350 in 33858. 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 Polk County?
HUD lists 54 properties with homes for low-income households in Polk 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 Polk County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Polk County, 54% of renter households are in that position; in Florida, 60%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).