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Renting · Section 8

Data from November 2026

Renting in Sarasota County, Florida

Sarasota 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 $1,818 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $42.08 an hour, full time.

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Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
$2,188
a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
12% more than in Florida
Typical rent
$1,818
a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
9% more than 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
59%
spend 30% or more of income on rent
1% less than in Florida

Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD) Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates

Only here

Renting in Sarasota County: what sets it apart

What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.

  1. Sarasota County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,818, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Manatee County ($1,671).

  2. At $1,818, Sarasota County ranks 7th among the 67 counties in Florida for the highest typical rent.

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 Sarasota 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 Sarasota County was $2,168 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

Fair market rent and wage needed To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).
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 25 ZIP codes in Sarasota County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,690 in 34223 to $3,280 in 34242. 17 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)

Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD)

Rent burden

How many households spend too much

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Sarasota 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.

49,428 households rent in Sarasota County

  • Spend half or more of their income 31%
  • Spend 30% or more, but less than half 28%
  • Spend less than 30% 41%

Compared with the state and the country

  • Sarasota 59%
  • Florida 60%
  • United States 51%

Low-income apartments

Low-income apartments in Sarasota County

HUD lists 23 properties with homes for low-income households in Sarasota 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
9
public housing
2

1,855 homes in all; 1,629 of them low-income, according to HUD.

  • University Club Tax credit (LIHTC) 3203 Nature Cir, Sarasota 34235 192 homes, 191 low-income · 1 bd: 44 · 2 bd: 84 · 3 bd: 40 · 4 bd: 24 · In service since 2003 · For families
  • Grande Court at North Port Tax credit (LIHTC) 5101 Greenwood Ave, North Port 34287 128 low-income homes · 1 bd: 36 · 2 bd: 60 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2005 · For families
  • Willow Creek Tax credit (LIHTC) 6851 Willow Creek Cir, North Port 34287 120 low-income homes · 1 bd: 60 · 2 bd: 60 · In service since 2002 · For older adults
  • Rolling Green Tax credit (LIHTC) 2596 Twin Dr, Sarasota 34234 118 low-income homes · In service since 2013 · For families
  • Willow Creek II Tax credit (LIHTC) 6961 Willow Creek Cir, North Port 34287 104 low-income homes · 1 bd: 52 · 2 bd: 52 · In service since 2003 · For older adults, families
  • McCOWN TOWERS HUD-assisted 1300 Blvd Of The Arts, Sarasota 34236 100 low-income homes · For families · (941) 361-6210
  • Villa San Marco HUD-assisted 1030 Albee Farm Rd, Venice 34285 80 low-income homes · For older adults · (941) 483-1960
  • Bayou Oaks Tax credit (LIHTC) 1160 Four Seasons Cir, Sarasota 34234 80 homes, 79 low-income · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 40 · In service since 2000
  • Casa Santa Marta HUD-assisted 1576 8th St, Sarasota 34236 78 low-income homes · For older adults · (941) 366-4448
  • Mccown Towers Annex HUD-assisted 1320 Blvd Of The Arts, Sarasota 34236 75 low-income homes · For older adults · (941) 361-6210
  • Janie's Garden III Tax credit (LIHTC) 2350 Central Ave, Sarasota 34234 72 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 16 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2016 · For families
  • Janie's Garden II Tax credit (LIHTC) 2350 Central Ave, Sarasota 34234 68 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 34 · 3 bd: 4 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2011 · For families
  • Janie's Garden I Tax credit (LIHTC) 2350 Central Ave, Sarasota 34234 86 homes, 65 low-income · 1 bd: 15 · 2 bd: 56 · 3 bd: 9 · 4 bd: 6 · In service since 2009 · For families
  • Venetian Walk Tax credit (LIHTC) · Public housing 201 Grove St N, Venice 34285 61 low-income homes · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 58 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2014 · For older adults, families · Run by Venice Housing Authority · Average payment: $502 a month · Homes at several sites · (941) 488-3526
  • J. H. Floyd Sunshine Village HUD-assisted 1777 18th St, Sarasota 34234 59 homes, 58 low-income · For older adults · (941) 955-9367
  • Casa Santa Marta II HUD-assisted 800 N Lemon Ave, Sarasota 34236 52 low-income homes · For older adults · (941) 365-7913
  • Meadow Park HUD-assisted 1845 18th St, Sarasota 34234 44 homes, 43 low-income · For older adults · (941) 366-0430
  • Victoria Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 3950 S Sumter Blvd, North Port 34287 42 low-income homes · In service since 1995 · For families
  • Beneva Oak Apartments HUD-assisted 650 N Beneva Rd, Sarasota 34232 40 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (941) 365-3524
  • Orchard Place of Sarasota HUD-assisted 1300 N Lockwood Ridge Rd, Sarasota 34237 40 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (941) 952-9933
  • Venetian Walk II Public housing 130 Castleberry Ct, Venice 34285 52 homes, 15 low-income · Run by Venice Housing Authority · Average payment: $668 a month · Average wait: 1 month · (941) 488-3526
  • Amaryllis Park Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 1912 N Orange Ave, Sarasota 34234 84 homes · 1 bd: 44 · 2 bd: 40 · In service since 2018 · For older adults, families
  • Arbor Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 2901 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota 34237 80 homes · 1 bd: 72 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2019 · For people with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness

One property has two programs at the same address and appears 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 Sarasota 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 Sarasota County. Here is what the rules say:

The rules, with their source

  1. 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. HUD

  2. 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). 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)

  3. Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)

  4. 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. 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)

  5. When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. 24 CFR §982.508

  6. Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)

Mixed-status families: how assistance is figured
HUD income limits Yearly income of the whole family, before taxes.
People Extremely low (30%) Very low (50%) Low
$24,000 $39,950 $63,950
$27,400 $45,650 $73,050
$30,850 $51,350 $82,200
$34,250 $57,050 $91,300
$38,680 $61,650 $98,650
$44,360 $66,200 $105,950
$50,040 $70,750 $113,250
$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

How much can you earn? Check your case

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

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 rule

Compare 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 Sarasota County

These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.

  • Step Up Suncoast, Inc. F/K/A Manatee Community Action Agency, Inc.

    6428 Parkland Dr, Sarasota · 16 miles away · Spanish

    • Budget and financial counseling
    • Budget and credit workshops
    • and 4 more
    (941) 827-0118

  • Real Estate Education and Community Housing, Inc.

    4006 S. MacDill Avenue, Tampa · 47 miles away · Spanish

    • Mortgage delinquency and default
    • Mortgage delinquency workshops
    • and 7 more
    (561) 491-1670

Rental assistance programs

The ones that serve in Sarasota County or the whole state, with what each page says about being open.

See every agency in Florida Find legal aid (lsc.gov)

Tool

How much cash do you need to move in?

It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Sarasota 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

Open the full tool

Your move

We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.

Adjust advanced details
Deposit and rent in advance
The deposit, in

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

The deposit cap

Pick your state to see whether its law caps the deposit.

Compare each state's rules →

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.
Guide: the security depositGuide: avoiding rental scamsFamily budgetHow much rent can I afford?

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.

Guides

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Sarasota 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 Sarasota 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 Sarasota 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 Sarasota 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 Sarasota County?

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,690 in 34223 to $3,280 in 34242. 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 Sarasota County?

HUD lists 23 properties with homes for low-income households in Sarasota 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 Sarasota County?

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Sarasota County, 59% of renter households are in that position; in Florida, 60%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).