Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in St. Lucie County, Florida
St. Lucie County has a HUD fair market rent of $2,069 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,585 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $39.79 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $2,069
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 5% more than in Florida
- Typical rent
- $1,585
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 5% less than in Florida
- Wage needed
- $39.79
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $82,760 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 65%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 9% more than in Florida
Only here
Renting in St. Lucie County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
St. Lucie County has the 2nd largest share of rent-burdened renters of the 66 counties in Florida with this figure (65%).
-
Nearby, in Glades County, the typical rent is $886: 44% less than in St. Lucie County ($1,585).
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 St. Lucie 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 St. Lucie County was $2,329 a month in September 2026: 1.6% 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 | $1,707 | $32.83 | $68,280 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,718 | $33.04 | $68,720 |
| 2 bedrooms | $2,069 | $39.79 | $82,760 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,801 | $53.87 | $112,040 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,924 | $56.23 | $116,960 |
HUD area: Port St. Lucie, 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 15 ZIP codes in St. Lucie County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,590 in 34946 to $2,890 in 34987. 7 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($2,069).
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)
| 34945 | Port St. Lucie, FL | $1,430 | $1,440 | $1,760 | $2,300 | $2,530 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34946 | Port St. Lucie, FL | $1,310 | $1,330 | $1,590 | $2,180 | $2,330 |
| 34947 | Port St. Lucie, FL | $1,350 | $1,360 | $1,640 | $2,220 | $2,330 |
| 34949 | Port St. Lucie, FL | $1,750 | $1,760 | $2,120 | $2,870 | $3,000 |
| 34950 | Port St. Lucie, FL | $1,310 | $1,330 | $1,590 | $2,180 | $2,330 |
| 34951 | Port St. Lucie, FL | $1,370 | $1,380 | $1,660 | $2,250 | $2,430 |
| 34951 | Sebastian-Vero Beach-West Vero Corridor, FL | $1,370 | $1,380 | $1,660 | $2,250 | $2,430 |
| 34952 | Port St. Lucie, FL | $1,850 | $1,860 | $2,240 | $3,030 | $3,170 |
| 34953 | Port St. Lucie, FL | $2,220 | $2,230 | $2,690 | $3,640 | $3,800 |
| 34981 | Port St. Lucie, FL | $1,510 | $1,520 | $1,830 | $2,480 | $2,590 |
| 34982 | Port St. Lucie, FL | $1,410 | $1,420 | $1,710 | $2,320 | $2,420 |
| 34983 | Port St. Lucie, FL | $1,980 | $1,990 | $2,400 | $3,250 | $3,390 |
| 34984 | Port St. Lucie, FL | $2,190 | $2,200 | $2,650 | $3,590 | $3,750 |
| 34986 | Port St. Lucie, FL | $1,820 | $1,830 | $2,210 | $2,990 | $3,120 |
| 34987 | Port St. Lucie, FL | $2,380 | $2,400 | $2,890 | $3,910 | $4,080 |
- 34945 · Port St. Lucie, FL $1,760$2,300
- 34946 · Port St. Lucie, FL $1,590$2,180
- 34947 · Port St. Lucie, FL $1,640$2,220
- 34949 · Port St. Lucie, FL $2,120$2,870
- 34950 · Port St. Lucie, FL $1,590$2,180
- 34951 · Port St. Lucie, FL $1,660$2,250
- 34951 · Sebastian-Vero Beach-West Vero Corridor, FL $1,660$2,250
- 34952 · Port St. Lucie, FL $2,240$3,030
- 34953 · Port St. Lucie, FL $2,690$3,640
- 34981 · Port St. Lucie, FL $1,830$2,480
- 34982 · Port St. Lucie, FL $1,710$2,320
- 34983 · Port St. Lucie, FL $2,400$3,250
- 34984 · Port St. Lucie, FL $2,650$3,590
- 34986 · Port St. Lucie, FL $2,210$2,990
- 34987 · Port St. Lucie, FL $2,890$3,910
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 St. Lucie County, 65% 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.
65%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
29,469 households rent in St. Lucie County
- Spend half or more of their income 34%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 32%
- Spend less than 30% 35%
Compared with the state and the country
- St. Lucie 65%
- Florida 60%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in St. Lucie County
HUD lists 18 properties with homes for low-income households in St. Lucie 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)
- 12
- HUD-assisted
- 4
- public housing
- 3
3,274 homes in all; 3,228 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Sabal Chase Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Corner Dr, Fort Pierce 34947 340 low-income homes · 1 bd: 68 · 2 bd: 164 · 3 bd: 108 · In service since 2001
- Sands at ST. Lucie Tax credit (LIHTC) 2750 S US Highway 1, Fort Pierce 34982 320 low-income homes · 2 bd: 208 · 3 bd: 112 · In service since 1999 · For families
- Park Terrace Public housing 601 Avenue B, Fort Pierce 34950 284 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Fort Pierce · Average payment: $334 a month · Average wait: 26 months · (772) 461-7281
- Sanctuary at Winterlakes Tax credit (LIHTC) 5410 NW Rabbit Run, Port St Lucie 34986 284 low-income homes · 1 bd: 84 · 2 bd: 140 · 3 bd: 60 · In service since 2001 · For families
- Scattered Sites Public housing 904 Avenue H, Fort Pierce 34950 284 homes, 282 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Fort Pierce · Average payment: $476 a month · Average wait: 62 months · Homes at several sites · (772) 461-7281
- Peacock Run Tax credit (LIHTC) 5502 NW E Torino Pkwy, Port St Lucie 34986 264 low-income homes · 1 bd: 72 · 2 bd: 112 · 3 bd: 80 · In service since 2003
- Garden Terrace Public housing 2902 Avenue E, Fort Pierce 34947 259 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Fort Pierce · Average payment: $464 a month · Average wait: 84 months · (772) 461-7281
- ST Andrews Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 2550 NW Hatches Harbor Rd, Port St Lucie 34983 184 low-income homes · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 88 · 3 bd: 32 · 4 bd: 24 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Grove Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 9800 Lennard Road, Port St Lucie 34952 210 homes, 168 low-income · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 1 · 3 bd: 131 · 4 bd: 29 · In service since 2016 · For families
- Cove at ST Lucie Tax credit (LIHTC) 4400 NW Cove Cir, Port St Lucie 34983 144 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 80 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 1999 · For older adults
- Madison Cay Tax credit (LIHTC) 1655 N 29th St, Fort Pierce 34947 132 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 56 · 3 bd: 44 · In service since 2008 · For families
- Pine Creek Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 1110 N 29th St, Fort Pierce 34947 107 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2013 · For families
- Pine Creek Village HUD-assisted 1110 N. 27th Street, Fort Pierce 34947 107 low-income homes · For families · (772) 467-2065
- Live Oak Villas I Tax credit (LIHTC) 919 S 25th St, Fort Pierce 34947 104 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 64 · 4 bd: 16 · In service since 2005
- Live Oak Villas II Tax credit (LIHTC) 919 S 25th St, Fort Pierce 34947 80 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 40 · In service since 2007 · For families
- Bethany Court Apartments HUD-assisted 501 Bethany Ct, Fort Pierce 34950 61 homes, 60 low-income · For families · (772) 468-3289
- Orangewood Village Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 705 S 29th St, Fort Pierce 34947 60 low-income homes · 2 bd: 44 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2016 · For families · (772) 464-4093
- Villa Seton HUD-assisted 3300 SW Chartwell St, Port Saint Lucie 34953 50 homes, 49 low-income · For older adults · (772) 344-6969
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 St. Lucie 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 St. Lucie 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 | $21,500 | $35,850 | $57,350 |
| 2 people | $24,600 | $41,000 | $65,550 |
| 3 people | $27,650 | $46,100 | $73,750 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $51,200 | $81,900 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $55,300 | $88,500 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $59,400 | $95,050 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $63,500 | $101,600 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $67,600 | $108,150 |
Area median income: $102,000. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Port St. Lucie, FL MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,536 – $1,878
- 1 bedroom $1,546 – $1,890
- 2 bedrooms $1,862 – $2,276
- 3 bedrooms $2,521 – $3,081
- 4 bedrooms $2,632 – $3,216
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 Fort Pierce Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 861 vouchers · 825 public housing units (772) 461-7281 Housing Authority of the City of Fort Pierce: info@cfpha.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 St. Lucie County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Real Estate, Education and Community Housing, Inc.
8409 N Military Trl Ste 112, West Palm Beach · 45 miles away · Spanish
Also serves in Creole.
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 9 more
-
We Help Communities To Develop Corporation
349 SE 3rd Street, Belle Glade · 50 miles away · Spanish
Also serves in Creole and French.
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 5 more
-
Credit Card MGMT Svcs, Inc DBA Reversemortgagehelper.org and Debthelper.com
1325 N Congress Ave, West Palm Beach · 50 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 6 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in St. Lucie 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 St. Lucie 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
$4,138
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $2,069
- Security deposit
- $2,069
- Total
- $4,138
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 St. Lucie County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,707; 1 bedroom: $1,718; 2 bedrooms: $2,069; 3 bedrooms: $2,801; 4 bedrooms: $2,924. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in St. Lucie County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($2,069) without spending more than 30% of income takes $39.79 an hour full time, or $82,760 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in St. Lucie County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $51,200 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 St. Lucie 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 $1,862 and $2,276 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in St. Lucie County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,590 in 34946 to $2,890 in 34987. 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 St. Lucie County?
HUD lists 18 properties with homes for low-income households in St. Lucie 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 St. Lucie County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In St. Lucie County, 65% of renter households are in that position; in Florida, 60%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).