Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Walton County, Florida
Walton County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,474 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,741 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $28.35 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,474
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 25% less than in Florida
- Typical rent
- $1,741
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 4% more than in Florida
- Wage needed
- $28.35
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $58,960 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 56%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 6% less than in Florida
Only here
Renting in Walton County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Walton County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,741, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Okaloosa County ($1,612).
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 Walton 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 Walton County was $2,020 a month in September 2026: 2.2% 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 | $1,123 | $21.60 | $44,920 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,354 | $26.04 | $54,160 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,474 | $28.35 | $58,960 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,041 | $39.25 | $81,640 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,464 | $47.38 | $98,560 |
HUD area: Walton County, 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 11 ZIP codes in Walton County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,230 in 32435 to $2,210 in 32461. 6 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,474).
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)
| 32433 | Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL | $1,230 | $1,430 | $1,610 | $2,210 | $2,690 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32433 | Holmes County, FL | $1,230 | $1,430 | $1,610 | $2,210 | $2,690 |
| 32433 | Walton County, FL | $1,230 | $1,430 | $1,610 | $2,210 | $2,690 |
| 32435 | Holmes County, FL | $960 | $1,120 | $1,230 | $1,710 | $2,060 |
| 32435 | Walton County, FL | $960 | $1,120 | $1,230 | $1,710 | $2,060 |
| 32439 | Walton County, FL | $1,100 | $1,320 | $1,440 | $1,990 | $2,410 |
| 32455 | Holmes County, FL | $960 | $1,120 | $1,230 | $1,710 | $2,060 |
| 32455 | Walton County, FL | $960 | $1,120 | $1,230 | $1,710 | $2,060 |
| 32459 | Walton County, FL | $1,400 | $1,690 | $1,840 | $2,550 | $3,080 |
| 32461 | Walton County, FL | $1,680 | $2,030 | $2,210 | $3,060 | $3,690 |
| 32550 | Walton County, FL | $1,530 | $1,850 | $2,010 | $2,780 | $3,360 |
- 32433 · Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL $1,610$2,210
- 32433 · Holmes County, FL $1,610$2,210
- 32433 · Walton County, FL $1,610$2,210
- 32435 · Holmes County, FL $1,230$1,710
- 32435 · Walton County, FL $1,230$1,710
- 32439 · Walton County, FL $1,440$1,990
- 32455 · Holmes County, FL $1,230$1,710
- 32455 · Walton County, FL $1,230$1,710
- 32459 · Walton County, FL $1,840$2,550
- 32461 · Walton County, FL $2,210$3,060
- 32550 · Walton County, FL $2,010$2,780
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 Walton County, 56% 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.
56%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
7,358 households rent in Walton County
- Spend half or more of their income 24%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 33%
- Spend less than 30% 44%
Compared with the state and the country
- Walton 56%
- Florida 60%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Walton County
HUD lists 7 properties with homes for low-income households in Walton 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)
- 5
- HUD-assisted
- 2
- public housing
- 1
302 homes in all; 222 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Alpine Heights and Highland Terrace Public housing 412 S 2nd St, Defuniak Springs 32435 50 low-income homes · Run by DeFuniak Springs Housing Authority · Average payment: $461 a month · Average wait: 12 months · (850) 892-2823
- Heritage Apartments HUD-assisted 315 S 19th St, Defuniak Springs 32435 50 low-income homes · For families · (850) 892-5232
- Oakdale Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 226 N 1st St, Defuniak Springs 32433 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2011 · For families · (850) 892-7734
- Hazelwood Tax credit (LIHTC) 18 Hazelwood Ln, Freeport 32439 25 low-income homes · 2 bd: 25 · In service since 1992 · For families
- Sun Bay Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 50 Buster Marse Rd, Freeport 32439 25 low-income homes · In service since 1993
- Woodridge - Defuniak Springs Tax credit (LIHTC) 195 Bob Sikes Rd, Defuniak Springs 32435 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2012 · For families
- Arbours at Shoemaker Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 214 Shoemaker Dr, Defuniak Springs 32433 80 homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2011 · For families
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 Walton 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 Walton 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 | $20,550 | $34,200 | $54,700 |
| 2 people | $23,450 | $39,050 | $62,500 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $43,950 | $70,300 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $48,800 | $78,100 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $52,750 | $84,350 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $56,650 | $90,600 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $60,550 | $96,850 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $64,450 | $103,100 |
Area median income: $97,600. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Walton County, FL HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,011 – $1,235
- 1 bedroom $1,219 – $1,489
- 2 bedrooms $1,327 – $1,621
- 3 bedrooms $1,837 – $2,245
- 4 bedrooms $2,218 – $2,710
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
- Walton County Housing Authority Section 8 vouchers · 404 vouchers (850) 892-8185 Walton County Housing Authority: baktom@co.walton.fl.us
- DeFuniak Springs Housing Authority Public housing · 50 public housing units (850) 892-2823 DeFuniak Springs Housing Authority: director@dfsha.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 Walton County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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University of Florida/Florida Cooperative Extension - Holmes County Cooperative Extension Service
1169 E Highway 90, Bonifay · 33 miles away
- Budget and financial counseling
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 7 more
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University of Florida/Florida Cooperative Extension - Washington County Cooperative Extension Service
1424 Jackson Ave, Chipley · 39 miles away
- Budget and financial counseling
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 7 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Walton 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 Walton 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
$2,948
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,474
- Security deposit
- $1,474
- Total
- $2,948
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 Walton County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,123; 1 bedroom: $1,354; 2 bedrooms: $1,474; 3 bedrooms: $2,041; 4 bedrooms: $2,464. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Walton County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,474) without spending more than 30% of income takes $28.35 an hour full time, or $58,960 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Walton County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $48,800 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 Walton 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 $1,327 and $1,621 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Walton County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,230 in 32435 to $2,210 in 32461. 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 Walton County?
HUD lists 7 properties with homes for low-income households in Walton 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 Walton County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Walton County, 56% of renter households are in that position; in Florida, 60%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).