Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Hi friend. Whether you're trying to keep the home you have, find a new one, or get back into housing, I'm really glad you're here. Housing worries can keep you up at night. Let's take it one step at a time.
Here is the easy first step: if you might lose your home soon, or you already have, dial 211 and tell them what's going on. Then use this guide to see your options as a renter in Florida.
A few things to know
- You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
- Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise money, a unit or a spot in any program.
- This guide shares general information, not legal advice. For your own situation, talk with a legal aid office.
- Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.
Housing help usually falls into three buckets. Knowing which one you need makes every phone call faster.
- Keeping your home. Help with late rent or utilities, talking with your landlord, and where to get legal help.
- Finding a home you can afford. Affordable apartments, Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) and public housing.
- Getting back into housing. If you've lost your home, Coordinated Entry and Rapid Rehousing help people move back inside.
How to start, step by step
- Pick your bucket: keeping, finding, or getting back into a home.
- Dial 211. Say your county and what you need, like "I'm behind on rent."
- Ask for rent help programs, housing counseling and legal aid near you.
- Write down every name, number and date. Keep copies of your lease and notices.
- If you got any court papers, call legal aid right away. Don't wait.
- Follow up when they tell you to. Programs move faster when you call back.
What to say when you call 211
"Hi. I live in [county]. I'm behind on rent by [amount] and I'm worried about losing my home."
"Are there rent help programs open right now?"
"Can you connect me with no cost legal help for renters?"
"What papers should I have ready?"
I'm behind on rent. What should I do?
First, take a breath. Being behind is scary, but acting early gives you the most choices.
- Talk with your landlord early and honestly. Ask if you can set up a payment plan. Get any deal in writing.
- Call 211 about rent help. Programs open and close, so ask what's available in your county right now.
- Call a HUD approved housing counselor at 800.569.4287. HUD says these counselors can help with renting, avoiding eviction and budgeting, at no cost or low cost.
- Read every notice carefully and keep it. Take a photo of it too.
Say you got a notice to pay rent
Got a notice to pay rent or move out? Florida has rules about notices and how much time a landlord has to give. Check the official page below for the details, and decide what's right for you.
Say you get that notice on a Thursday. Write down the date and read every word. You could call legal aid or 211 that day to talk about paying, working something out, or rent help. It's not the end of the road, but it is time to act fast.
This is an example to show how it can work, not legal advice. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/83.56
Get it in writing
Any payment plan or promise from your landlord, ask for it in a text, email or letter. It protects you and them!
How do security deposits work in Florida?
Questions about getting your deposit back? Check the official page below for the details.
- Give your landlord your new mailing address in writing when you move out.
- Watch your mail after you move out, and keep any letter about your deposit.
- Not sure about a deduction? Legal aid can help you look at it.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/83.49
Protect your deposit when you move out
How do I find a place I can afford?
- Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8). Vouchers help pay rent to a private landlord. They're run by local public housing agencies, and many have waiting lists. HUD keeps a contact list of local public housing agencies. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts
- Public housing. Also run by local public housing agencies. Ask about it when you call.
- Affordable apartments. Florida Housing Finance Corporation, the state housing agency, helps fund affordable rental housing. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.floridahousing.org/
- Get on more than one list. Waiting lists are long. Signing up for several gives you more chances.
Say you're on a voucher waiting list in Tampa
Say you applied for a voucher months ago. You could call the housing agency to make sure your address and phone are current, so you don't miss a letter.
While you wait, you could call the Tampa Hillsborough Homeless Initiative at 813.223.6115 or a HUD counselor at 800.569.4287 to ask about other options.
This is an example to show how it can go. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different.
I already lost my home. How do I get back in?
- Coordinated Entry. In most Florida counties, you talk with a trained worker once, and they work to match you with the housing programs that fit. Your county's number is in the list later in this guide.
- Rapid Rehousing. HUD describes it as permanent housing with short term rental help (up to 3 months) or medium term help (4 to 24 months), plus support services. HUD does not require a disability to qualify, but each program has its own rules. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.hudexchange.info/homelessness-assistance/coc-esg-virtual-binders/coc-program-components/permanent-housing/rapid-re-housing/
- Need a bed tonight? See Guide 2, Emergency Shelter Tonight.
Getting back into a home is a process, not a single phone call. Keep going. Every call gets you a little closer.
From the Bunklow team
What if I'm treated unfairly?
HUD says that if you think you were treated unfairly in housing because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or family status, you can file a complaint. File online at https://www.hud.gov/contactus/file-complaint
For help with questions as a renter, FloridaLawHelp has no cost legal information and can help you find legal aid: https://www.floridalawhelp.org/
Keep a housing folder
Questions people ask a lot
Can my landlord lock me out or shut off my utilities?
Those are legal questions for your situation. Call your local legal aid office right away. Their numbers are in the county list.
How long is the wait for Section 8?
It depends on the housing agency, and many have long waits. Ask them directly and keep your contact info updated.
Is rent help available right now?
Programs open and close. Dial 211 and ask what's open in your county today.
Do I need a lawyer to go to court?
You don't have to have one, but no cost legal aid can help a lot if you qualify. Call as soon as you get court papers.
How fast should I get my deposit back?
Check the official page linked in this guide, or ask legal aid.
What does a housing counselor do?
HUD says they help with renting, avoiding eviction or foreclosure, and budgeting. Call 800.569.4287.
I'm happy to help however I can
Housing stuff can be confusing. You don't have to figure it all out today. Make one call, write it down, and take the next step tomorrow. You've got this!
Here are housing helpers near you, including Coordinated Entry, legal aid and rent help lines. If your county isn't listed, dial 211.
Federal help (works in every state)
Here are some places to start.
HUD Approved Housing Counseling
What it offers Low or no cost counselors who can help with renting, avoiding eviction or foreclosure, and budgeting.
How to reach Call 800.569.4287 to find a counselor near you.
Source https://www.hud.gov/stat/sfh/housing-counseling
Last checked October 16, 2026
HUD Fair Housing Complaints
What it offers If you think you were treated unfairly in housing because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or family status, you can file a complaint with HUD.
How to reach File online at https://www.hud.gov/contactus/file-complaint
Source https://www.hud.gov/contactus/file-complaint
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Florida
Here are some places to start.
Florida Housing Finance Corporation
What it offers The state housing agency. It helps fund affordable rental housing and has information for renters.
How to reach Learn more at https://www.floridahousing.org/
Source https://www.floridahousing.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
211 (United Way 211)
What it offers Dial 211 to reach your local 211. A real person can connect you with help paying bills, food, housing, crisis support and more.
How to reach Dial 211. Learn more at https://www.211.org/about-us/your-local-211
Source https://www.211.org/about-us/your-local-211
Last checked October 16, 2026
FloridaLawHelp
What it offers No cost legal information for Floridians, including renter questions, evictions and help finding a legal aid provider.
How to reach Start at https://www.floridalawhelp.org/
Source https://www.floridalawhelp.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Florida security deposits (official page)
What it offers Official information about how security deposits are held and returned.
How to reach Read at https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/83.49
Source https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/83.49
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Miami Dade County
Here are some places to start.
Miami Dade Homeless Trust: Homeless Helpline
What it offers Shelters in Miami Dade do not take walk ins, so the Helpline is the best first step. Outreach teams assess your situation and talk through next steps, including help to avoid becoming homeless.
How to reach Call 877.994.4357.
Source https://www.homelesstrust.org/homeless-trust/homeless-about/home.page
Last checked October 16, 2026
Legal Services of Greater Miami
What it offers No cost civil legal help for people with low incomes. 4343 West Flagler Street, Suite 100, Miami.
How to reach Call 305.576.0080.
Source https://legalaidmiami.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Broward County (Fort Lauderdale)
Here are some places to start.
211 Broward
What it offers No cost help 24/7 with crisis support and connection to community resources in Broward County, in English, Spanish and Creole.
How to reach Dial 211.
Source https://211-broward.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Broward Legal Aid
What it offers No cost legal help, advice clinics and eviction help for people with low incomes in Broward County.
How to reach Call 954.765.8950, Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Source https://www.browardlegalaid.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Palm Beach County
Here are some places to start.
Palm Beach County Homeless Services
What it offers The way into homeless services in Palm Beach County.
How to reach Call 833.442.9455 (833 HHA WILL) or dial 211.
Source https://discover.pbc.gov/communityservices/humanservices/Pages/Homeless.aspx
Last checked October 16, 2026
Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County
What it offers No cost civil legal help. 423 Fern Street, Suite 200, West Palm Beach. Monday to Thursday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, or by appointment.
How to reach Call 561.655.8944 or 800.403.9353.
Source https://legalaidpbc.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Hillsborough County (Tampa)
Here are some places to start.
Tampa Hillsborough Homeless Initiative: Coordinated Entry
What it offers Coordinated Entry is how a household is assessed once and matched to the right housing program in Hillsborough County. Its resource list covers shelter, food, showers, ID, medical care and rent help.
How to reach Call 813.223.6115. Find help at https://www.thhi.org/
Source https://www.thhi.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Bay Area Legal Services
What it offers No cost civil legal help for people with low incomes in the Tampa Bay area. Call to check if your county is served.
How to reach Helpline: 813.232.1343.
Source https://bals.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Orange County (Orlando)
Here are some places to start.
Homeless Services Network of Central Florida: Find Help
What it offers Lists places in Central Florida where you can meet with a triage specialist. If you can't go in person, call 211, any time.
How to reach Dial 211. Veterans: call 407.743.5117. See locations at https://www.hsncfl.org/help
Source https://www.hsncfl.org/help
Last checked October 16, 2026
Community Legal Services
What it offers No cost legal help in Central Florida for people who qualify. The Helpline screens you and books a call back.
How to reach Call 800.405.1417.
Source https://www.legalaccessforall.org/gethelp/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Duval County (Jacksonville)
Here are some places to start.
Changing Homelessness: Coordinated Entry (Jacksonville)
What it offers Coordinated Entry for people experiencing homelessness in Jacksonville, plus a list of local help.
How to reach Call 904.354.1100.
Source https://www.changinghomelessness.org/help/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Jacksonville Area Legal Aid
What it offers No cost civil legal help. Jacksonville office serving Duval County at 126 W. Adams Street.
How to reach Call 904.356.8371.
Source https://www.jaxlegalaid.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Pinellas County (St. Petersburg and Clearwater)
Here are some places to start.
Homeless Leadership Alliance of Pinellas
What it offers Leads the homeless response in Pinellas County. For immediate help, dial 211.
How to reach Dial 211. Office: 727.933.0100.
Source https://www.pinellashomeless.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Lee County (Fort Myers)
Here are some places to start.
Lee County Coordinated Entry
What it offers Complete a Coordinated Entry assessment by phone so staff can understand your housing needs and connect you to help.
How to reach Call 239.533.7996, Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.leegov.com/dhs/assistance/homeless
Last checked October 16, 2026
Florida Rural Legal Services
What it offers No cost civil legal help in Lee, Polk, Palm Beach and other counties in central and south Florida.
How to reach Call 888.582.3410, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
Source https://www.frls.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Polk County (Lakeland)
Here are some places to start.
Homeless Coalition of Polk County
What it offers If you are staying in your car, a shelter, outside or in a hotel, call for possible help. Leave a voicemail so your call can be returned.
How to reach Call 863.687.8386. Veterans: extension 1006.
Source https://polkhomeless.org/coordinated-entry/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Osceola and Seminole counties
Here are some places to start.
Homeless Services Network of Central Florida
What it offers Lists Hubs and Access Points in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties where you can meet with a triage specialist about housing. Can't go in person? Call 211, any time.
How to reach Dial 211. Veterans: 407.743.5117.
Source https://www.hsncfl.org/help
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Leon County (Tallahassee)
Here are some places to start.
Big Bend Continuum of Care
What it offers One Coordinated Entry system for Leon and nearby counties. You can start by telling them what's happening on their website.
How to reach Visit https://bigbendcoc.org/ or dial 211.
Source https://bigbendcoc.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
My housing plan
Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!
Where I stand
Calls I made
Key numbers to keep
Please let me know if you have any questions
If something here is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. Make it a great day, friend!
About this guide
Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 16, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!
Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Affordable living. Simplified
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