01URGENT HELP
Florida 211
Free, confidential connections to local rental, utility, shelter and food assistance. Call 2-1-1 to speak with your local center.
Find your local 211FIND YOUR NEXT STEP
Find the right kind of help.
Choose what you need and where you live. We’ll direct you to established independent organizations, not an unofficial aid application.
Check the local programs for your city first, then your county. Funding and applications may change.
02RENT & DEPOSITS
Florida Housing — SHIP offices
Ask your city or county SHIP administrator whether locally funded rent or deposit assistance is available. Check city offices first, then your county.
Find a local SHIP office03VOUCHERS & PUBLIC HOUSING
HUD Housing Authorities
Local public housing authorities administer Section 8 voucher and public housing programs. Ask about eligibility, waiting lists and official applications.
Find a housing authority04AFFORDABLE RENTALS
FloridaHousingSearch.org
Florida's free housing locator includes affordable and accessible rental properties, rent details and property contact information.
Search affordable homes05UTILITY ASSISTANCE
Florida LIHEAP
Find state and local providers for eligible home energy and crisis utility-bill assistance. Funding and qualifications vary.
Find utility help06EVICTION & LEGAL HELP
Florida Law Help
Learn about tenant rights and eviction procedures and find legal aid organizations serving your county.
Find legal aid07RENTAL COUNSELING
HUD-approved Housing Counselors
Connect with trained, independent housing counselors for advice on renting, budgets, assistance programs and housing challenges.
Find a housing counselor08EMERGENCY SHELTER
HUD Find Shelter
Search by location for shelters and other essential services; 211 may also help connect you to local homelessness prevention resources.
Find local shelter09FAIR HOUSING
HUD Fair Housing
Learn how to report suspected housing discrimination and access information about federal fair housing protections.
Report discriminationAnchor House is not a government agency or assistance provider. Each listed organization controls eligibility, funding, application deadlines and waitlists. Do not pay anyone claiming guaranteed access to rental assistance or housing vouchers.
IF YOU'RE BEHIND ON RENT
Start here. Don't wait.
If you have a notice or are worried about losing housing, these are good first steps. Legal deadlines can be short.
Save every notice
Keep your lease, receipts, notices, texts and emails. Write down any court dates or deadlines.
Ask about your options
Contact the landlord or manager promptly, preferably in writing, about payment arrangements.
Contact local support
Call Florida 211 and ask your city or county SHIP office about current programs for rent or deposits.
Seek legal help
Contact legal aid as soon as possible if you receive an eviction notice or court filing. Do not assume aid requests pause deadlines.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING OPTIONS
Understand the programs.
There isn't one application for every kind of housing support. Ask the correct administrator about its eligibility and waiting list.
Affordable rentals
Browse income-restricted and accessible properties, then contact the property for current availability and requirements.
Explore affordable housing ↗Housing Choice Vouchers
Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) are generally administered by local public housing agencies. Waitlist status varies.
Learn about Section 8 ↗City and county SHIP funds
SHIP activities may include rent or deposit assistance, but each participating local government sets its program details.
Find the local administrator ↗UTILITY BILLS
Need help keeping the lights on?
Florida LIHEAP and local 211 partners can help you find programs for eligible utility costs. Reach out before disconnection when possible.
FREE MOVE-IN COST PLANNER
Plan beyond the monthly rent.
Upfront costs can include rent, deposits, application fees, pets, utilities and moving costs. Use this estimator to prepare before applying.
- Request the complete written fee schedule
- Confirm first/last month's rent requirements
- Ask about screening, pet and utility charges
- Plan for renters insurance if required by the lease
KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT
Renter rights and responsibilities.
Good documentation and a clear understanding of the lease can make every stage easier.
Before applying
Verify the listing and the responsible leasing contact. Ask about income requirements, fees and pet policies before sending sensitive details.
Before signing
Read rent increases, renewals, notice periods, deposits, repairs, late fees, insurance and other lease terms.
After moving in
Photograph condition, complete inspections, save receipts, and make maintenance requests in writing.
When you need support
For eviction, unsafe conditions or possible discrimination, seek guidance from legal aid or the appropriate government office.
BEFORE MOVE-IN
Your rental readiness checklist.
Every home's requirements may differ. Confirm the specific checklist with the leasing team.
Explore renters and pet insurance options ↗- Set a realistic monthly and move-in budget
- Prepare identification, income and rental history
- Tour and verify the property before paying fees
- Review and sign the correct written lease
- Arrange required renters insurance
- Confirm pet approval and any separate pet insurance
- Schedule utilities and a move-in condition check
COMMON QUESTIONS
Better answers. Less guesswork.
Is there one Florida rental assistance application?
No. Funds and programs are generally local. Start with 211 and the official Florida Housing SHIP office directory to confirm whether applications are available.
Can Anchor House issue a housing voucher?
No. Public housing authorities and assistance organizations administer their own vouchers, waiting lists, and eligibility decisions. Anchor House can help with rental searches, not public benefit approval.
What should I do if I receive an eviction notice?
Read and keep the notice, check deadlines, ask for assistance promptly and contact legal aid. Seeking help does not automatically stop legal deadlines.
Is renters insurance the same as pet insurance?
No. Renters insurance can protect eligible personal belongings and some liabilities. Pet health insurance is separate and focuses on eligible veterinary expenses. Check the lease for requirements.
Is the cost estimator an exact move-in quote?
No. It's an educational tool; actual charges depend on the specific property and written lease.
READY TO FIND HOME?
See what's available across Florida.
Browse rental listings and save your favorites with Anchor House.