In Florida, emergency rental assistance programs saw closures and rollbacks across all counties in 2023. This removed some access points to rental assistance that were available to many Floridians at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, if you are in need of emergency rental assistance, Florida still offers several options.

Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)

Florida’s Temporary Cash Assistance Program (TCA) provides financial support to individuals and families with minor children who need a bit of a boost. This program provides monthly cash assistance payments to qualifying Floridians for up to a lifetime total of 48 months. Families can receive extra income from this program based on the number of children currently living in the home, as well as the age(s) of said child(ren).

To receive TCA funding, individuals and families must provide evidence that they make less than 185% of the current Federal Poverty level. There are several other criteria that applicants must meet, including:

Possession of a Social Security Number, or proof that applicants have applied for one.
Proof of residence in the state of Florida.
Proof of work activities, in some cases.
Countable assets totalling to equal or less than $2,000.
Up to date immunizations for children under age 5.

More information about TCA can be found on the Fact Sheet compiled by the Florida Department of Children and Families.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program was first put in place in Florida in 1996. Since then, the program has helped countless families in need, and it has been so productive that it recently earned renewal through 2026.

The TANF program offers monetary assistance to families that the state of Florida deems “needy.” in order to fall into this category, families must meet many of the same criteria as those applying for TCA. However, TANF eligibility is more flexible for those who lose TCA eligibility due to employment, or for two-parent homes that may not fully meet TCA requirements. In addition, Floridians who are 18 years of age or younger and who are heads of household may qualify for additional assistance through TANF.

As with other programs, applicants must be residents of Florida to receive benefits and must sometimes provide proof of work or employment, if possible.

Emergency Solutions Grant

If you are currently homeless, or actively facing homelessness, you may consider pursuing assistance from the Emergency Solutions Grant. Supported by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, this grant funds, among other things, rental assistance programs and shelter locations for those affected by homelessness.

If you are currently under threat of homelessness, or have recently become homeless, you can access any relevant resources and funding through your local Continuum of Care.

What are Continuums of Care?

In Florida, Continuums of Care (CoCs) are local networks of organizations involved in providing a range of services. These groups can include homeless services providers, public housing agencies, school districts, and many others. All CoCs are constructed with the goal of locating and supporting homeless individuals in their areas and putting them back on the path to stable housing.

All CoCs are unique to different areas of Florida. Be sure to reach out to the CoC that is most relevant to your location.

Section 8 Housing

Housing assistance from the state is not the only housing assistance option in Florida. Section 8 housing, the federal government’s most widely-known housing assistance program, is available throughout the state of Florida.

Section 8 housing is often commended for its flexibility in applicable housing situations. Those eligible for Section 8 vouchers can choose to live in single-family homes, apartments, townhomes, and the like. As with TCA and TANF, Floridians must demonstrate appropriate financial need in order to qualify for participation in Section 8.

All Section 8 housing is coordinated through local Public Housing Agencies (PHAs). These groups are dedicated to pairing affordable housing with individuals in need. To find your nearest PHA, use our simple Search Tool.

Finding Rental Assistance in Florida

No one wants to feel helpless about paying their rent. The Florida emergency rental assistance program that existed during the pandemic may be gone, but that should not be a barrier to confidently supporting your housing situation. Whether you’re seeking emergency rental assistance in Jacksonville, FL, or looking for help in Santa Rosa County, you are never far from the aid you need.

For more information regarding rental assistance programs, check out our overview for those struggling to pay rent.