Fort Walton Beach Housing Authority

Public Housing Information

With a staff of two individuals, the Public Housing Authority provides programs that offer rental assistance to low-income families. FWBHA is recognized by the Department of Housing and Urban Development as a High Performer. The FWBHA assist low-income families by providing housing units in our Charlie Hill Terrace public housing community. The FWBHA also provides residents with programs and opportunities that promote economic enrichment and upward mobility.

The FWBHA owns and manages 124 public housing units ranging in size from one to five-bedroom units. It is our duty to provide safe, sanitary, affordable and decent housing units.

We are working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and; meet the need for quality affordable rental units; utilizes housing as a platform for improving quality of life; and build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination.

FWBHA is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners which establishes policies, approves budgets, and provides general direction to the FWBHA Executive Director and Staff. The agency recently renovated the complex's common areas to be handicap accessible and making 5% of the units' handicap accessible.

What is Public Housing?

Public housing was established to provide decent and safe rental housing for eligible low and moderate income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Public housing comes in all sizes. These units are owned and operated by the Fort Walton Beach Housing Authority (FWBHA). Rent in these units is set for each family based on their anticipated annual adjusted income.
Who is eligible?

Public housing is limited to low-income families and individuals. FWBHA determines your eligibility based on: 1) annual gross income; 2) whether you qualify as elderly, a person with a disability, or as a family; and 3) U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status.
If you are eligible, the FWBHA will check your background through a series of standard screening tests designed to protect the safety of our current residents and property. At minimum, we screen 1) criminal history in the past five years; 2) credit as it relates to your rental history, including evictions; and 3) references from past landlords. Based on this screening, FWBHA will deny admission to any applicant whose habits and practices may be expected to have a detrimental effect on other residents or on the public housing environment.
How do I apply?
Visit our applications page.
Once I apply, what is the applications process?

The applications process follows the steps below (Note: this is only intended as a summary of the process and may not be all-inclusive):
1. Waiting List – the family is placed on the waiting list according to application date, bedroom size, and accessibility needs.
2. Selection – the rate of selection is based on vacancy rate. During times of high vacancies, families will be selected from the waiting list faster than during times of low vacancy rates. Families at the top of the waiting list will be selected in blocks to fill current vacancy needs. Once a family has been selected, they will be notified by mail. They will also be advised in their selection letter of the next steps they need to take in order to continue the application process. If a family fails to respond to the selection, their file will be closed.
3. Standard Screening -This process involves an in-depth examination of the family’s history in order to determine their suitability for housing within FWBHA. FWBHA will conduct local and national police check on household members to the extent allowed by Florida State law for record within the past five (5) years. Additional screening on credit as it relates to rental history (including evictions). Based on this screening, FWBHA will deny admission to any applicant whose habits and practices may be expected to have a detrimental effect on other residents or on the public housing environment. These standard screening procedures are intended to protect the safety of our current residents and property.
4. Interview & Placement– Once an applicant passes the preliminary screening, they will receive an offer letter. At this point the manager will schedule a time and date for interview for every family who passes standard screening. At interview, the staff member will then determine what documents will be needed such as: income verification; landlord references; marriage license; proof of citizenship; etc. If there are any documents required by the agency that an applicant does not bring with them at the time of interview, they will be given a reasonable amount of time to return with these documents. The staff member will give the applicant a check list of items needed with a deadline date to return their paperwork. Once all paperwork has been returned and verified, and the applicant is found eligible, the file will then be placed in a ready pool. Applicants will then be offered vacancies as they become available. Units are offered based on oldest application date and how long a person’s file has been complete.
Am I responsible for reporting changes while on the waiting list?
No, all information will be updated at the Eligibility Interview. If there is an addition to your family (other than the birth/adoption of a child) you must request the addition 45 days prior to this appointment.
When will I be notified?
All official notification will be made by mail. Once your name is reached on the waiting list, FWBHA will mail a selection letter to you. This will advise you of the next step in the application process. If, at any time, it is determined that you are ineligible, FWBHA will mail a denial letter to you, telling you why you have been denied and advising you of how you may request an informal review.
How long is the waiting list?
The length of the waiting list varies depending on the number of vacancies we have each month and how many people are applying for housing. The waiting list also varies depending on which bedroom size you qualify for. On average, you can expect to wait the following amount of time from the date you put in your application.
Are there any local preferences?
Yes, Victims of a Federally Declared Disaster
What if I need emergency housing?
Unfortunately, we do not have emergency housing.
How is bedroom size determined?

Bedroom size is determined by the number, generation, and sex of the members of your family. If your family composition changes after you move in, you may request to be transferred to an apartment with the appropriate number of bedrooms for your current family size. In general, we will allow one bedroom for every 2 people of the same generation and sex. Infants under the age of 2 will not warrant an extra bedroom. Persons of different generations and/or of different sexes will not be considered to be housed in the same room. To give a few examples: a single parent with a 1 year old son, and a 5 year old daughter would be eligible for a 2 bedroom apartment. A single parent with a 3 year old daughter, a 6 year old son, and a 17 year old son would be eligible for a 3 bedroom apartment. A single parent with a 4 year old child and a grandparent in the household will be eligible for a 3 bedroom apartment. A couple with a 6 month old child will be eligible for a 2 bedroom apartment.

he Fort Walton Beach Housing Authority will provide equal accessibility to all persons meeting the family definition as stated in HUD’s Equal Access Rule, See 24 CFR 5.403.

Family includes, but is not limited to, the following, regardless of actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status:
- Gender identity means actual or perceived gender-related characteristics.
- Sexual orientation means homosexuality, heterosexuality, or bisexuality.
1. A single person, who may be an elderly person, displaced person, disabled person, near-elderly person, or any other single person; or
2. A group of persons residing together, and such group includes, but is not limited to:
  1. A family with or without children (a child who is temporarily away from the home because of placement in foster care is considered a member of the family);
  2. An elderly family;
  3. A near-elderly family;
  4. A disabled family;
  5. A displaced family; and
  6. The remaining member of a tenant family.
How is rent determined?

Your rent, which is referred to as the Total Tenant Payment (TTP) in this program, would be based on your family's anticipated gross annual income less deductions, if any. FWB will exclude from annual income the following allowances: $480 for each dependent; $400 for any family whose head or spouse is elderly or a person with a disability; and some medical deductions for families headed by an elderly person or a person with disabilities. Based on your application, FWBHA will determine if any other deductions should be subtracted from your annual income. Annual income is the anticipated total income from all sources received from the family head and spouse, and each additional member of the family 18 years of age or older.

The formula used in determining the TTP is the highest of the following, rounded to the nearest dollar:
1. 30 percent of the monthly adjusted income. (Monthly Adjusted Income is annual income less deductions, and divided by 12 months);
2. 10 percent of gross monthly income;
3. or $50 minimum rent
What is your pet policy and do you have a pet fee?

The FWBHA Housing Authority will allow only common household pets. This means only domesticated animals such as a dog, cat, bird, fish in aquariums or a turtle will be allowed in units. Common household pets do not include reptiles (except turtles). If this definition conflicts with a state or local law or regulation, the state or local law or regulation shall govern.

All dogs and cats must be spayed or neutered before they become six months old. A licensed veterinarian must verify this fact.

Only one (1) dog or cat per unit will be allowed. Only two (1) birds per unit will be allowed. The Fort Walton Beach Housing Authority will give final approval on type and density of pets.

Any animal deemed to be potentially harmful to the health or safety of others, including attack or fight trained dogs, will not be allowed. For example, Rotweillers, Pit Bulls, Huskies, Chows, German Shepherds, and Malamutes, whether pure bred or mix, are not allowed.

No animal may exceed twenty (20) pounds in weight projected to full adult size.
A refundable pet fee of $300.00 is required at the time of registering a pet. And monthly fee of $10.00

Payment Standards

New utility allowance and Flat Rent is effective 7/1/23 for NEW leases. New utility allowance and Flat Rent will be effective at the same time as lease renewal/annual recertification for existing leases and/or residents already in place.

Flat Rents:

1 Bedroom
Current Flat Rent $810
Previous Flat Rent $707
2 Bedroom - All Electric
Current Flat Rent $927
Previous Flat Rent $841
2 Bedroom - Gas Stove
Current Flat Rent $936
Previous Flat Rent $855
3 Bedroom
Current Flat Rent $1,256
Previous Flat Rent $1,156
4 Bedroom - All Electric
Current Flat Rent $1,596
Previous Flat Rent $1,492
4 Bedroom - All Gas
Current Flat Rent $1,665
Previous Flat Rent $1,557
4 Bedroom - Gas Stove
Current Flat Rent $1,611
Previous Flat Rent $1,513
5 Bedroom - All Electric
Current Flat Rent $1,830
Previous Flat Rent $1,713
5 Bedroom - Gas Stove
Current Flat Rent $1,848
Previous Flat Rent $1,738

Report Income Changes

What are the changes the family needs to report to caseworker in reference to your family circumstances?

Income: increase or decrease
Household composition: add or remove a member
Assets: increase or decrease
Expenses: increase or decreases for medical, childcare or disability assistance
Student status: for person ages 18 or older who attend or no longer attend school full-time

Changes must be reported within 10 days. Please review the checklist for documents needed to process your request. Note: failure to submit required documentation will result in your request being denied or delayed.

Head of Household must complete and sign all forms where required. Household members age 18 or older are required to sign each form pertaining to their requested change. Please see below for additional instructions:

Complete only the sections that pertain to the change you are reporting.
If there is a household member with no income contact your caseworker for a Family expense form.
Attach documentation only for the change you are reporting. For example, if you are no longer employed, please submit a copy of the separation notice from your employer.

It is our goal to process your changes as quickly as possible. It is important that you provide us with complete information in order to expedite your request. Failure to supply documents will delay processing your request.

Contact the office to receive your caseworker’s contact information.

If you email your verification, be sure to type "report Changes" in the subject line and include the first and last name of the head of household. Also if you don't receive any response back from the caseworker feel free to make contact with the caseworker by phone and find out if they have received your information.

Verification Checklist

Please attach the required verifications prior to submitting your request.

Provide a minimum of 3 consecutive paycheck stubs
Provide an offer letter on company letterhead that includes the rate of pay and number of hours worked per week
Provide Social Security or SSI benefit award letter(s), TANF, unemployment, adoption subsidy, etc.
Provide verification of all other income, self-employment, child support, pensions, contributions, worker's compensation, etc.

Removing Income

Provide a separation letter on company letterhead
Termination letter of benefits, i.e. child support, Social Security, SSI, unemployment, TANF, etc.
If a household member has zero income as a result of the change, the Zero Income Statement must be completed and signed by the member

Adding New Household Member(s) - Family Composition

If adding a minor as a result of birth, adoption, or court-awarded custody, provide a birth certificate, verification of adoption, or verification of court-awarded custody within 30 calendar days
Provide birth certificate for any new member being added
Provide social security card for any new member being added
Provide State-issued Driver's License or identification card for any adult being added
The adult being added must fill out a complete application and signed the Criminal Background form with all supporting documentation.
Complete Declaration of Citizenship Status for minors being added. If an adult is being added, adults must complete and sign for themselves
Provide marriage certificate (if applicable)

Removing Household Member(s) - Family composition

Complete the Statement of Family Member Move-Out form and proof of new resident (lease)

Adding or Removing Assets

Provide bank statements, verification of stocks, bonds, certificates of deposits, life insurance policy, etc.

Change in Expenses - Medical, Disability Assistance Expense, Childcare

Provide a print-out from the medical provider showing the amount paid out of pocket for the past 12 months, or a copy of a new monthly premium, amount for apparatus, attendant care, etc. (must qualify)
Provide a written statement from the childcare provider indicating the child's name, the amount received, and frequency (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly). The statement must include provider's contact information (must qualify)

Change in Student Status

High school student (school registration)
College student (verification of full-time student status)

Forms

Notice to Vacate Form

Utility Allowances

Effective July 1, 2023

1 Bedroom
Current Allowance - $91
Previous Allowance - $79
2 Bedroom - All Electric
Current Allowance - $124
Previous Allowance - $93
2 Bedroom - Gas Stove
Current Allowance - $115
Previous Allowance - $79
3 Bedroom
Current Allowance - $146
Previous Allowance - $91
4 Bedroom - All Electric
Current Allowance - $194
Previous Allowance - $126
4 Bedroom - All Gas
Current Allowance - $125
Previous Allowance - $105
4 Bedroom - Gas Stove
Current Allowance - $179
Previous Flat Rent - $1,513
5 Bedroom - All Electric
Current Allowance - $229
Previous Allowance - $147
5 Bedroom - Gas Stove
Current Allowance - $211
Previous Allowance - $122

Development

Fort Walton Beach Public Housing Authority (FWBHA), is interested in converting the Charlie Hill Terrace property through HUD's Rental Demonstration Program and rehabilitating the property.

Video: Public Housing Residents and the RAD Process

View the following Fact Sheets, they are available in English and Spanish.

RAD Overview
Overview of Resident Rights after a RAD Conversion
The RAD Conversion Process
The Difference Between Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) and Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA)
Resident Engagement and Consultation
Rent
Your Lease
Resident Organizing and Funding
RAD and Relocation
Resident Grievance and Termination Rights
Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) and Resident Opportunities and Self-Sufficiency (ROSS)
Choice Mobility
RAD and Low-Income Tax Credits
RAD and Section 18 Blends
RAD and Resident Employment (Section 3)