Hotel Vouchers for Homeless in Florida

Finding safe shelter is difficult when living on the streets, especially during emergencies, inclement weather, or family crises. In Florida, hotel vouchers are sometimes provided to help homeless individuals and families for temporary accommodation. These vouchers cover a short stay in a hotel when shelters are full or unsafe.

Who Can Eligible for Hotel Vouchers for Homeless in Florida

Eligibility for emergency hotel vouchers in Florida varies depending on the non-profit organization providing them, but generally follows standards set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

In 2025, the most common requirements include demonstrating a high risk of housing instability or a lack of safe alternatives.

Main Eligibility Requirements

• Homeless Individuals: Individuals or families living in places not meant for human habitation (e.g., cars, parks, or streets) or residing in an emergency shelter.
• At Risk of Homelessness: Those who will lose their primary residence within 14 days and do not have a subsequent residence or resources to obtain one.
• Vulnerable Populations: Priority is often given to those fleeing domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking.
• Disaster Displacement: To receive temporary shelter, such as FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA), your home must be declared uninhabitable by a FEMA inspector, and you must not have insurance that covers living expenses.

General Requirements

• Income Limits: Most programs prioritize households with “extremely low income,” which generally means an annual income at or below 30% of the area median income (AMI).
• Residency and Identity: You will generally need to provide valid identification, such as a government-issued ID, birth certificate, or school ID. Some agencies may not accept only a Social Security card.
• Lack of Support Network: You must demonstrate that you lack sufficient resources or support networks (e.g., family, friends, or religious networks) to prevent homelessness.

Agency-Specific Criteria

• The Salvation Army: Often requires proof of a valid crisis or “literally being homeless” to qualify for motel vouchers or emergency shelter stays.
• Family Promise: Specifically serves families with children experiencing homelessness, focusing on keeping families together during their transition to independence.
• Medicaid Pilot Programs: In specific regions of Florida (Pasco, Pinellas, Seminole, Orange, Brevard, and Osceola counties), certain Medicaid beneficiaries with serious mental illness (SMI) or substance use disorders (SUD) may be eligible for housing assistance waivers.

To confirm current eligibility and availability in 2025, please contact your local Continuum of Care (CoC) or call 211 to speak with a resource specialist.

Government Programs Offering Hotel Vouchers

Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)

The ESG program provides emergency shelter and hotel vouchers through local agencies. Funding is limited, but it is one of the most common sources.

Continuum of Care (CoC) Programs

CoC networks coordinate housing services across different counties. Many Florida cities use CoC funds to temporarily house people in hotels.

County Housing Assistance

Some counties administer their own emergency housing programs, especially during extreme weather events.

Veterans Affairs (VA) Emergency Housing Assistance

The Department of Veterans Affairs works with local partners to house homeless veterans in hotels during crises.

Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)

SSVF programs helps veterans and their families with temporary housing, including hotel vouchers, while they search for permanent housing.

Non-profit Organizations Providing Hotel Vouchers

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army offers temporary shelter and support services throughout Florida. They may provide hotel vouchers or access to their own shelters, along with meals and case management to help people exit homelessness.

Catholic Charities

Provides various forms of emergency financial assistance, which may include hotel stays for homeless or displaced individuals, depending on eligibility and county operations (e.g., in Charlotte County).

Family Promise

Focuses on providing temporary housing and case management to families experiencing homelessness, sometimes utilizing scattered-site housing such as hotel rooms.

Covenant House Florida

Specifically serves youth and young adults (ages 18-24) experiencing homelessness or housing instability, offering crisis shelters and transitional housing options.

How to Apply for Hotel Vouchers in Florida for Homeless Individuals

1. Call 211: Explain your situation to the operator. They will assess your needs and refer you to the appropriate local agencies or the Continuum of Care (CoC) program for your county.

2. Contact your local CoC program directly: Check the list provided by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) to find the lead agency for your county and call them.

3. Contact non-profit organizations: Call local branches of the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, or other organizations in your area to inquire about their emergency housing programs and eligibility requirements.

Assistance is generally based on eligibility criteria, which often include demonstrating that you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless due to a financial crisis.

Things to Consider When Applying for a Hotel Voucher

Before applying, it’s helpful to understand how hotel voucher programs work.

• Vouchers are for short-term stays, not permanent housing.
• Availability is limited and depends on funding. Some vouchers only cover specific hotels.
• Extensions are uncommon and not guaranteed.
• You may be required to strictly follow the hotel’s rules.
• Some programs require regular check-ins with a social worker.

It’s also helpful to inquire about future housing options while using the voucher. Many programs can assist you in applying for shelters, transitional housing, or rental assistance.

Final Thoughts

Hotel vouchers in Florida are specially for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless. You can usually get help through local homeless programs by calling 211, through churches and charities like St. Vincent de Paul, or through local Housing Authorities. Some special programs, such as the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) emergency housing vouchers, help those most at risk. These vouchers are often used at nearby hotels to provide a safe place to stay when shelters are full.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)