Polk County, FL Fair Market Rent & Section 8 (FY2026)
Official HUD Fair Market Rent for Polk County (Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL MSA), with the typical 90–110% Section 8 voucher payment-standard range.
| Unit size | Fair Market Rent | Voucher range (90–110%) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,226 | $1,103–$1,349 |
| 1 BR | $1,230 | $1,107–$1,353 |
| 2 BR | $1,497 | $1,347–$1,647 |
| 3 BR | $2,023 | $1,821–$2,225 |
| 4 BR | $2,511 | $2,260–$2,762 |
Source: HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents. Voucher range = 90–110% of FMR (your PHA sets the exact standard).
Check a rent or ZIP
— or pick a county —
Section 8 rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMR)
This area uses ZIP-level Small Area FMRs, so the voucher amount varies by neighborhood. Pick a ZIP:
- 33801
- 33802
- 33803
- 33804
- 33805
- 33806
- 33807
- 33811
- 33812
- 33813
- 33815
- 33820
- 33823
- 33827
- 33830
- 33831
- 33835
- 33836
- 33837
- 33838
- 33839
- 33840
- 33844
- 33845
- 33846
- 33847
- 33850
- 33851
- 33853
- 33854
- 33855
- 33856
- 33858
- 33859
- 33863
- 33867
- 33868
- 33877
- 33880
- 33881
- 33882
- 33883
- 33884
- 33885
What this means
If you rent (or are renting out) a home in Polk County with a Housing Choice Voucher, the housing authority caps assistance at its payment standard — usually 90–110% of the Fair Market Rent above. A 2-bedroom payment standard here is roughly $1,347–$1,647/month. The tenant generally pays about 30% of adjusted income toward rent and utilities, and the voucher covers the rest up to the standard. The unit must also pass a housing-quality inspection and a rent-reasonableness check.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the Fair Market Rent in Polk County, FL for 2026?
- For FY2026, HUD's Fair Market Rent in Polk County (Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL MSA) is $1,226 for a studio, $1,230 for 1 bedroom, $1,497 for 2 bedrooms, $2,023 for 3 bedrooms, and $2,511 for 4 bedrooms.
- How much will a Section 8 voucher cover in Polk County?
- Housing authorities set the payment standard between 90% and 110% of the Fair Market Rent. For a 2-bedroom in Polk County that range is about $1,347–$1,647 per month. Your local PHA sets the exact figure, and your share is generally about 30% of your adjusted monthly income.
- Is Fair Market Rent the same as the voucher amount?
- No. FMR is HUD's rent estimate for the area; the voucher payment standard is set by your local Public Housing Authority within 90–110% of FMR, and the rent must also pass a "rent reasonableness" review and a housing-quality inspection.