Finding housing with a felony on your record comes with challenges, but there are ways to speed up the search for housing for felons in Florida. From reentry programs and local charities to second chance apartments and private landlords, resources are available to help you find a place to live.
Housing For Felons In Florida – Start Here
If you’ve just been released and need a place to go tonight, emergency shelters are your best option. They’re not ideal long-term, but shelters give you access to a bed, hot meals, and a safe environment while you get back on your feet.
The fastest way to find a shelter in Florida is by dialing 2-1-1. This free helpline will help you find a shelter with open beds and tell you how to get there. When you call, ask about shelters that allow multi-week stays. Having a reserved spot for a few weeks takes the pressure off while you find more stable housing.
If those aren’t available right away, you’ll need to start with a shelter that assigns beds daily on a first-come, first-served basis. It’s not ideal, but you can get on waiting lists for more stable programs or check back each day to see if a longer-term bed opens up.
While shelters offer emergency felon friendly housing in Florida, staying at a shelter also opens doors to housing counselors and other services. Many offer help with job placement, rental applications, and referrals to programs designed for people rebuilding after incarceration.
Remember, a shelter is just your starting point. It’s not permanent, and with the right reentry support, you’ll soon be ready to move on.
Housing For Inmates Released From Jail In Florida
Transitional housing programs in Florida are a crucial step for many felons after incarceration. They come in two main types.
First, there are pre-release housing programs run by the prison system for inmates during the final six to twelve months of their sentence. These programs prepare felons for successful reentry by lining up the jobs and housing that give offenders a smooth transition to independent living.
The second type of transitional housing accepts individuals after they’ve left prison. These programs offer varying lengths of stay depending on the provider and your progress. This housing gives you a stable place to live while you work toward independence.
Also Read: Felon Friendly Apartments Near Me – Housing for Felons
Transitional housing programs for felons in Florida often have waiting lists, so apply early.
The services offered by different providers vary, but along with housing, you can usually expect meals, mentoring, employment assistance, substance abuse counseling, and help to find long-term housing.
What type of accommodation will you get? The most common type of transitional housing is in a shared house, where residents get a private or shared bedroom. Staff sometimes live on site, particularly if the home has a curfew and a strict no-guest policy.
How long can felons stay in transitional housing in Florida? The length of stay depends on the provider and your progress. Some programs offer a short 3-month stay while you get to grips with the basics, like employment and renting an apartment. Others let residents stay for up to two years and offer more comprehensive support to help overcome obstacles like substance abuse or harmful behaviors.
Search for transitional housing providers on the Florida Department of Corrections website. First, choose “housing” from the list of options, then select your city to see local providers.
Florida DOC Website: https://fdc.myflorida.com/resourceDirectory/Search.aspx
Florida reentry programs provide information about transitional housing and help you apply. Find your nearest reentry program here: https://www.reentryprograms.com/in/florida
Contacts For Apartments For Felons In Florida
Abe Brown Ministry (Tampa): Offers a 12-month transitional
Address: 2921 N. 29th Street, Tampa, FL
Call: 813-247-3285
Website: https://abebrown.org/transitional-living/
Sex Offender Housing of Orlando, Florida: Permanent mobile home housing for sex offenders and other ex-offenders 55 years and older.
Call: 407-616-7757
Website: https://sohofl.org/
Pinellas County Ex-Offender Re-Entry Coalition (Clearwater): Transitional housing and case management services for felons.
Address: 12810 US HWY 19 N, Suite 1, Clearwater, FL
Call: 1-855-505-PERC (7372)
Website: https://exoffender.org/programs/programs-ex-offenders/housing/
Faith Farm Ministries: Free to stay, 10-month residential programs for former offenders struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. This support is available in Fort Lauderdale, Boynton Beach, and Okeechobee.
Address: 1980 NW 9th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Call: 844-946-8253
Website: https://www.faithfarm.org/
City Walk Urban Mission (Tallahassee): 12-month program offering employment, mentoring, support, and housing for inmates released from jail in the state. They also pay your security deposit and cover move-in costs when you complete the program.
Address: 1105 North Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL
Call: 850-528-3909
Website: https://www.citywalkmission.com/recovery
Project 180: Two-year residential reentry program for felons recovering from drug addiction. Support includes housing, employment, transportation, and more.
Website: https://www.project180reentry.org/
Broward Partnership: This safe, short-term housing for felons is in Broward County and also supports residents with help to find long-term housing and employment, rent assistance, and mentoring.
Address: 920 NW 7th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Call: 954-779-3990
Website: https://bphi.org/housing-division/
Second Chance Housing Gives Felons In Florida A Fresh Start
Once your income is stable, you can start searching for a place to rent. But with a felony on your record, the housing search is often an uphill battle. Many landlords rely on automated background checks, and when a felony comes up, it often results in an instant rejection.
Because rental applications aren’t free, applying to random apartments can drain your savings fast. To avoid this, only target properties that offer second chance leasing programs.
These apartments don’t advertise their policies, though, and trying to track them down yourself is frustrating and time-consuming.
Instead, turn to a local reentry organization or a second chance apartment finder. These groups know the landlords in your area who are open to approving applicants with past convictions.
Be prepared to pay more. Some landlords may ask for a larger security deposit or monthly rent upfront. Also, the older your conviction, the more likely they approve your application. Nonviolent felonies are also easier to place.
Reentry support in Florida: https://operationnewhope.org/
Second chance housing for felons, Miami: https://secondchanceapartments.com/cities/miami/
Second chance housing for felons, Orlando: https://secondchanceapartments.com/cities/orlando/
Second chance housing for felons, Tampa: https://secondchanceapartments.com/cities/tampa/
Second chance housing for felons, Jacksonville: https://secondchanceapartments.com/cities/jacksonville/
Why Felons Often Rent From Private Landlords
Second chance apartments can be a lifesaver for people with a record, but for many felons, private landlords are an even better path to stable housing.
Apartment complexes are under pressure to protect their residents. Approving someone with a felony, even when that person poses no risk, can expose the property management company to negligence lawsuits if there’s an incident. To play it safe, many often deny applicants with any kind of criminal history.
Private landlords renting out individual homes or duplexes don’t face those legal worries. Since they’re not responsible for an entire community of tenants, they’re free to make case-by-case decisions. For many of them, your rental history, income, and ability to pay on time are far more important than a past mistake.
That doesn’t mean every private landlord will say yes, but it’s a numbers game. The more owners you contact, the better your chances of finding someone who will sign a lease with you.
Start online, focusing on sites where private owners post their listings.
- Craigslist: https://geo.craigslist.org/iso/us/fl
- Facebook Marketplace: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/category/propertyrentals
- Nextdoor: https://nextdoor.com/find-neighborhood/fl/
- Zillow Rentals: https://www.zillow.com/fl/rent-houses/
- PadMapper: https://www.padmapper.com/
- HotPads: https://hotpads.com/florida
- Trulia: https://www.trulia.com/for_rent/FL/SINGLE-FAMILY_HOME_type/
- Zumper: https://www.zumper.com/
When you search, use filters like “houses for rent” and “for rent by owner” to avoid managed properties that are less flexible. Set your budget and preferred size to get better results.
Most sites let you send messages, but whenever possible, call or text if there’s a number listed. Private owners often respond faster to direct communication.
You can also take a more hands-on approach and drive through areas where you’d like to live. Look for those basic red and white “For Rent” signs with a phone number underneath. Many private landlords don’t list online, and you’ll miss their rentals if you don’t search the area in person.
When you contact a landlord, keep your first message or call brief. Ask about their income requirements, application process, and fee. If they ask for a background check, let them know about your record upfront so you don’t waste time applying where you’ll be denied.
This process takes persistence. Some people find success after a few inquiries, while others have to send out dozens before finding a landlord willing to work with them. Stay consistent, and be ready to offer a larger security deposit or a couple of months’ rent in advance.
Nathan Rodgers is the Co-Founder, Author, & Head Developer behind Felonhousing.com | Join us in our mission to provide second chances and support.