Location: West Palm Beach-Boca Raton, FL | Metro: Fort Lauderdale, FL HUD Metro FMR Area
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,530 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,660 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,020 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,760 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,190 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,700 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,144 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,476 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,700 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,660 | $168,744 | 0.98% | C |
| 2BR | $2,020 | $304,694 | 0.66% | D |
| 3BR | $2,760 | $543,322 | 0.51% | F |
| 4BR | $3,190 | $630,000 | 0.51% | F |
| 5BR | $3,700 | $1,503,074 | 0.25% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 33441, which includes Deerfield Beach, FL, is set at $1970 for fiscal year 2024. This figure represents the payment standard for Section 8 vouchers, meaning it's the maximum amount that the Housing Choice Voucher program will pay towards rent for a unit in this area. It's important to note that this is not the rent you can charge your tenants; it's the reimbursement limit.
In comparison, the local median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 33441 is approximately $2,659. This is known as the ZORI (Zillow Observed Rent Index), and it reflects the typical market rate for rentals in the area. The difference between the FMR and the ZORI indicates that landlords participating in the Section 8 program may receive less than the average market rent for similar properties.
The renter share in Deerfield Beach is 46.1%, which suggests a significant portion of residents rely on renting as their primary housing option. This high percentage points to a strong demand for rental properties, including those that accept Section 8 vouchers. However, the demand for Section 8 specifically must be verified through local housing authorities or by checking the number of applicants on waitlists.
If you're considering acquiring a property in Deerfield Beach for a Section 8 rental, the median home value stands at around $392,793. This price point should be considered when calculating your investment costs, including any renovations necessary to meet Section 8 requirements. Remember, the initial investment in a property will be higher if extensive repairs or updates are needed.
A critical step before committing to a Section 8 rental is to confirm the availability of vouchers in the area. Specifically, contact the local housing authority to determine the waitlist status and the likelihood of finding eligible tenants. This verification ensures that once you've prepared your property, there will indeed be a pool of potential renters ready to occupy it.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). Demographics from U.S. Census (2024).
About FMR: Fair Market Rent (FMR) is used to determine payment standards for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, initial renewal rents for some expiring project-based Section 8 contracts, and rent ceilings for HOME Investment Partnerships.