Location: Hardee County, FL | Metro: Hardee County, FL
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 | $990 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,000 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,130 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,530 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,890 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,192 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,455 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,651 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,784 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,130 | $150,431 | 0.75% | D |
| 3BR | $1,530 | $245,298 | 0.62% | D |
| 4BR | $1,890 | $324,162 | 0.58% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 33873, Wauchula, Florida, is set at $1,250 for the fiscal year 2026. This figure represents the payment standard for Section 8 housing vouchers, meaning the government will pay up to $1,250 per month towards rent for eligible tenants. However, this does not necessarily mean you can charge $1,250 to your tenants; it's the maximum amount the voucher will cover.
To put this into perspective, the average rent in ZIP 33873 is currently $963 according to the latest Census American Community Survey (ACS) data. This indicates that the FMR is higher than the typical market rate, which could be beneficial if you're looking to offset some of the costs associated with maintaining a property under the Section 8 program.
The local renter share stands at 31.5%, suggesting that over a third of the population are renters. This provides a strong indication of demand for rental properties, particularly those that cater to lower-income families who might rely on Section 8 vouchers to afford housing.
Acquiring a property in this area typically costs around $235,493. While this might seem high, remember that the Section 8 program aims to ensure that the rent is affordable for both the tenant and the landlord. The program also helps to maintain occupancy rates, reducing the risk of vacancy and ensuring a steady income stream.
Before proceeding with a Section 8 rental in Wauchula, verify that the property meets all the necessary quality and safety standards required by the program. This includes passing regular inspections to ensure it remains in good condition throughout the tenancy.
In summary, the $1,250 FMR is higher than the current average rent of $963, indicating potential for higher income. With a renter share of 31.5%, there's a solid demand for rental properties, and the acquisition cost of approximately $235,493 should be considered alongside the benefits of the Section 8 program. Ensure compliance with quality standards to avoid any issues with the program.
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.