Location: North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL | Metro: North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL MSA
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 | $1,540 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,650 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,930 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,450 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,920 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,387 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,793 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,096 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,301 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,650 | $184,316 | 0.9% | C |
| 2BR | $1,930 | $296,194 | 0.65% | D |
| 3BR | $2,450 | $575,874 | 0.43% | F |
| 4BR | $2,920 | $949,551 | 0.31% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 analysis for ZIP code 34285 in Venice, FL, reveals a significant gap between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the market rent. For fiscal year 2024, the FMR stands at $1710, while the market rent, measured by ZORI, is $2232. This represents a difference of $522, or approximately 30.5%, between what landlords can charge voucher tenants and the open-market rental rate.
Given that the FMR is lower than the market rent, landlords must understand the implications of accepting housing vouchers. While the government guarantees timely payments and provides stability, renting below the market rate means a landlord will miss out on potential revenue. The discrepancy of $522 per month could be a considerable loss over time, especially considering the high median home value of $373,408 and the relatively low median income of $68,301 in Venice, FL.
In this context, it's important to recognize that only 20.3% of Venice residents are renters, indicating a smaller pool of potential voucher tenants compared to homeowners. Landlords should weigh the benefits of guaranteed payments against the lower rental income when deciding whether to participate in the Section 8 program.
To illustrate the financial impact, consider a property with four units. At the FMR rate, a landlord would collect $6840 monthly ($1710 x 4), whereas the market rent would bring in $8928 ($2232 x 4). Over a year, this difference amounts to $24,528 in lost income. However, the stability provided by the Section 8 program might offset this loss for some investors seeking consistent cash flow.
Landlords and small-portfolio investors should also factor in the overall economic conditions of Venice, FL, where the median income is significantly lower than the median home value. This suggests that many residents rely on assistance programs like Section 8 to afford housing. Therefore, participation in the program can be seen as both a social responsibility and a strategic decision, depending on the investor's goals and risk tolerance.
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.