What is source of income discrimination? In searching for housing, many people face discrimination by housing providers who are unwilling to rent to voucher holders. As a result, several states and municipalities, including Florida’s Broward and Miami-Dade Counties, have adopted laws prohibiting housing discrimination based on source of income.

This means that it is illegal for a housing provider to keep a person out simply because that person is paying for housing with a subsidy or assistance like Section 8, Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA), or other benefits programs.

The law in Broward County: Broward County, Florida Code of Ordinances, Chapter 16½ – HUMAN RIGHTS, ARTICLE III. – DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICES, DIVISION 3. – DISCRIMINATION, Sec. 16½-3. – Definitions, (hh) Lawful source of income means the origin or cause of a legal gain or recurrent benefit, often measured in money or currency, including, but not limited to, income derived from social security, supplemental security income, child support, alimony, veteran’s benefits, disability benefits, unemployment, pension and retirement benefits, an annuity, a gift, an inheritance, the sale or pledge of or interest in property, or any form of federal, state, or local public, food, or housing assistance or subsidy, including assistance from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Housing Choice Voucher Program or “Section 8” vouchers, whether such income is received directly or indirectly by the renter or purchaser and even if such income includes additional federal, state, or local requirements.

The law in Miami-Dade County: Miami – Dade County, Florida Code of Ordinances, Chapter 11A – DISCRIMINATION, ARTICLE II. – HOUSING, Sec. 11A-11. – Definitions, (12) Source of income shall mean the lawful, verifiable income paid directly to a tenant or paid to a representative of a tenant, including, but not limited to, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, Supplemental Security Income, Social Security, pensions and other retirement benefits.

Please call if you think you are facing illegal discrimination! Broward: (954) 567-0545, Miami-Dade: (305) 651-4673.