HUD releases 2026 income and rent limits

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The new Area Median Income (AMI) for Marion County and the Ocala area is $84,000, a $7,800 increase from the previous year’s median of $76,200, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The 2026 Income Limits and Rent Limits, released May 1, are used by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation for the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) and Hurricane Housing Recovery (HHRP) programs. The revised limits determine household eligibility for affordable housing programs funded through SHIP and HHRP. These programs support activities such as down payment assistance, home rehabilitation and rental housing. Income limits are set at various percentages of the area median income (30%, 50%, 80%, 120% and 140%) and vary by household size.

The new numbers follow previous reporting about down payment assistance help for first-time homebuyers by the “Gazette” on March 9, which used the previous median income of $76,200 for the Ocala Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) and noted that Marion County was awaiting the new 2026 limits from HUD and Florida Housing.

That article, at ocalagazette.com/up-to-100000-in-down-payment-help-for-some-first-time-homebuyers/ highlighted how these income limits are applied locally, including in a first-time homebuyer down payment assistance program that extends up to 140% of area median income.

The complete 2026 Combined Income and Rent Limits chart is available through the city of Ocala’s Community Housing Services division.

Residents with questions about how the updated limits may affect eligibility for local housing programs can contact the city of Ocala’s Community Housing Services by calling 352-629-8390.