Thinking about raising chickens in Florida? You can—but the rules depend totally on where you live. Some cities allow a few hens with permits, others ban them in residential areas. Roosters are usually off limits. Rural zones often allow more birds. This guide breaks down common rules and walks through major cities and counties in clear, simple terms.
General Rules Across Florida
- No statewide chicken law—local governments decide.
- Most urban/suburban areas allow 4–6 hens per household.
- Roosters are almost always banned in residential zones.
- Coops must stay set back a certain distance (usually 10–30 ft) from property lines or neighbor homes.
- Many cities require permits or inspections, sometimes training too.
- Chickens must be enclosed; free‑ranging across property lines is often prohibited.
- Keeping chickens is for personal use only—selling eggs or meat is not allowed in most residential zones.
Miami‑Dade County & Miami City
In most areas of Miami and Miami‑Dade County, backyard chickens are simply not allowed in residential zones. Even wild and feral chickens and roosters roam many neighborhoods, but live poultry ownership in homes is banned under local codes. Enforcement is vague, but zoning prohibits new backyard flocks. Correct as of mid‑2025. (Local officials cite live‑animal ordinances.)
Tampa Bay / Hillsborough & Pinellas Counties
- Tampa: Up to 10 hens allowed with an urban‑agriculture permit; roosters banned. Coop must be on single‑family property.
- St. Petersburg (Pinellas County): Up to 4 hens permitted; coop setbacks apply; permit required; roosters banned.
- Both cities require coop containment, cleanliness, and personal use only.
Orlando Area (Orange County)
- Up to 4 hens allowed with a Backyard Chicken Permit.
- Permit requires a class from UF Extension and site inspection.
- Coop must meet setbacks and sanitary standards. Roosters are banned.
Jacksonville (Duval County)
- Single‑family home owners may keep up to 5 hens per lot with a $25 permit.
- Properties over 1 acre may add 5 hens for each additional ½ acre.
- Must take an educational seminar before getting permit. Roosters are banned.
Gainesville (Alachua County)
- Up to 10 hens in residential zones (RSF‑1 to RSF‑4, etc.) allowed.
- No roosters; slaughtering hens is prohibited.
- Coop must be in rear yard and hygiene maintained; training required.
Other Cities & Suburban Areas
- Florida’s panhandle counties (e.g. Escambia County): Up to 8 hens allowed on lots under ¼ acre; no roosters unless kept far (>100 yd) from neighbors; coop setbacks 10 to 20 ft.
- Tallahassee: Permits may allow one rooster; coop must be at least 20 ft from neighbor homes.
- Pembroke Pines (Broward County): Allows up to 25 chickens; coop must be at least 50 ft from property lines; roosters banned.
- Palm Bay: Up to 4 hens allowed; roosters banned; coop minimum 10 ft from rear lot line.
Rural & Unincorporated County Areas
If your property is outside city limits in an agriculturally zoned area:
- Many counties impose few or no limits on hens or roosters.
- Permits are often not required.
- You may sell eggs or meat if you meet agricultural licensing rules.
- You still must abide by general nuisance, predator‑control, and sanitation laws.
Voices from Residents
“In unincorporated areas like Suntree and Viera allow up to five hens per residence …” — resident describing Brevard County’s rules via Reddit :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
“Up to 5 backyard hens are allowed … with a $25 permit; lots larger than 1 acre may keep an additional 5 chickens per additional half‑acre.” — Jacksonville resident on Reddit :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Summary Table
| Location | Hens Allowed | Roosters? | Permit Required? | Notable Rules |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami‑Dade / Miami city | None (banned) | No | N/A | Residential ban applies |
| Tampa (Hillsborough) | Up to 10 hens | No | Yes (urban ag permit) | Single‑family lots only |
| St. Petersburg (Pinellas) | Up to 4 hens | No | Yes | Setback & coop standards |
| Orlando (Orange) | Up to 4 hens | No | Yes + training | Coop inspection required |
| Jacksonville (Duval) | 5 hens (more per lot size) | No | Yes + seminar | Lot-based tiers |
| Gainesville (Alachua) | Up to 10 hens | No | Yes + training | No slaughter; coop rules |
| Pembroke Pines | Up to 25 chickens | No | Yes | 50 ft setback |
| Palm Bay | Up to 4 hens | No | No | Rear setback 10 ft |
Tips to Stay Legal and Neighborly
- Check whether city or county rules apply to your address via zoning maps.
- Contact your local planning or code department for zoning or chicken ordinances.
- Avoid roosters unless you live in rural or agricultural zoning where they may be allowed.
- Observe coop setback rules—typically between 10 and 50 ft depending on city.
- Ensure coop is secure, predator‑proof, ventilated, and regularly cleaned.
- Store feed securely to avoid rodents; manage manure properly, ideally away from waterways.
- Be aware: HOAs can override city rules—even if chickens are permitted by code.
Why Florida Has These Rules
Rules help protect neighbors from noise (especially early‑morning crowing), odors, pests, and safety issues. Setbacks ensure birds aren’t too close to other homes. Permits and training help new owners comply with sanitary and humane standards. Together, these rules balance the benefits of backyard hens with community living.
Bottom Line
Florida doesn’t have one statewide chicken rule. Some cities like Tampa and Gainesville allow hens with permits and training; Miami and parts of New Castle County tend to ban them. Rural parts are more flexible. Most roosters are disallowed in city zones. If you let me know your specific city or county—or even your address—I can help find the latest official rules that apply to you.