Are Chickens Allowed in Port Saint Lucie, Florida?

BySusan Medlin

Short answer: No — under current city ordinances, chickens (i.e. farm animals) are generally not allowed within Port St. Lucie city limits.
However, in the surrounding unincorporated St. Lucie County, there are rules that do allow backyard chickens under certain conditions.
Here’s a breakdown of what applies depending on where you live.

What the City of Port St. Lucie Says

  • The city’s official 311 portal states:
    “No, chickens are defined as farm animals and are prohibited to keep within the limits of the City of Port St. Lucie.”
    Source
  • News coverage confirms that city ordinances do not permit farm animals, including chickens, in residential areas.
    Source
  • Residents have petitioned the city to change the rule, but no ordinance allowing backyard hens has been adopted yet.
    Source

What St. Lucie County Allows (Outside Port St. Lucie)

If your home is outside the city limits, you fall under St. Lucie County’s code, which does allow chickens under its “Backyard Chicken Program.”

  • The county permits backyard chickens at single-family residences.
    Source
  • Chickens must be housed in a coop — no free roaming is allowed.
    Source
  • Certain subdivisions, such as River Park, are excluded from the program.
    Source

What That Means If You Live in Port St. Lucie

  • If your home is inside Port St. Lucie city limits → chickens are not allowed.
    Source
  • If your home is in unincorporated St. Lucie County → you may be allowed chickens, provided you follow the county’s Backyard Chicken Program rules.
    Source

What to Check Before Trying to Keep Chickens

  1. Confirm whether your address is inside city limits or in unincorporated county.
  2. Check your zoning classification (city vs county zoning have very different rules).
  3. Look for HOA or subdivision covenants — many still prohibit poultry even if the county allows them.
  4. If in the county, review the Backyard Chicken Program rules carefully (coop requirements, setbacks, sanitation, and number of hens).
  5. Stay updated on city council discussions — some residents are actively pushing to legalize backyard hens in the city.

Conclusion

In summary: Backyard chickens are not allowed within Port St. Lucie city limits.
But if you live in unincorporated St. Lucie County, you may be able to keep hens legally by following the county’s program rules.
If you’re unsure which jurisdiction your home falls under, check your property’s address on the city’s website or call city/county zoning offices for confirmation.