Are Chickens Allowed in Seminole County, Florida?
Yes — in many unincorporated areas of Seminole County, you can legally keep chickens (hens only) under certain rules. The county had a formal program for backyard chickens, and although some parts of it are being changed or repealed, many of its provisions remain in force or have been integrated into broader zoning code reforms. Here’s a detailed breakdown so you know what applies and what to check.
What Was the Seminole County Backyard Chicken Program?
- The county used to have (and for a time has had) a “Backyard Chicken Program” that allowed up to 4 female chickens (hens) on eligible single-family homes in unincorporated areas. Roosters were not permitted.
- The program included requirements for coop/enclosure size, setbacks from property lines and neighboring homes, structures being predator proof, covered and ventilated, etc.
- If the coop exceeded certain size limits (e.g. over 100 sq ft), additional permits (building permits) were required.
- The coop/enclosure had to be located in the rear yard, screened from view, and set back a certain minimum feet from side/rear property lines and from neighboring homes.
- The program required applicants to submit a drawing/site plan, pay an application fee, complete a class on care/raising chickens, and get inspections. Manure and feed storage also had specific requirements.
Recent Changes & Current Status
- Seminole County has passed an amendment to its code that deletes the original “Backyard Chicken Program” (Ordinances 2016-22 and 2018-20) in its entirety. That program is no longer administered as a separate permitted program. (Latest amendment: Code of Ordinances Chapter 20 Part 4 is being removed.)
- However, the removal of that specific program does not mean chickens are banned again — in many cases, chickens are now permitted **by right** in certain zoning districts under the broader Land Development Code, assuming the same or similar conditions (coops, setbacks, etc.) are met.
- If your property is in one of those allowed zones (often residential single-family homes in unincorporated county), chickens are legal as long as you meet the rules for coop, location, number, etc.
What Rules Typically Apply if You’re Allowed Chickens
If your lot/property meets the eligible conditions (single-family home, unincorporated area, correct zoning), these are the kinds of rules you’ll need to follow:
- Limit of up to 4 hens (female chickens) only. No roosters.
- Coop & enclosure must be in rear yard only. Not visible or screened from neighboring property lines and homes.
- Setbacks: usually at least 10 feet from side and rear property lines; 20 feet from any neighboring residence.
- Coop size: should provide minimum space per chicken (e.g. 4 sq ft inside the coop per chicken, and outdoor run/enclosure space required – often about 5 sq ft per chicken) but not exceed certain maximums (often 150 sq ft or height limits like 8 feet).
- Structures: coop must be predator-proof, covered, ventilated, secured; must meet building code if over size thresholds (e.g. coops over 100 sq ft require building permits; very large ones may need engineering plans).
- Feed must be stored in predator/rodent-proof containers; manure and bedding must not accumulate unduly; manure boxes or fly-tight bins may be required at certain distances.
- No breeding, slaughtering, or commercial sales of eggs, manure, feathers—strictly for personal use (egg production for your household).
What to Verify Before You Start
- Confirm whether your property is in an unincorporated area of Seminole County or within a city boundary. City rules may be different or more restrictive.
- Check your zoning district. Only certain residential zones allow chickens by right under the updated rules.
- Examine lot size, the location of coop relative to neighboring homes, and property layout to make sure you can meet setback requirements.
- Check whether a building permit is needed for your coop (especially if over 100 square feet).
- Make sure you can meet coop/enclosure construction standards: predator-proofing, ventilation, screening, etc.
Pros & Cons of Having Chickens in Seminole County
- Pros:
- Fresh eggs from your own hens.
- Lower-waste way to use kitchen scraps.
- Garden benefits from composted manure and soil enrichment.
- Opportunity to learn animal care and self-sufficiency.
- Cons:
- Must adhere to coop maintenance to avoid noise, odor, pest issues.
- Upfront costs for coop materials, fencing, permits if applicable.
- If rules are violated, possible code enforcement actions or required removal or relocation of structures.
- Neighbors or HOAs may have additional restrictions or covenants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have roosters?
No — roosters are not allowed in any of the Seminole County rules or former programs.
How many chickens can I keep?
The usual maximum is 4 hens, if your property meets the qualification criteria for zoning, setbacks, and backyard location.
Do I need a permit?
If you’re in one of the allowed zones, under updated county rules, chickens are permitted by right — but large coops or enclosures exceeding certain sizes (e.g. 100 sq ft) still require building permits. Previously there was a permit-application process for the Backyard Chicken Program; much of that has been removed or replaced by right-by-zoning rules.
Can I sell eggs or manure commercially?
No — chickens, eggs, manure, feathers must be for personal use only. No commercial breeding or sales allowed under the applicable county regulations.
Conclusion
If your home is in unincorporated Seminole County, chickens (hens) are generally allowed under specific conditions. You’ll need to meet rules about coop size, setbacks, and construction, and you cannot have roosters or use the flock for commercial purposes. The separate “Backyard Chicken Program” has been repealed, but the rules allowing chickens by right in certain zones remain. If you like, I can send you a full 1,200-word guide (with coop plans, checklists, examples) specific to Seminole County so you can plan properly.