Chicken Laws by County in Florida

From Miami suburbs to rural Panhandle properties, Floridians across the state are embracing backyard chickens. Fresh eggs, sustainable living, and even pest control are just a few benefits. But before you dive into chicken keeping, you need to know this: chicken laws in Florida vary widely by county and city.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through chicken laws by county in Florida, covering what’s legal, what’s restricted, and how to start your flock without violating local ordinances.

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Are Backyard Chickens Legal in Florida?

Yes, backyard chickens are legal in Florida, but the regulations depend entirely on your local county or municipal government. Florida has no statewide ban or limit on chickens. Instead, cities and counties enforce rules based on:

• Zoning classification (residential, agricultural, rural, etc.)

• Lot size and neighborhood type

• Flock size limits

• Whether roosters are allowed

• Coop placement and sanitation

Before you begin, it’s smart to use this chicken coop calculator to plan your space and make sure your coop meets legal and comfort requirements.

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Chicken Laws by Major Counties in Florida

Below is a breakdown of chicken laws by some of the most populated and active counties for backyard poultry.

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Miami-Dade County

Are chickens allowed in Miami?
Yes, but with strict rules.

• Chickens are not permitted in most urban residential zones

• AG-zoned properties can keep chickens with few restrictions

• Roosters are generally banned in residential areas

• Permits may be required in suburban municipalities

• Coop must be sanitary and out of public view

Cities like Miami Beach or Coral Gables often prohibit chickens entirely, so check with your specific municipality.

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Broward County

• Chickens are allowed in unincorporated areas with AG or rural zoning

• In Fort Lauderdale and surrounding suburbs, chickens are heavily restricted

• No roosters allowed in residential zones

• Lot size minimums often apply (usually ½ acre or more)

• Coop must be clean and kept at least 25 feet from neighboring structures

Most suburban HOAs in Broward prohibit poultry altogether, so double-check your deed restrictions.

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Palm Beach County

• Backyard chickens are permitted in unincorporated rural residential zones

• Cities like West Palm Beach allow:

  • Up to 4 hens

  • No roosters

  • Coops must be placed in rear yards with 10–20 ft setbacks

  • Chickens must be confined at all times

• Permit not always required for small flocks, but nuisance laws apply

Palm Beach is relatively chicken-friendly in less dense neighborhoods.

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Orange County (Including Orlando)

Can you keep chickens in Orlando?
Yes, with conditions.

• Up to 4 hens allowed per household

• Roosters are banned

• Chickens must be:

  • Kept in an enclosed coop

  • Confined to your backyard

  • Housed at least 25 feet from adjacent homes

• $25 backyard chicken permit required from the city

Orlando’s chicken ordinance is a model for urban poultry in Florida.

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Hillsborough County (Including Tampa)

• Chickens allowed in unincorporated areas and most residential zones

• Tampa City Ordinance allows:

  • Up to 5 hens

  • Roosters are prohibited

  • Coops must be:

    • In rear yard

    • 25 feet from any dwelling or property line

    • Clean and free from odor or vermin

• Permit may be required for larger lots or small-scale agricultural use

Tampa has one of the state’s most defined urban chicken laws—ideal for suburban hobbyists.

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Pinellas County (Including St. Petersburg, Clearwater)

• St. Petersburg allows chickens in residential zones:

  • Up to 4 hens

  • Roosters are banned

  • Coop must be 20 feet from all structures and property lines

  • Enclosed, predator-proof coop required

• Some unincorporated areas allow more chickens depending on zoning

Clearwater has stricter rules and may require special permissions or zoning exceptions.

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Duval County (Including Jacksonville)

Are backyard chickens legal in Jacksonville?
Yes—with limits.

• Residents can have up to 5 hens

• Roosters are not allowed

• Coop must be:

  • At least 10 feet from side property lines

  • At least 20 feet from neighboring dwellings

• Chickens must stay within a fenced coop/run

• No permit required unless under HOA regulation

Unincorporated areas in Duval often offer greater flexibility.

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Leon County (Including Tallahassee)

• Backyard chickens allowed in residential areas

• Up to 4 hens

• Roosters are not permitted

• Coop must be in rear yard and 30 feet from property lines

• Chickens must be kept enclosed at all times

Tallahassee’s chicken rules are simple and enforced mostly by nuisance complaints.

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Alachua County (Including Gainesville)

• Gainesville allows chickens on most residential lots:

  • Up to 6 hens

  • No roosters allowed

  • Coop setbacks: 10–25 feet from homes or property lines

• Chickens must be:

  • Kept in clean, enclosed coops

  • Confined to your property

Permits are not required, but neighbors can file complaints if chickens become a nuisance.

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Escambia County (Including Pensacola)

• Chickens allowed in AG, rural, and some residential zones

• Roosters allowed only in agricultural zones

• Coop placement:

  • Must be 25–50 feet from neighboring structures

  • Clean and predator-proof

• No explicit hen limit in rural zones

Pensacola’s city rules mirror county regulations but restrict chickens in dense neighborhoods.

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Common Chicken Laws Across Florida Counties

Despite local variations, these are the most common rules across Florida:

For planning purposes, always check your zoning code and use this chicken coop calculator to design a compliant, comfortable coop for your flock.

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Urban vs. Rural Chicken Laws in Florida

Urban/Suburban Areas:

• Strict limits on hen numbers (often 4–6)

• Roosters prohibited

• Coop placement rules enforced

• Possible permit requirements

• HOA covenants may override city rules

Rural/Unincorporated Areas:

• No hen limits in many zones

• Roosters typically allowed

• Permits usually not required

• Greater flexibility in coop design and placement

Where you live plays a big role in what’s allowed—always check your county and city ordinances.

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How to Check Chicken Laws for Your Property

Here’s how to find accurate, up-to-date rules for your location:

1. Identify your zoning using your county’s GIS or zoning map

2. Search your city or county municipal code online

3. Call your city hall or planning department for clarity

4. Check with your HOA if you live in a deed-restricted community

Don’t skip this step—even neighbors within the same neighborhood may have different rules due to zoning boundaries.

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Building a Legal, Comfortable Chicken Coop

A properly designed coop helps you stay legal and keeps your flock safe. Here’s what to include:

• 4 sq. ft. per chicken inside the coop

• 8–10 sq. ft. per chicken in the outdoor run

• Secure fencing and covered roofing

• Proper ventilation and shade

• Meets local setback and sanitation rules

Want a shortcut to legal compliance and healthy hens? Try this chicken coop calculator to plan the perfect coop tailored to your local regulations and flock size.

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Conclusion

Backyard chickens are welcome in much of Florida—but knowing your county and city laws is key to avoiding fines or forced flock removal. From the tight ordinances of Miami to the laid-back approach in the Panhandle, every location is different.

Take the time to do your homework, confirm your zoning, and plan your coop the right way.

Ready to raise your own flock? Use this chicken coop calculator to design a legal, spacious, and comfortable home for your birds.

Backyard chickens are more than a hobby—they’re a way of life. Just make sure you start on the right side of the law.