Brevard County, FL Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Livestock
- Agricultural zoning only
- Chicken exception
- 4 hens per 1/2 acre
- Roosters/other fowl
- Not permitted residentially
- Scope
- Unincorporated Brevard only
- Max fine
- $500 + 60 days jail
Summary
Brevard County bans horses, cattle, goats, pigs and other livestock outside agriculturally zoned land, but allows up to four hens per half-acre lot in single-family residential zones under Sec. 62-2108.
It shall be unlawful for any person to keep, harbor, breed or maintain upon any premises not zoned for agricultural use or otherwise excepted in accordance with this chapter, any of the following: bees, roosters, peacocks, horses, ponies, cattle, goats, pigs or other livestock, or more than one of the following: pigeons, chickens, ducks, or other fowl.
In all single-family residential zones, on lots of at least one-half acre minimum, up to four chickens (no roosters or other fowl) may be permitted per one-half acre of land. Housing, such as coops, that is not considered to be a barn, stall or paddock is required and must meet the setback requirements for accessory structures in accordance with the zoning classification. All fowl are for the personal, non-commercial use of the occupants only. Breeding and slaughtering of any fowl is strictly prohibited. Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be liable in accordance with sections 62-1105 and 62-1106.
(Code 1979, § 14-20.28; Ord. No. 98-04, § 1, 1-29-98; Ord. No. 2012-36, § 2, 12-6-12)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 135).
Full Breakdown
In unincorporated Brevard, keeping bees, roosters, peacocks, horses, ponies, cattle, goats, pigs or other livestock on land not zoned agricultural is unlawful, as is keeping more than one pigeon, chicken, duck or other fowl. The one exception: single-family residential lots of at least one-half acre may keep up to four hens (no roosters) per half acre, in a coop meeting accessory-structure setbacks, for personal use only, breeding and slaughter are prohibited. This applies only to the unincorporated county; Melbourne, Palm Bay, Titusville, Cocoa and Cocoa Beach set their own rules.
Violations & Fines
Violating the zoning code is punishable by a fine up to $500, up to 60 days in jail, or both, with each day a separate offense (Sec. 62-1105); the county may also seek an injunction to stop the violation (Sec. 62-1106).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep chickens on my residential lot in Brevard County?
Can I keep a horse or goat on residential land in unincorporated Brevard?
Does this rule apply inside Melbourne or Palm Bay?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Brevard County
How Brevard County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Brevard County to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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