Dunnellon sits within Marion County, which permits up to six hens (no roosters) on residentially zoned properties — but only if the parcel is in an unincorporated agriculturally-zoned area. Hens must be kept at least 150 feet from any neighbor's residence, and selling eggs, meat, or chicks is prohibited. Inside city limits, Dunnellon's own zoning code may impose stricter limits.
The City of Dunnellon and unincorporated Marion County have layered rules. Per the Marion County Zoning Department, up to six hens (and no roosters) are allowed on residentially zoned properties in unincorporated Marion County, with each coop required to maintain at least 150 feet from any neighboring residence. Chickens must be kept for personal use only — selling eggs, chickens, chicks, slaughtered chickens, or chicken-produced fertilizer is prohibited. Inside Dunnellon city limits, the City's Land Development Code applies and may require agricultural zoning before any poultry-keeping is allowed. Property owners should check parcel zoning with the City of Dunnellon Building Department or the Marion County Planning Office. Roosters are universally prohibited in residential settings due to noise concerns.
Keeping chickens in a non-permitted zone, exceeding the 6-hen cap, keeping a rooster, or selling chicken products violates the Marion County zoning code. Code Enforcement can issue notices, require removal within a cure period, and assess daily fines under the County penalty schedule.
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See how Dunnellon's chickens & livestock rules stack up against other locations.
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