Okaloosa County, FL Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

In unincorporated Okaloosa County, chickens are not a by-right backyard animal. Section 5-25(c) of the county code makes it a civil infraction to keep or feed chickens except in zoning districts where the Land Development Code specifically authorizes them, so a typical residential lot cannot keep hens without the right zoning. The code defines farm animals as cattle, swine, horses, mules, poultry, ostriches, goats, and sheep, which belong in agricultural and rural low-density districts subject to setbacks and husbandry standards. Selling or giving away baby chicks under four weeks old is separately restricted. Florida's Right to Farm Act protects qualifying commercial farms, and incorporated city rules differ.