Manatee County, FL Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Max hens
- Four chickens per residential lot
- Roosters
- Prohibited on residential property
- Coop setback
- 10 ft line / 25 ft dwelling
- Coop permit
- None required
- Ordinance
- Manatee Code Sec. 2-4-24
Summary
Residential lots in unincorporated Manatee County may keep up to four chickens; roosters are prohibited. Coops must sit at least 10 ft from adjacent property lines and 25 ft from any neighboring dwelling (Sec. 2-4-24).
Roosters or male chickens shall be prohibited on residential property. A maximum of four (4) chickens may be kept or maintained on residential property. The enclosure and fenced area shall be located at least ten (10) feet from the property line of any adjacent residential property and at least twenty-five (25) feet from any adjacent residential dwelling.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 124 | Land Development Code: Supplement 21).
Full Breakdown
Manatee County Code Sec. 2-4-24 allows a maximum of four chickens on residential property, for personal use only, with no sale of eggs or manure. Roosters or male chickens are prohibited. Chickens must be securely enclosed from dusk until dawn and confined to an enclosure or fenced area not in the front or side yard. The enclosure must give at least four square feet per chicken and be built to keep out pests, wild birds, and predators. No building permit is required for the coop. The section does not apply to land zoned for agriculture (General Agriculture A / Agricultural Suburban A-1), where larger livestock keeping is governed by the Land Development Code and Florida's Right to Farm Act.
Violations & Fines
Nuisance conditions detectable at the property line are prohibited. Enforced as a civil infraction under Sec. 2-4-25; maximum $500 civil penalty set by resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell my backyard eggs?
Do agricultural parcels follow this limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Manatee County
How Manatee County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Manatee County to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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