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Homestead, FL Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Agricultural Zoning
Livestock permitted on AU lots
Residential
Large livestock generally prohibited
Right to Farm
FL Statute 823.14 protects ag operations
Manure
Must manage to prevent water pollution
Contact
(305) 224-4800 Code Compliance

Summary

Homestead has a strong agricultural heritage, and livestock keeping is permitted on properties with appropriate zoning. Agricultural (AU) zoned properties can keep horses, cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs. Residential lots generally cannot keep large livestock. Florida's Right to Farm Act protects established agricultural operations.

823.14 Florida Right to Farm Act. — (1) SHORT TITLE. — This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Florida Right to Farm Act." [...] (3) DEFINITIONS. [...] (d) "Farm operation" means all conditions or activities by the owner, lessee, agent, independent contractor, or supplier which occur on a farm in connection with the production of farm, honeybee, or apiculture products or in connection with complementary agritourism activities. These conditions and activities include, but are not limited to, the marketing of farm products at roadside stands or farm markets; the operation of machinery and irrigation pumps; the generation of noise, odors, dust, fumes, and particle emissions; ground or aerial seeding and spraying; the placement and operation of an apiary; the application of chemical fertilizers, conditioners, insecticides, pesticides, and herbicides; agritourism activities; and the employment and use of labor. [...] (4) FARM OPERATIONS; NUISANCE. — (a) No farm operation which has been in operation for 1 year or more since its established date of operation and which was not a nuisance at the time of its established date of operation shall be a public or private nuisance if the farm operation conforms to generally accepted agricultural and management practices [...]. (6) LIMITATION ON DUPLICATION OF GOVERNMENT REGULATION. — It is the intent of the Legislature to eliminate duplication of regulatory authority over farm operations as expressed in this subsection. Except as otherwise provided for in this section and s. 487.051(2), and notwithstanding any other provision of law, a local government may not adopt any ordinance, regulation, rule, or policy to prohibit, restrict, regulate, or otherwise limit an activity of a bona fide farm operation on land classified as agricultural land pursuant to s. 193.461, where such activity is regulated through implemented best management practices or interim measures developed by the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, or water management districts and adopted under chapter 120 as part of a statewide or regional program.

Source: FL Statute 823.14 — Right to FarmView official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

Homestead's agricultural roots as a tropical farming community mean that livestock regulations are more accommodating than in typical suburban areas. Properties with agricultural (AU) zoning can keep horses, cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, and poultry with appropriate facilities. Standard residential (RS) zoning typically prohibits large livestock but may allow small animals like chickens and rabbits with proper setbacks. Miami-Dade County Code Chapter 5 governs animal welfare and keeping standards. Florida's Right to Farm Act (FL Statute Section 823.14) protects bona fide agricultural operations from nuisance complaints if they predated surrounding residential development. Livestock facilities must maintain adequate fencing, shelter, water, and sanitation. Manure management is critical to prevent water quality impacts in Homestead's sensitive canal system that feeds into Biscayne Bay and the Everglades. Horse properties must meet minimum lot size requirements and provide appropriate shelter from South Florida's heat and tropical storms.

Violations & Fines

Keeping livestock in non-agricultural zones carries fines of $100 to $500 per day. Animal welfare violations are handled by Miami-Dade Animal Services. Environmental violations from manure runoff trigger DEP enforcement. Contact Code Compliance at (305) 224-4800.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep horses on my Homestead property?
Only on properties with agricultural zoning and adequate lot size. Standard residential lots cannot keep horses. Check your zoning district with the Planning Department.
Does Homestead allow goats?
Goats are permitted on agricultural-zoned properties with proper facilities. Standard residential lots may allow small goats depending on lot size and setback compliance.
Does the Right to Farm Act apply in Homestead?
Yes. Florida's Right to Farm Act protects established bona fide agricultural operations from nuisance complaints if they were operating before residential development encroached.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Homestead

All Homestead rules

How Homestead compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Homestead to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview

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