Lee County, FL Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Private stable lot size
- 40,000 square feet
- Private stable setback
- 35 feet from protected districts
- Goats, sheep, swine
- AG districts; 100-foot separation
- Pot-bellied pigs
- Four per dwelling unit
- Backyard chickens
- AG, or special exception RS-4/RS-5
Summary
Where you may keep horses, goats, sheep, swine and poultry in unincorporated Lee County is set by Land Development Code Chapter 34, Article VII, Division 6. It fixes minimum lot sizes and setbacks by animal and by zoning district.
ADEQUATE SHELTER: A structurally sound, properly ventilated, sanitary and weather-proof shelter suitable for the species, condition and age of the animal, which provides access to shade from direct sunlight and protection from exposure to inclement weather.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Horses and other equines are a permitted use or special exception in the AG, RS-4, RS-5 and MH-4 districts, and in RPD, MHPD and MPD districts when approved on the Master Concept Plan. A private stable needs 40,000 square feet, a boarding stable five acres and a commercial stable ten acres, with setbacks from protected residential districts of 35, 100 and 200 feet respectively. Goats, sheep and swine are limited to AG districts, may not run within 100 feet of a dwelling under separate ownership, and their roofed structures must sit 300 feet back. Chickens are allowed in AG districts and by special exception in RS-4 and RS-5.
Violations & Fines
Keeping livestock in a district that does not allow it, or inside a required setback, violates the Land Development Code and is punishable under section 1-5 by a fine up to $500 per offense, each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a horse or goat on my property?
Are pigs allowed in a residential neighborhood?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lee County
How Lee County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Lee County to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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