Okaloosa County makes it unlawful to keep chickens except in zoning districts where the Land Development Code specifically authorizes them. Farm animals such as cattle, horses, goats, and poultry belong in agricultural and rural zones. Florida's Right to Farm Act shields bona fide farms.
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.
Keeping chickens in a district that does not authorize them is a civil infraction carrying escalating fines, from $20 for a first offense up to $300 and a mandatory court appearance for repeat violations.
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See how Okaloosa County's chickens & livestock rules stack up against other locations.
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