Palm Bay, FL Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Max hens allowed
- Six per single-family lot
- Roosters
- Prohibited
- Eligible districts
- RE, RS-1, RS-2, RS-3, SRE
- Breeding
- Prohibited on-site
- Coop standard
- Must meet § 174.002 rules
Summary
Palm Bay allows up to six hens per single-family lot in residential districts: no roosters, no breeding, and coops must meet the city's animal enclosure standards.
(B) Up to six (6) chickens may be kept on single family lots in the RE, RS-1, RS-2, RS-3, and SRE Zoning Districts subject to adherence to the following criteria: (1) Hens only may be kept. Roosters are prohibited. (2) Chickens must be caged at all times and cages/coops shall meet the criteria for animal cages and enclosures contained in § 174.002. (3) Breeding of chickens is prohibited.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-41: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 2026-13, passed 5-21-26).
Full Breakdown
Palm Bay Code § 174.005 permits up to six chickens on single-family lots in the RE, RS-1, RS-2, RS-3, and SRE residential zoning districts. Only hens are allowed: roosters are prohibited outright. Chickens must stay caged at all times, in coops meeting the city's animal cage and enclosure standards under § 174.002. Breeding chickens on-site is banned, dead birds must be removed and disposed of immediately, and the coop area must be kept clean to avoid attracting vermin, insects, or predators. Outside these five residential districts, chickens fall under the general farm-animal restriction in § 174.005(A).
Violations & Fines
Code Compliance enforces § 174.005: keeping roosters, breeding chickens, exceeding six hens, or maintaining an unclean or non-compliant coop can draw a citation and an order to correct or remove the animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a rooster in Palm Bay?
How many chickens can I keep at my house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palm Bay
How Palm Bay compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Palm Bay to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Chickens & Livestock in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Brevard County handle chickens & livestock.