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Hernando County, FL Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

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

Key Facts

Hens Allowed
Four maximum, no roosters
Permit
Administrative conditional-use
Minimum Lot
10,000 square feet
Coop Setback
25 ft from neighbor's home
Deed Restrictions
Override the permit

Summary

Hernando County allows up to four hens in residential districts with an administrative permit: no roosters, ducks, geese, or turkeys. Coops go in the rear yard, 25 feet from a neighbor's home, on lots of at least 10,000 square feet. Livestock needs agricultural zoning.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Hernando County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

The number of chickens shall be limited to no more than four (4) birds and no ducks, geese, turkeys, peafowl, male chickens/roosters, or any other poultry or fowl are allowed.

Source: Florida StatutesView official code

Full Breakdown

Under Appendix A, Article V, Section 4 of the zoning code, Hernando County permits chickens in any residential district except multi-family, capped at four hens per parcel: no roosters, ducks, geese, turkeys, or peafowl. It takes an administrative conditional-use permit from Planning and Zoning, a lot of at least 10,000 square feet, and a secured, roofed coop kept in the rear yard, under six feet tall, at least 25 feet from the nearest neighbor's residence and five feet from property lines. Larger livestock belongs in agricultural and rural zoning, common around Brooksville. Spring Hill deed restrictions that ban poultry void a county permit.

Violations & Fines

Keeping a rooster, exceeding four hens, or running poultry without the required Hernando County permit draws code enforcement and can void the permit, with prosecution for a civil infraction. Deed restrictions override any permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep backyard chickens in Hernando County?
Yes, up to four hens with an administrative permit in most residential districts. No roosters, ducks, geese, or turkeys. You need a 10,000-square-foot lot and a secured rear-yard coop.
Can I keep chickens if my subdivision has deed restrictions?
No. In Spring Hill and other deed-restricted communities, private restrictions take precedence and void a county chicken permit. Check your HOA covenants first.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Hernando County

Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsExotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsBeekeepingSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsFew RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Neighbor Fence RulesFew RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Artificial TurfSome Restrictions

All Hernando County rules

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

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