Hillsborough County, FL Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential districts
- farm animals not allowed
- Exceptions
- bees, licensed exotics, chickens
- Agricultural districts
- 3 Animal Units per acre
- Resale
- prohibited in residential zones
Summary
Hillsborough County bans keeping livestock and other farm animals in residential zoning districts, with narrow exceptions only for honey bees, permitted exotic animals, and backyard chickens.
In Residential Districts: No animal, other than household animals as defined in this Code, shall be kept in any residential zoning district, except that: a. Honey bees may be kept in accordance with the requirements of the Florida Department of Agriculture... b. Exotic animals may be kept for personal enjoyment with appropriate license/permit from the State of Florida. c. Chickens may be kept in accordance with the requirements of Section 6.11.129 of this Code. No animals shall be raised or kept in any residential zoning district for the purpose of sale to another party.
Full Breakdown
Sec. 6.11.13(B) of the Land Development Code states that no animal other than a household animal, dogs, cats, birds, fish and similar pets, may be kept in a residential zoning district in unincorporated Hillsborough County. The only carve-outs are honey bees kept under state apiary rules, exotic animals held with a Florida license or permit, and chickens kept under the separate five-hen limit of Sec. 6.11.129. Cattle, horses, goats, sheep, pigs and other farm animals are excluded from residential districts entirely; they're permitted only in Agricultural zoning, where they're capped at three Animal Units per acre. Raising or keeping any animal in a residential district for resale to another party is also prohibited.
Violations & Fines
Keeping cattle, horses, goats, pigs or other farm animals in a residential district, or raising any animal there for resale, violates Sec. 6.11.13(B) and is subject to Code Enforcement action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a goat or horse at my house in unincorporated Hillsborough County?
Where can I legally keep farm livestock?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hillsborough County
How Hillsborough County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Hillsborough County to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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