Sunrise, FL Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Rule
- Dogs and cats only
- Other Animals
- Caged, non-dangerous only
- Hen Limit
- None codified
- Roosters
- Nuisance under Sec. 9-1
- Horse Riding
- Permit required
Summary
Sunrise Code Sec. 4-2 prohibits keeping any animal except dogs and cats unless it is non-dangerous and caged to prevent escape. There is no backyard-hen allowance, and crowing roosters are a nuisance.
The possession or custody of any animal, except dogs and cats, within the city limits is hereby prohibited. However, any animal which does not have vicious or dangerous propensities, in either its wild or domestic state, may be kept within the city limits on the property of the owner or custodian thereof, provided that such animal is kept within a cage constructed and designed to prevent escape therefrom or destruction thereof by the animal contained therein.
Full Breakdown
Sunrise takes a restrictive approach to poultry and livestock. Code of Ordinances Sec. 4-2 prohibits possession of any animal other than dogs and cats within city limits, unless the animal has no vicious or dangerous propensities and is kept in a cage constructed to prevent escape. That means free-ranging backyard chickens are not allowed; hens are permissible only if fully enclosed in an escape-proof cage, and the code sets no permitted hen count. Roosters are effectively barred because Sec. 9-1 lists the crowing of cocks as a prohibited nuisance. Horseback riding in residential areas requires a permit from the city manager or chief of police under Sec. 4-3, and livestock at large is governed by Fla. Stat. §588.12.
Violations & Fines
Keeping prohibited or free-roaming animals is a Code Enforcement violation; owners must remove or properly cage the animal. Cases go to the special magistrate, and nuisance conditions like crowing draw additional citations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep backyard chickens in Sunrise?
Are roosters allowed in Sunrise?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sunrise
How Sunrise compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Sunrise to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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