Tampa, FL Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Tampa City Code Chapter 8 Animals, together with Chapter 27 Zoning, governs the keeping of chickens and livestock within city limits. In most residential zoning districts, homeowners may keep a small number of female chickens (hens) as pets or for egg production. Typical limits are 4 to 6 hens per single-family lot, with no roosters allowed due to noise concerns. Coops must be located in the rear yard, set back at least 10 to 20 feet from neighboring dwellings and property lines, kept clean, and designed to prevent odors, pests, and rodents. Free-range chickens must be contained on the owners property and cannot roam onto adjacent lots. Slaughter of chickens on residential property is prohibited, as is commercial sale of eggs or poultry from a home. Livestock such as cattle, hogs, horses, goats, and sheep are generally prohibited in standard residential zones and are limited to Agricultural (AG) and Rural Estate districts, usually requiring lot sizes of 1 acre or more. Tampa zoning also regulates the number of animals per acre to prevent overcrowding. Under Chapter 8, animals must be provided with adequate food, water, shelter, and veterinary care, and failure to do so can result in animal cruelty charges under Florida Statute 828.13. Hillsborough County Animal Services enforces animal welfare within the city under an interlocal agreement. Residents considering chickens should also check HOA covenants, as many Tampa subdivisions prohibit poultry outright even where city code allows them.