Keeping chickens, livestock, or poultry is strictly prohibited in single-family residential zoning districts in unincorporated Miami-Dade County. Only AU (Agricultural Use) zoned properties may keep livestock or fowl.
Miami-Dade County prohibits the raising, breeding, or keeping of chickens, livestock, or poultry in single-family residential zoning districts (RU, EU zones) in unincorporated areas. Only properties zoned AU (Agricultural Use) may keep livestock and fowl. This differs from several incorporated cities within the county: the City of Miami allows up to 15 hens and 30 chicks with a county health unit permit, while South Miami allows 4 hens and 5 chicks. Roosters are prohibited in all incorporated cities that allow hens. Residents in unincorporated Miami-Dade residential zones seeking to keep poultry must petition for a zoning variance or move to an AU-zoned area.
Keeping livestock in residential zones is a code violation enforced under Chapter 8CC. Animals may be impounded by Miami-Dade Animal Services. Fines accrue daily until compliance.
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