Davie, FL Animal Ordinances: Livestock (2026)

Preserving its equestrian heritage is a stated town priority - Davie voters approved a 2001 charter amendment to protect the town's rural character and equestrian lifestyle, and the town maintains over 165 miles of equestrian trails. Livestock keeping is governed by Land Development Code Sec. 12-34(B). Section 12-34(B)(6) provides that raising of horses, cattle, goats, sheep, poultry, and rabbits 'is not permitted in any residential zoning district, except for RR, AG, A-1, and R-1' (and legal nonconforming farm uses). Numeric limits depend on district and lot size. In the RR, AG, A-1, RO, O, CC and several business/industrial districts, livestock is allowed on a lot of 35,000 square feet or greater, up to 8 livestock total, of which no more than 4 may be cattle and horses; offspring are not counted for one year. In the R-1 (estate) district, up to 4 livestock per 35,000 square feet of lot area, made up of cattle or horses only, are allowed. On a bona fide farm classified agricultural under Section 193.461, F.S., animal numbers and types are not restricted (Sec. 12-34(B)(2)(a)), except for swine. Stables (up to three 12-by-12-foot stalls, tack room, and feed room) must sit at least 40 feet from any other property, road right-of-way, or structure, increasing 10 feet per added stall to a maximum of 100 feet. Davie separately regulates loose large animals under Chapter 4, Article II: Sec. 4-42 declares animals (horse, pony, mule, cow, swine, sheep, goat, ostrich, emu, and others) at large a nuisance, and Secs. 4-43 to 4-45 govern impoundment and redemption fees.