Homestead has a strong agricultural heritage, and livestock keeping is permitted on properties with appropriate zoning. Agricultural (AU) zoned properties can keep horses, cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs. Residential lots generally cannot keep large livestock. Florida's Right to Farm Act protects established agricultural operations.
Homestead's agricultural roots as a tropical farming community mean that livestock regulations are more accommodating than in typical suburban areas. Properties with agricultural (AU) zoning can keep horses, cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, and poultry with appropriate facilities. Standard residential (RS) zoning typically prohibits large livestock but may allow small animals like chickens and rabbits with proper setbacks. Miami-Dade County Code Chapter 5 governs animal welfare and keeping standards. Florida's Right to Farm Act (FL Statute Section 823.14) protects bona fide agricultural operations from nuisance complaints if they predated surrounding residential development. Livestock facilities must maintain adequate fencing, shelter, water, and sanitation. Manure management is critical to prevent water quality impacts in Homestead's sensitive canal system that feeds into Biscayne Bay and the Everglades. Horse properties must meet minimum lot size requirements and provide appropriate shelter from South Florida's heat and tropical storms.
Keeping livestock in non-agricultural zones carries fines of $100 to $500 per day. Animal welfare violations are handled by Miami-Dade Animal Services. Environmental violations from manure runoff trigger DEP enforcement. Contact Code Compliance at (305) 224-4800.
Homestead, FL
Homestead's zoning code separates industrial and commercial activities from residential areas through buffer zones and setback requirements. Industrial opera...
Homestead, FL
Outdoor music at residences in Homestead must comply with the general noise ordinance. Music audible beyond property lines during quiet hours (11:00 PMβ7:00 ...
Homestead, FL
Homestead does not specify numeric decibel limits in its noise ordinance. Instead, the city uses a reasonableness standard based on audibility at the propert...
Homestead, FL
Homestead restricts parking of large commercial vehicles in residential neighborhoods. Vehicles exceeding certain weight or size limits cannot be parked over...
Homestead, FL
Homestead allows installation of home EV charging stations with proper electrical permits. Florida law (FL Statute Section 718.113) protects EV charger insta...
Homestead, FL
Homestead requires vehicles to be parked on paved driveways or designated parking areas. Parking on grass, dirt, or unpaved surfaces is prohibited. Driveways...
See how Homestead's livestock rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.