Cocoa's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Cocoa, Florida, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Exotic Pets

Cocoa's city code makes it unlawful to keep, maintain, breed or possess any non-domestic animal anywhere within city limits, and even domestic livestock species may only be kept where the zoning ordinance specifically allows it. There is no permit path for wild or exotic pets inside Cocoa.

Key details: Governing section: City Code § 5-32. Non-domestic animals: banned citywide, no exceptions. Domestic animals allowed: only where zoning permits. Enforcement: city officer or county animal control. Entry authority: § 5-33 property inspection.

Violating § 5-32 is enforced through Cocoa's code enforcement process; the city's enforcement official or a Brevard County animal control officer can enter the property (short of a dwelling or fenced enclosure) to investigate under § 5-33, and impounding officers may seize animals suspected of biting or carrying rabies. Repeat or unabated violations can be referred to the city's code enforcement board for a hearing and fines.

This is one of the stricter rules in Cocoa's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Pet Limits

Cocoa doesn't cap pets at a fixed household number, but its zoning-based kennel rule does the same job: keeping five or more dogs or cats six months or older on residential property makes the property a "kennel," and kennels are barred citywide except where zoning specifically allows them.

Key details: Threshold: 5+ dogs/cats age 6mo+ = kennel. Governing sections: §§ 5-31, 5-34. Kennels: banned unless zoning-approved. Adopted: Ord. No. 1-90, 1-9-90. Under 6 months: puppies/kittens don't count.

A residential property found to house five or more dogs or cats over six months old without zoning approval as a kennel is treated as operating an unlawful kennel under § 5-34, enforceable through Cocoa's code enforcement board with the same investigatory entry powers granted to the enforcement official under § 5-33.

Chickens & Livestock

Cocoa allows up to four permitted hens, no roosters, on single-family lots in the RU-1-7, RU-1-7a and RU-1-10 zoning districts under its Backyard Chicken Pilot Program, with a $50 permit fee, extension-class proof, setback rules and mandatory coop screening.

Key details: Governing section: City Code § 5-35. Limit: 4 hens, no roosters, permitted zones only. Eligible zones: RU-1-7, RU-1-7a, RU-1-10. Permit fee: $50 non-refundable. Coop max: 150 sq ft, 6 ft tall.

A first violation of the chicken program is charged as a Class II civil citation and every subsequent violation as a Class III citation under City Code chapter 6, article II, division 2, with each day or instance treated as a separate offense. The city can also pursue code enforcement proceedings, injunctive relief with recovery of its attorney's fees, or revoke the permit outright and require the chickens removed within ten calendar days, subject to an appeal to the city manager within ten days of revocation.

This is one of the stricter rules in Cocoa's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Cocoa is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Cocoa, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

These rules come from Cocoa's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.