Animal Ordinances in Palm Coast, FL: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Palm Coast or are thinking about moving there, animal ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Palm Coast has 7 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of animal ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

Breed Restrictions

The City of Palm Coast does NOT and CANNOT enact a breed-specific dog ban or breed-specific permit/insurance/muzzle requirement. Florida Statute 767.14 (originally adopted 1990 and substantially strengthened by SB 942 effective October 1, 2023) preempts any local government ordinance that regulates dogs based on breed - it expressly prohibits the adoption of breed-specific legislation and the SB 942 amendment closed the grandfather clause that had previously allowed Miami-Dade County's pre-1990 pit bull ban to remain in effect. Palm Coast's dangerous-dog framework in Chapter 8 of the City Code therefore operates entirely on a conduct basis under Florida Statute Chapter 767 (Dogs), with the County and City sharing investigation duties for bite reports.

Key details: Palm Coast BSL: None - prohibited by FS 767.14. Flagler County BSL: None - prohibited by FS 767.14. State Preemption: FS 767.14 - breed-specific local laws PROHIBITED. Miami-Dade Grandfather: Closed by SB 942 of 2023 (effective Oct. 1, 2023). Dangerous Dog Statute: FS Ch. 767 (FS 767.10 - 767.13).

There is no breed-specific permit, registration, muzzle, or insurance requirement in Palm Coast to violate, because FS 767.14 prohibits the City from enacting one. Once a dog has been formally classified as 'dangerous' by Palm Coast Animal Control under FS 767.11, the owner must comply with FS 767.12's requirements (proper enclosure, warning signs, microchipping, sterilization, $100,000 liability insurance or surety bond) within 14 days or face a $500 civil penalty and impoundment of the dog. A subsequent unprovoked attack by a classified dangerous dog causing severe injury is a third-degree felony under FS 767.13(2); an attack causing death triggers enhanced penalties under the 2023 amendments. Field investigation and enforcement is by Palm Coast Animal Control Officers (386-986-2520) inside the City limits, working with the Flagler County Sheriff's Office and the State Attorney for the Seventh Judicial Circuit.

Palm Coast is more permissive than most cities when it comes to breed restrictions. That said, there are still limits.

Chickens & Livestock

On December 16, 2025 the Palm Coast City Council unanimously adopted Chapter 8, Article III, Section 8-100 of the City Code, formally allowing residents to keep up to four (4) hens on a permitted single-family property. Roosters are expressly prohibited. The ordinance, which followed a successful 50-resident Backyard Chicken Pilot Program launched May 13, 2025, requires an application and a $50 permit fee through the City's online permitting portal at palmcoastgov.com/building under 'Homeowner Permitting.' Eligibility is limited to homesteaded, single-family detached properties; rental properties are excluded unless the owner provides written approval, and properties within Homeowners Associations are excluded entirely (HOA covenants in most Palm Coast subdivisions continue to bar fowl).

Key details: Governing Code: Palm Coast Code Ch. 8 Art. III Sec. 8-100 (adopted Dec. 16, 2025). Hens Allowed: Maximum 4 hens per permitted property. Roosters: PROHIBITED. Eligible Properties: Homesteaded, single-family detached only. HOA Properties: EXCLUDED entirely from eligibility.

Keeping more than four (4) hens, keeping a rooster, or keeping any hens without a valid Sec. 8-100 permit on a Palm Coast residential property is a violation of Chapter 8, Article III of the City Code. Keeping chickens on a property inside an HOA-governed subdivision is a violation regardless of HOA position - the ordinance categorically excludes HOA properties from eligibility. Keeping chickens on a rental property without written owner approval is a violation. Code Enforcement issues a Notice of Violation with a compliance deadline (typically 14-30 days); continued non-compliance can be referred to the Code Enforcement Board for a hearing with daily civil penalties under Chapter 162, Florida Statutes, and removal of the animals. Keeping any traditional livestock (cattle, goats, sheep, swine, horses) on a Palm Coast residential lot is a separate violation of Chapter 8 unless the parcel carries an agricultural zoning designation.

Wildlife Feeding

Florida bans the intentional feeding of multiple wildlife species statewide, and Palm Coast - sitting on the Atlantic coast adjacent to the Pellicer Creek Aquatic Preserve, Princess Place Preserve, and dense saltwater marsh and freshwater pond habitat - is squarely inside the enforcement zone. FWC Rule 68A-4.001(3) prohibits the feeding of black bears and Florida panthers; FWC Rule 68A-25.002 prohibits the feeding of alligators and crocodiles; FWC Rule 68A-13.004 protects sandhill cranes. Violations are second-degree misdemeanors under FS 379.412 and are aggressively enforced by FWC Law Enforcement (888-404-FWCC). Bird feeders for songbirds are not regulated; intentional feeding of nuisance wildlife (raccoons, foxes) can be cited by Palm Coast Code Enforcement under general nuisance provisions.

Key details: Alligator/Crocodile Feeding: PROHIBITED - 2nd-deg misdemeanor (FWC 68A-25.002 / FS 379.413). Black Bear Feeding: PROHIBITED - 2nd-deg misdemeanor (FWC 68A-4.001(3)). Florida Panther: Feeding prohibited - state + federal ESA. Sandhill Crane Feeding: PROHIBITED (FWC 68A-13.004 - state-threatened). Bald Eagle: Federal protection - 660 ft nest buffer (FWC 68A-16.002).

Intentionally feeding or enticing with feed any wild alligator or crocodile is a second-degree misdemeanor under FWC Rule 68A-25.002 / FS 379.413, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. Intentionally placing food or garbage that attracts black bears or Florida panthers is a second-degree misdemeanor under FWC Rule 68A-4.001(3) / FS 379.412. Feeding sandhill cranes is prohibited under FWC Rule 68A-13.004. Disturbing or feeding bald eagles violates the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (criminal misdemeanor with $100,000 individual fine + 1 year imprisonment) and FWC Rule 68A-16.002. Killing or possessing a Florida panther violates federal ESA and FWC rules - significant federal felony exposure. Field enforcement by FWC Law Enforcement (888-404-FWCC); habituation feeding of raccoons, foxes, and coyotes may be cited by Palm Coast Code Enforcement (386-986-2520) under the general nuisance provisions of the City Code.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Palm Coast actively enforces its wildlife feeding requirements.

Dog Leash Laws

Section 8-31 of the Palm Coast City Code (Chapter 8, Article II - City of Palm Coast Animal Control Regulations) imposes one of the stricter leash regimes on Florida's First Coast. Every animal off the owner's property must be on a physical leash NOT EXCEEDING EIGHT (8) FEET in length; voice command alone is NOT a permissible substitute for a leash, even for a trained dog. Dogs may not be left loose in the open bed of a pick-up truck. Owners must remove feces deposited by their animal on any property other than their own. Three full-time certified Animal Control Officers in the City Code Enforcement Division (386-986-2520) enforce these rules and may capture any animal that is not leashed and not on its owner's property.

Key details: Governing Code: Palm Coast Code Ch. 8 Art. II Sec. 8-31 (Duties of animal owners). Off-Property Restraint: Physical leash REQUIRED - voice command not sufficient. Maximum Leash Length: 8 feet at full extension. Loose in Truck Bed: PROHIBITED. Waste Cleanup: Required on all property other than the owner's.

Walking a dog off-property without a physical leash, or with a leash longer than eight (8) feet at full extension, is a violation of Sec. 8-31 of the Palm Coast Code. Voice command, e-collar, or invisible fence alone is NOT compliant when the dog is off the owner's property. Allowing a dog to ride loose in the open bed of a pick-up truck is a violation. Failing to remove feces deposited by your animal on another's property or the public right-of-way is a violation. Failing to vaccinate a dog, cat, or ferret 4 months or older against rabies is a violation of FS 828.30 (a second-degree misdemeanor). Palm Coast Animal Control Officers (386-986-2520) may capture any animal that is off-property and unleashed and impound it at the Flagler Humane Society shelter (1 Shelter Drive). Reclaim fees and per-day boarding charges apply, and cruelty or repeated at-large violations may be referred to the Code Enforcement Board for civil penalties under Ch. 162 Florida Statutes or to the State Attorney for prosecution under FS 828.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Palm Coast actively enforces its dog leash laws requirements.

Livestock

The City of Palm Coast does NOT permit traditional livestock - cattle, horses, goats, sheep, swine, pigs - on residential lots inside the City limits. Chapter 8 of the Palm Coast City Code prohibits livestock-keeping in R-1, R-2, MFR, and other residential zoning districts, and the City's Land Development Code does not provide a residential 'agricultural use' carve-out. The December 16, 2025 Sec. 8-100 ordinance legalized backyard HENS (up to 4) but did NOT lift the prohibition on other livestock. Outside the City limits, unincorporated Flagler County allows livestock on parcels carrying an Agricultural (AC, AC-2, AC-3) zoning designation, with Florida Right to Farm Act (FS 823.14) protections for bona fide agricultural operations.

Key details: City Livestock Policy: PROHIBITED on residential lots (R-1, R-2, MFR, etc.). Hens: Up to 4 allowed under Sec. 8-100 (Dec. 2025) - permit required. Roosters: PROHIBITED. Cattle / Goats / Sheep / Swine: PROHIBITED inside City limits. Horses / Ponies: PROHIBITED inside City limits.

Keeping cattle, horses, goats, sheep, swine, pigs, mules, donkeys, or similar livestock on a residential lot inside the Palm Coast city limits is a violation of Chapter 8 of the City Code. Code Enforcement issues a Notice of Violation with a compliance deadline (typically 14-30 days); continued non-compliance is referred to the Code Enforcement Board for a public hearing with daily civil penalties under Chapter 162, Florida Statutes (up to $250 per day for a first violation, $500 per day for repeat violations), and the animal may be impounded. Keeping a potbellied pig is a violation - the December 2025 chicken ordinance only legalized hens, not other species. Keeping a rooster (male chicken) is a violation of Sec. 8-100. Outside the City, livestock-keeping on land not zoned Agricultural (AC) and not classified as agricultural under FS 193.461 violates the Flagler County Land Development Code and is enforced by Flagler County Code Enforcement.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Palm Coast actively enforces its livestock requirements.

Exotic Pets

Florida regulates exotic and captive wildlife on a STATEWIDE basis through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) under Florida Statute Chapter 379 and FWC rule Chapters 68A-6 and 68A-25. Animals are classified as Class I (lions, tigers, bears, leopards, cheetahs, gorillas, chimpanzees, baboons, crocodiles - private ownership PROHIBITED; only registered Class I exhibitors), Class II (cougars, bobcats, servals, wolves, hyenas, alligators, large macaques - permit required, $140-$300 fee, 1,000 hours of documented experience, secure caging), and Class III (most other captive wildlife - free no-cost permit required for non-exempt species). The Captive Wildlife Amnesty Day program operated by FWC accepts surrender of illegally held exotics without penalty. The City of Palm Coast does not have its own exotic-pet ordinance and relies on the FWC state framework.

Key details: Governing Framework: FS Ch. 379 + FWC Rules 68A-6 / 68A-25. Class I (Big Cats, Bears, Apes): Private ownership PROHIBITED - exhibitors only. Class II (Cougars, Bobcats, Servals, Wolves, Alligators): License + $140-$300 fee + 1,000 hr experience + bond. Class III (Most Other Wildlife): Free FWC permit required (unless exempt). Federal Big Cat Ban: Big Cat Public Safety Act of 2022 - nationwide.

Possession of a Class I species (big cats, bears, great apes, baboons, etc.) by a private individual without an FWC Class I exhibitor license and USDA Animal Welfare Act license is prohibited and subject to first-degree misdemeanor penalties under FS 379.401, escalating to third-degree felony for repeat violations or aggravated circumstances; federal Big Cat Public Safety Act of 2022 penalties also apply for big cats. Possession of a Class II species without an FWC Class II license (proper caging, $10,000 bond, 1,000 hours experience, written critical-incident plan) is a first-degree misdemeanor. Possession of a Class III species that is not exempt without a no-cost FWC Class III permit is a non-criminal infraction with civil penalty. Possession of a Burmese python, reticulated python, or other Prohibited Species under FS 379.372 is a first-degree misdemeanor; release of any non-native species into the wild is a third-degree felony. Enforcement is by FWC Law Enforcement (888-404-FWCC dispatch) with Palm Coast Animal Control (386-986-2520) handling local intake and seizure coordination.

Compared to other cities, Palm Coast takes a harder line on exotic pets. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Beekeeping

Backyard beekeeping is permissive in Palm Coast. Florida Statute 586.10 (effective July 1, 2012, as amended) preempts most local regulation of honey bee colonies that comply with FDACS Best Management Requirements - cities and counties may NOT enact ordinances that prohibit beekeeping or set inconsistent local rules. Florida Statute 586.04 separately requires every beekeeper to register their colonies with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Bureau of Plant and Apiary Inspection regardless of hive count, with renewal annually. Palm Coast's City Code does not contain a beekeeping section, so state law fully governs.

Key details: City Beekeeping Ordinance: None - FS 586 governs. State Preemption: FS 586.10 - local bans/inconsistent rules PROHIBITED. FDACS Registration: REQUIRED (FS 586.04) - 30 days of acquiring first colony. Registration Fee: ~$10/year for 1-5 hives (tiered). Lot-Size Colony Cap: 3 (<1/4 ac) - 6 (1/4-1/2 ac) - 10 (1/2-1 ac) - more on larger lots.

Operating an unregistered apiary in Palm Coast is a violation of FS 586.04 - a non-criminal infraction enforceable by FDACS Apiary Inspectors with civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation. Maintaining colonies that do not comply with the FDACS Best Management Requirements (Africanized hybrid stock, no flyway barrier within 15 feet of property line, no water source, exceeding the lot-size colony cap) loses the FS 586.10 preemption shield and can trigger an FDACS abatement order plus complaint-based action by Palm Coast Code Enforcement under the City's general nuisance provisions. Africanized honey bee colonies must be requeened with European stock or destroyed within 30 days of detection. Palm Coast itself cannot prohibit beekeeping or set hive-count caps lower than the state Best Management Requirements - any such local rule would be unenforceable under FS 586.10.

The rules around beekeeping in Palm Coast lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

The Bottom Line

Palm Coast is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 4 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Palm Coast, 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 Palm Coast's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.