Chickens & Livestock: Milton vs Navarre
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Milton, FL and Navarre, FL?
Navarre has fewer restrictions than Milton.
Milton, FL
Santa Rosa County
Within the City of Milton, the Land Development Code (Part III of the Code of Ordinances) governs accessory animal-keeping uses; Milton does not have a city-specific backyard-hen ordinance. Surrounding unincorporated Santa Rosa County is more permissive: Santa Rosa County Code Chapter 4 (Animals) allows up to 8 chickens on lots of 0.25 acres or less, with roosters required to be at least 100 yards from any neighboring residence and coops set back 10 ft from rear/side property lines.
View full Milton rules →Navarre, FL
Santa Rosa County
Navarre is unincorporated Santa Rosa County, so the County's animal and zoning ordinances apply. Santa Rosa County allows backyard chickens in most residential zones with no county-level cap (HOA rules may apply). For larger livestock, the County requires a Rural Residential or higher zoning class and a minimum 20,000 sq ft lot — one horse/cow per 20,000 sq ft, plus up to 25 chickens or 10 ducks/rabbits per same area.
View full Navarre rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Milton | Navarre |
|---|---|---|
| City Code Reference | Milton LDC (Part III) Arts. 8-9 | - |
| County Code (unincorporated) | Santa Rosa County Code Ch. 4 | - |
| County Hen Cap | 8 hens on <=0.25 acre | - |
| Rooster Setback (county) | 100 yards from neighboring residence | - |
| Jurisdiction | - | Santa Rosa County (unincorporated) |
| Code Reference | - | County Code Ch. 4 (Animals) |
| Backyard Chickens | - | Allowed in SFR (no count cap) |
| Livestock | - | 20,000 sq ft min, RR zone+ |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Milton FAQ
Can I keep chickens inside Milton, FL city limits?
Milton has not enacted a city backyard-chicken permit ordinance. Whether chickens are allowed depends on the underlying zoning of your parcel under Milton's Land Development Code. Most standard residential zones (R-1, R-2) do not list fowl as a permitted accessory use, so residents should verify with the City of Milton Planning Department before keeping chickens.
What about chickens just outside Milton in unincorporated Santa Rosa County?
Santa Rosa County Code Chapter 4 (Animals) is more permissive. Lots of 0.25 acres or less may keep up to 8 chickens; roosters must be at least 100 yards from any neighboring residence; coops must be 10 ft from side/rear property lines and 20 ft from any neighboring home. The Estate Residential District prohibits all fowl regardless of these rules.
Navarre FAQ
Can I keep chickens in Navarre, FL?
Yes. Santa Rosa County allows backyard chickens in residential zones with no county-level limit on hens. Always check your HOA covenants — they're often stricter than the County code.
Can I keep a horse or cow in Navarre?
Only if you're in a Rural Residential or higher zoning class and have at least 20,000 sq ft of gross lot area per animal under Santa Rosa County's land development rules. SFR and MFR zones do not allow large livestock.
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