Animal Ordinances in St. Johns County, FL (2026)
5 rules for unincorporated St. Johns County, Florida.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
St. Johns County lets homeowners keep up to five domestic hens as an accessory use in any residential zoning district, but roosters, ducks, geese, turkeys and peafowl are all off the table. Land Development Code Section 2.02.04.B.18 requires a coop behind the house, at least fifteen feet from side and rear lines, and no taller than six feet.
St. Johns County Backyard Chicken Rules
Some RestrictionsSt. Johns County Land Development Code § 2.02.04.B.18
18. Domestic Hens shall be considered an allowable Accessory Use in all residential zoning districts subject to a Non-DRC site plan review and continual compliance with the following: a. The number of hens shall not exceed five (5) unless approved under Section 2.03.06. ... b. Roosters are prohibited. c. Duck, geese, turkeys, peafowl, or any other poultry or fowl are not allowed under the provi...
Pet Limits
Unincorporated St. Johns County caps household pets over ten weeks old at five per residential lot. Keeping more without an approved Special Use is a zoning violation, and small caged animals like fish, hamsters and turtles are exempt from the count entirely.
St. Johns County Household Pet Limit
Some RestrictionsSt. Johns County Land Development Code § 2.02.04.B.1
Household Animals, provided that in residential districts the number of such pets over ten (10) weeks in age shall not exceed five (5) unless a Special Use has been ... granted allowing a greater number. No Animals for commercial sale shall be kept or raised in residential districts. This provision shall not apply to small, contained Household Animals, including but not limited to: freshwater o...
Pet Groomer Rules
St. Johns County groups pet grooming operations with veterinary offices and animal hospitals under Land Development Code Section 2.03.41, which requires Growth Management to approve a Special Use Permit before one can operate. Enclosed animal-housing structures must sit at least 100 feet from any residentially zoned parcel; open-air structures need 200 feet, and outdoor exercise areas must meet Section 6.08.04 standards.
St. Johns County Pet Grooming Facility Rules
Some RestrictionsSt. Johns County Land Development Code § 2.03.41
Veterinary Offices and Animal Hospitals may be permitted as a Special Use within districts as defined in Section 2.03.01, subject to the following conditions and limitations: A. Completely enclosed Structures for housing of Animals shall be located no closer than one hundred (100) feet of any residentially zoned property, or any property zoned Open Rural in a Residential Future Land Use designa...
Veterinary Clinic Zoning
Unincorporated St. Johns County requires veterinary offices and animal hospitals to obtain a Special Use permit from the Planning and Zoning Agency, and imposes fixed setbacks from residential property that grow stricter for non-enclosed buildings, outdoor exercise yards and overnight confinement areas.
St. Johns County Veterinary Office Zoning Rules
Significant RestrictionsSt. Johns County Land Development Code § 2.03.41 (see also § 6.08.04)
Veterinary Offices and Animal Hospitals may be permitted as a Special Use within districts as defined in Section 2.03.01, subject to the following conditions and limitations: A. Completely enclosed Structures for housing of Animals shall be located no closer than one hundred (100) feet of any residentially zoned property, or any property zoned Open Rural in a Residential Future Land Use designa...
Bird Protection
St. Johns County protects nesting Bald Eagles with a mandatory Primary Zone extending 750 feet from every documented nest tree, where new buildings, tree removal, platting and toxic chemicals are banned outright. A Secondary Zone extends another 750 feet with construction, lighting and noise limits, enforced under Land Development Code Section 4.01.10 by the County Administrator with FWC and USFWS.
St. Johns County Bald Eagle Habitat Rules
Heavy RestrictionsSt. Johns County Land Development Code § 4.01.10.B.1
1. Primary Zone: This is the most critical area and must be maintained to promote acceptable conditions for Bald Eagles. The Primary Zone shall be an undisturbed area extending in a minimum radius seven hundred fifty (750) feet outward from the nest tree. This area shall be designated Bald Eagle Primary Zone on all Development or Construction plans. ... a. To protect Bald Eagles the following a...
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