Brevard County, FL Right to Farm: Agricultural Zoning Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- PA minimum lot size
- 5 acres
- AGR minimum lot size
- 5 acres
- Farm-animal structure buffer
- 300 ft from residential zoning
- PA front setback
- 100 feet
- Scope
- Unincorporated Brevard only
Summary
Unincorporated Brevard protects working farms through PA and AGR zoning districts, which permit agricultural pursuits by right and set acreage and setback rules that buffer farms from residential encroachment.
The purpose of the PA productive agricultural zoning classification is to recognize those areas in the county that are agriculturally productive. Their function is of great physical and economic value to the county, and therefore such areas should be afforded a high level of protection. This classification will have its principal application in the citrus grove and cattle ranch areas of the county; however, any area in the county meeting the requirements of this section can be considered for this zone. Emphasis will be placed on areas that are agriculturally intensive, and development in these areas will be kept to a minimum.
(1)Permitted uses.a.Permitted uses are as follows: Mobile home residential dwelling.
One single-family dwelling unit.
Tenant dwellings: Where there are 40 or more acres under the same ownership, one tenant dwelling unit is permitted for each five acres, not to exceed ten tenant dwelling units in total. Tenant dwelling units shall be set back 200 feet from all property under different ownership.
All agricultural pursuits. The sale of products produced on the property and any other agricultural produce may be sold from roadside stands as provided in chapter 86, article IV.
Raising and grazing of farm animals, fowl raising and beekeeping.
Nurseries and horticultural pursuits.
Parks and public recreational facilities.
Pet kennels.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 135).
Full Breakdown
The Productive Agricultural (PA) classification covers citrus grove and cattle ranch areas the county deems agriculturally intensive and requires a high level of protection; the Agricultural (AGR) classification pairs farming with low-density rural residential use. Both require a minimum five-acre lot, and any structure housing farm animals, fowl or bees must sit 300 feet from land zoned for non-agricultural single-family residential use, insulating working farms from suburban complaints.
Violations & Fines
Operating a non-listed use, or building closer than the required front/side/rear setback (100/50/50 feet in PA, 25/15-20 feet in AGR), without a conditional-use approval or variance is a zoning violation. Brevard County Code Compliance enforces through the Code Enforcement Special Magistrate, who can order correction and impose fines for noncompliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Brevard County zoning shield farms from residential complaints?
What's the minimum acreage to farm in these districts?
Does this cover Melbourne, Palm Bay or Titusville?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Brevard County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Brevard County to another location·View the Florida right to farm overview
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