Can I keep chickens in Cape Coral, FL?
Yes, with conditions — Cape Coral allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. Coops must be at least 150 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Cape Coral Code Sec. 4-32; LUDR Sec. 4.2.4.B (Ord. 69-21), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 150 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 100,000 sq ft |
| Coop rules | Poultry allowed only in Residential Estate (RE) zoning with Low Density Residential II FLUM classification (or agricultural zoning). Minimum lot 100,000 sq ft; animals may not run within 100 ft of any other zoning district; coops set back 150 ft from other districts under separate ownership; personal use only. |
| Code section | Cape Coral Code Sec. 4-32; LUDR Sec. 4.2.4.B (Ord. 69-21) |
Cape Coral bans poultry in all zoning districts except Residential Estate parcels with a Low Density Residential II future land use classification (and agricultural zones). Qualifying lots need at least 100,000 sq ft, a 100-ft animal buffer and 150-ft coop setback, and keeping is limited to personal, non-commercial use. Verified against current code (June 2026).
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Cape Coral?
Yes, with conditions — Cape Coral allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Cape Coral Code Sec. 4-32; LUDR Sec. 4.2.4.B (Ord. 69-21)).
How many chickens can I keep in Cape Coral?
It depends on your lot. RE zoning with LDR-II FLUM (or agricultural) only; minimum 100,000 sq ft lot; no codified hen count cap.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Cape Coral?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Cape Coral.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Cape Coral?
150 feet minimum. Poultry allowed only in Residential Estate (RE) zoning with Low Density Residential II FLUM classification (or agricultural zoning). Minimum lot 100,000 sq ft; animals may not run within 100 ft of any other zoning district; coops set back 150 ft from other districts under separate ownership; personal use only.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Cape Coral?
Yes — 100,000 sq ft.
What law covers backyard chickens in Cape Coral?
Cape Coral Code Sec. 4-32; LUDR Sec. 4.2.4.B (Ord. 69-21). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Cape Coral Code Sec. 4-32; LUDR Sec. 4.2.4.B (Ord. 69-21) — read the official code
“unlawful for any person to keep, raise, maintain, or pasture any animal that does not fit under the definition of a domestic animal including, but not limited to, cattle, mules, goats, sheep, swine, poultry, other livestock, exotic, or wild animals in all zoning districts” source
“The minimum lot area required for the keeping, raising, and breeding of non-domestic animals, as identified in this section, is 100,000 square feet.” source
“Buildings or other roofed structures or enclosures for the keeping of animals within this subsection must be set back a minimum of 150 feet from any zoning district other than Residential Estate (RE) or Agricultural (A) zoning districts, under separate ownership.” source
Last verified June 12, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code.
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