Can I keep chickens in Gainesville, FL?
Yes — Gainesville allows backyard chickens, up to 10 hens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited. (30-5.39, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 10 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Fowl kept for personal use only in rear half of lot behind principal structure. Roosters, ducks, turkeys, geese, guinea fowl, and peacocks prohibited unless in agricultural zone. |
| Code section | 30-5.39 |
Gainesville allows up to 10 hens as an accessory use in RSF-1-4, RC, U1, and U2 residential districts. Hens must be kept for personal use only in rear half of lot. Roosters and other poultry strictly prohibited.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Gainesville?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Gainesville (30-5.39).
How many chickens can I keep in Gainesville?
Up to 10 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Gainesville?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Gainesville.
Are roosters allowed in Gainesville?
No — roosters are prohibited in Gainesville.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Gainesville?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Gainesville's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Gainesville?
30-5.39. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
30-5.39 — read the official code
“Section 30-5.39 allows for the keeping or raising of fowl or livestock within the RSF-1 through 4, RC, U1, and U2 districts as an accessory use” source
Last verified June 12, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code.
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