Can I keep chickens in Jacksonville, FL?
Yes — Jacksonville allows backyard chickens, up to 15 hens with a required permit/registration. Roosters are prohibited. (656.422, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 15 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($25) |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Coop must be in rear yard, screened from view, covered and predator-proof, max 6 feet tall. |
| Code section | 656.422 |
Jacksonville allows chickens by permit in single-family residential dwellings with a tiered formula based on lot size. No roosters, no slaughter, no commercial use.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Jacksonville?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Jacksonville (656.422).
How many chickens can I keep in Jacksonville?
Up to 15 hens. Tiered by lot size: 5 up to 43,560 sq ft; 10 up to 87,120 sq ft; 15 above.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Jacksonville?
Yes — Jacksonville requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $25).
Are roosters allowed in Jacksonville?
No — roosters are prohibited in Jacksonville.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Jacksonville?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Jacksonville's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Jacksonville?
656.422. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
656.422 — read the official code
“Chickens allowed by permit in certain zoning districts” source
Last verified June 12, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code.
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