Can I keep chickens in St. Petersburg, FL?
Yes — St. Petersburg allows backyard chickens, up to 10 hens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 50 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (4-31, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 10 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 50 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Up to 10 fowl in securely fenced area. Roosters and noisy fowl prohibited. Coops 50 feet from neighboring residences unless written consent. Rear yard, enclosed, no larger than 130 sq ft, max 6 feet tall. |
| Code section | 4-31 |
St. Petersburg allows up to 10 fowl without a permit in secure fenced areas. Roosters prohibited. Coops must maintain 50-foot distance from neighboring residences unless written consent provided. Coop size limited to 130 sq ft, max 6 feet tall.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in St. Petersburg?
Yes — chickens are allowed in St. Petersburg (4-31).
How many chickens can I keep in St. Petersburg?
Up to 10 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in St. Petersburg?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in St. Petersburg.
Are roosters allowed in St. Petersburg?
No — roosters are prohibited in St. Petersburg.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in St. Petersburg?
50 feet minimum. Up to 10 fowl in securely fenced area. Roosters and noisy fowl prohibited. Coops 50 feet from neighboring residences unless written consent. Rear yard, enclosed, no larger than 130 sq ft, max 6 feet tall.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in St. Petersburg?
No — slaughter is not permitted under St. Petersburg's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in St. Petersburg?
4-31. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
4-31 — read the official code
“Up to 10 fowl (chicken, turkey, duck, geese, and guinea fowl) can be kept at a residence in a securely fenced area” source
Last verified June 12, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code.
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