Can I keep chickens in Tampa, FL?
Yes — Tampa allows backyard chickens, up to 10 hens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 200 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (6.11.129, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 10 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 200 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 5,000 sq ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Roosters prohibited. Fully enclosed structure. Coops in rear yard. Minimum 5000 sq ft per 5 fowl. No commercial use. |
| Code section | 6.11.129 |
Tampa (Hillsborough County) allows up to 10 chickens without a permit. Roosters prohibited. Fully enclosed coops. 200-foot setback from neighboring dwelling units and 5000 sq ft minimum per 5 fowl.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Tampa?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Tampa (6.11.129).
How many chickens can I keep in Tampa?
Up to 10 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Tampa?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Tampa.
Are roosters allowed in Tampa?
No — roosters are prohibited in Tampa.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Tampa?
200 feet minimum. Roosters prohibited. Fully enclosed structure. Coops in rear yard. Minimum 5000 sq ft per 5 fowl. No commercial use.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Tampa?
Yes — 5,000 sq ft.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Tampa?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Tampa's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Tampa?
6.11.129. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
6.11.129 — read the official code
“Tampa ordinances permit residents to keep up to ten hens in their backyard” source
Last verified June 12, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code.
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