Does Florida Have a Statewide Backyard Chicken Law?
Florida has a unique legal landscape for backyard chickens. Florida Statute 163.04 protects solar energy devices from local government bans, and HB 1203 (signed July 2024) explicitly extended those protections to chickens kept by HOA members — preventing HOAs from banning hens that are not visible from the street, adjacent property, or shared community spaces.
HOA Authority in Florida
Florida HOAs face significant new restrictions under HB 1203 (2024). If your chicken coop is not visible from the front of your home, adjacent properties, or community common areas, your Florida HOA cannot prohibit it outright — though they can still regulate placement, number, and maintenance. City ordinances still apply independently.
Cities in Florida
Select a city below for a detailed ordinance guide, or use the Ordinance Finder tool to look up your city's rules.
- Orlando
- Tampa
- Jacksonville
- Miami
- Tallahassee
- Gainesville
- St. Petersburg
- Fort Lauderdale
Florida's 2024 HOA law is the most significant recent development in U.S. chicken ordinance law. See our detailed guide: Florida HB 1203 Explained.
General Advice for Florida Residents
Even if your city allows backyard chickens, there are always additional layers to check: your specific zoning classification, your HOA's CC&Rs, and whether a permit is required before you bring hens home. Use our free checklist to work through each step.