Backyard Chickens in Jacksonville, Florida
Chickens are legal in Jacksonville — here's exactly what the ordinance requires.
Jacksonville Chicken Laws — Quick Reference
Backyard placement required; coop must be screened; larger coops over 100 sq ft require building permit
Backyard Hen Permit required in eligible areas; hens in coop/enclosure at all times; no roosters; no multifamily, mobile home parks, RV parks, or rental communities
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What the Jacksonville Rules Say
Jacksonville allows backyard hens through its Backyard Hen Program Permit in certain residential zoning districts. The city’s permit information says the program was enacted by Ordinance 2015-0337-E and refers residents to Zoning Code Section 656.422.
For properties up to one acre, the city allows up to five hens. Properties from 1.0 to 2.0 acres may have up to 10 hens, and properties over 2.0 acres may have up to 15 hens, which is the maximum allowed.
The application checklist includes the city permit application, UF/IFAS Extension chicken keeping seminar certificate, property sketch and coop location, and a $25 payment.
The permit conditions say chickens must be kept in a coop or enclosure at all times. Coops must be in the backyard, screened from neighboring property by an opaque fence or visual barrier, covered, ventilated, and predator-secured. Roosters are prohibited.
What This Means in Plain English
Jacksonville is permit-based and acreage-based. Most smaller residential lots should plan around the five-hen limit, but larger lots may qualify for more hens.
This is not a free-range setup. Hens must stay in a coop or enclosure, and feed must be stored in a rodent- and predator-proof container.
Practical Considerations
Training Comes First
The city requires completion of the poultry management seminar before the permit application can be accepted.
Backyard and Screening Rules
The coop belongs in the backyard and must be visually screened from neighboring property.
No Commercial Activity
The permit terms prohibit breeding, commercial sales, and selling chickens, eggs, or manure from the property.
Getting Started
- Confirm your zoning and eligibility.
- Complete the UF/IFAS chicken keeping seminar.
- Sketch the property and coop location.
- Apply for the Backyard Hen Program Permit.
- Build a secure, screened backyard coop/enclosure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have chickens in Jacksonville, FL?
Yes. Jacksonville allows backyard hens in eligible areas with a Backyard Hen Program Permit.
How many hens can I have in Jacksonville?
Most lots up to one acre may have up to five hens. Larger lots may qualify for up to 10 or 15 hens depending on acreage.
Are roosters allowed in Jacksonville?
No. Roosters are prohibited under the backyard hen permit terms.
Recommended Setup for Jacksonville's Rules
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OverEZ Classic Medium Chicken Coop
Amish-built, made in USA. Houses up to 10 hens while staying compact enough for many suburban backyards.
1/2-Inch Hardware Cloth
Predator proofingPredator-resistant mesh for runs, vents, and coop skirts. Better than chicken wire for raccoons, snakes, and loose dogs.
Large Poultry Waterer
Warm climateHigher-capacity waterer for warm climates and larger legal flock limits. Useful where heat makes daily water checks essential.
UV Shade Cloth for Chicken Runs
Heat protectionRun shade for Texas heat and exposed yards. Helps lower heat stress when ordinances require birds to stay enclosed.
Verification Notice
This page was last verified against Jacksonville's municipal code in May 2026. Ordinances change — always confirm current rules with your local city clerk before purchasing birds or building a coop.
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