Can I keep chickens in Clearwater, FL?
Yes, with conditions — Clearwater allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 4 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited. (Clearwater Community Development Code Sec. 3-204.I (Backyard Chickens); exempted from the general animal prohibition by Code of Ordinances Sec. 8.04(11), verified July 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 4 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | A chicken coop and a connected chicken run are both required, and chickens must be kept inside one or the other at all times. The coop and run must comply with the zoning district's accessory structure setbacks. |
| Code section | Clearwater Community Development Code Sec. 3-204.I (Backyard Chickens); exempted from the general animal prohibition by Code of Ordinances Sec. 8.04(11) |
Up to four chickens may be kept as an accessory use to a detached dwelling, but only on properties in the LDR, LMDR, MDR, MHDR and HDR zoning districts. Chickens may not be kept on properties occupied by attached dwellings or within mobile home parks. Roosters and all other poultry are prohibited, slaughter is prohibited, and a coop plus connected run are required. No permit is required. Eggs may only be sold through a lawful home-based business.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Clearwater?
Yes, with conditions — Clearwater allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Clearwater Community Development Code Sec. 3-204.I (Backyard Chickens); exempted from the general animal prohibition by Code of Ordinances Sec. 8.04(11)).
How many chickens can I keep in Clearwater?
Up to 4 hens. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Clearwater?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Clearwater.
Are roosters allowed in Clearwater?
No — roosters are prohibited in Clearwater.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Clearwater?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Clearwater's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Clearwater?
Clearwater Community Development Code Sec. 3-204.I (Backyard Chickens); exempted from the general animal prohibition by Code of Ordinances Sec. 8.04(11). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Clearwater Community Development Code Sec. 3-204.I (Backyard Chickens); exempted from the general animal prohibition by Code of Ordinances Sec. 8.04(11) — read the official code
“Clearwater approved an ordinance that allows residents of single-family homes to own up to four chickens” source
“Applicability. The provisions of this subsection shall apply to the keeping of chickens as an accessory use to a detached dwelling on properties located in the LDR, LMDR, MDR, MHDR, and HDR zoning districts.” source
“Up to four chickens may be kept on any property with an occupied detached dwelling located in the permitted zoning districts. Chickens may not be kept on properties occupied by attached dwellings, or within mobile home parks.” source
“Ducks, geese, turkeys, peafowl, adult male chickens/roosters, or any other poultry or fowl are not allowed under the provisions of this subsection of the Code.” source
Last verified July 26, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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