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 15 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Tampa City Code Sec. 27-282.28 (Chickens as accessory use); Sec. 27-282.27 (animal table), verified August 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 10 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 15 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 1,000 sq ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Coop required on the property; maximum height 6 ft and maximum 125 sq ft. Chickens must be kept in an enclosed (fenced or walled) area at all times. Coop setbacks follow Sec. 27-290 accessory structure standards. |
| Code section | Tampa City Code Sec. 27-282.28 (Chickens as accessory use); Sec. 27-282.27 (animal table) |
Tampa allows hens only as an accessory residential use at a rate of one chicken per 1,000 square feet of land, rounded down, up to a maximum of 10. No roosters and no permit. A coop is required, capped at 125 square feet and 6 feet tall, with outdoor pens set back at least 15 feet from any residential use.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Tampa?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Tampa (Tampa City Code Sec. 27-282.28 (Chickens as accessory use); Sec. 27-282.27 (animal table)).
How many chickens can I keep in Tampa?
Up to 10 hens. 1 hen per 1,000 sq ft of lot area, max 10.
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?
15 feet minimum. Coop required on the property; maximum height 6 ft and maximum 125 sq ft. Chickens must be kept in an enclosed (fenced or walled) area at all times. Coop setbacks follow Sec. 27-290 accessory structure standards.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Tampa?
Yes — 1,000 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?
Tampa City Code Sec. 27-282.28 (Chickens as accessory use); Sec. 27-282.27 (animal table). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Tampa City Code Sec. 27-282.28 (Chickens as accessory use); Sec. 27-282.27 (animal table) — read the official code
“Tampa ordinances permit residents to keep up to ten hens in their backyard” source
“Sec. 27-282.28. - Chickens as accessory use. Chickens as an accessory use shall adhere to the following requirements: Chickens: Hens only (no roosters allowed); 1 chicken/1,000 SF land (rounded down); Shall not count as part of total number of animals permitted for a family (as defined in section 27-43); Must be kept in an enclosed area (fenced or walled) at all times; Coop must be present on property in order to keep chickens. Coops: Setbacks must adhere to section 27-290 Accessory Structures standards; Maximum height: 6 feet; Max area/size/coverage of land: 125 SF” source
“Domestic egg-laying chickens 0-10 animals Outdoor pens/runs/coops: Minimum 15 foot setback from any residential use.” source
Last verified August 2, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
Reach people actively researching backyard chickens in their city. Founding sponsor slots now open.
Apply to become a sponsor →