Backyard Chickens in Ocala, Florida

Can you keep chickens in Ocala?

Thinking about raising hens in Ocala? Since 2019, the Horse Capital of the World has officially welcomed backyard chickens in its single-family residential neighborhoods — with a permit, a predator-proof coop, and a strict six-hen, no-rooster limit. Here's what Peggy's Happy Chickens found in the actual city ordinance.

Yes – with conditions

Yes. The City of Ocala allows backyard chickens on properties zoned R-1, R-1A, and R-1AA (single-family residential) under Sec. 122-1217 of the City Code, adopted by Ordinance ORD-2019-51 in 2019. A permit from the City's Growth Management Department is required, and only hens (no roosters) may be kept, up to a maximum of six per occupied detached single-family residence.

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Allowed
How many hens: 6
Roosters: No
Permit required: Yes
Permit cost: Not specified
Setback from property line: 3 ft.

Peggy knows Ocala

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

A permit is required from the City's Growth Management Department to keep up to six chickens in the rear yard of an occupied detached single-family residence (Sec. 122-1217(1)).
Ducks, geese, turkeys, peafowl, roosters, pigeons, or any other poultry or fowl are prohibited (Sec. 122-1217(2)).
Chickens must have a covered, properly ventilated, clean, predator-resistant coop with at least two square feet of space per chicken (Sec. 122-1217(3)).
During daylight hours chickens must have access to both the coop and a predator-proof, fenced outdoor enclosure (Sec. 122-1217(4)).
The coop and pen/run must be kept at least three feet from the adjoining property line, cleaned regularly, and kept free of insects/rodents; odors and noise must not be perceptible at the property boundary (Sec. 122-1217(5)).
Composting of chicken manure is allowed only in an enclosed bin kept at least 15 feet from all property lines (Sec. 122-1217(6)).
Chickens must be kept strictly for personal use — selling chickens, eggs, feathers, or manure, and breeding, are all prohibited (Sec. 122-1217(7)).
On-premises slaughter is not allowed (Sec. 122-1217(8)).
The Building Official may revoke the permit and require removal of chickens within 10 days for violations (Sec. 122-1217(10)).
Code Enforcement may inspect permitted properties to confirm compliance.

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Ocala

🌡️ Climate

USDA Hardiness Zone 9a/9b

Ocala sits in a humid subtropical climate, USDA Hardiness Zone 9a to 9b, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Backyard flocks need shade and good ventilation to handle summer heat/humidity, plus predator-proof coops since occasional cold snaps are mild and rarely a major concern for cold-hardy breeds.

🦝 Who's after your hens

RaccoonHawkFoxCoyoteSnakeOpossumBobcat

Central Florida's mix of wooded lots, rural edges, and waterways around Ocala/Marion County support healthy populations of raccoons, foxes, coyotes, bobcats, hawks, opossums, and rat snakes, all of which can threaten backyard flocks — reinforcing the ordinance's requirement for a fully predator-resistant coop and fenced daytime run.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

Rhode Island Red, Easter Egger, Plymouth Rock, Australorp, Leghorn

Our package comes with two Rhode Island Reds – hardy in heat and cold, and friendly with kids.

Questions people ask about Ocala

▸How many chickens can I keep in Ocala city limits?

Up to six hens per occupied detached single-family residence in the R-1, R-1A, or R-1AA zoning districts (Sec. 122-1217(1)).

▸Are roosters allowed in Ocala?

No. The ordinance specifically prohibits roosters, along with ducks, geese, turkeys, peafowl, pigeons, and any other poultry or fowl (Sec. 122-1217(2)).

▸Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Ocala?

Yes, a permit from the City's Growth Management Department is required, though according to City Council meeting minutes there is no fee charged for the permit.

▸How far must my chicken coop be from my neighbor's property?

The coop and outdoor pen/run must be kept at least three feet from the adjoining property line, and any composting bin for chicken manure must be at least 15 feet from all property lines (Sec. 122-1217(5)-(6)).

▸Can I sell eggs or meat from my Ocala backyard chickens?

No. Chickens must be kept for personal use only — selling chickens, eggs, feathers, or manure is prohibited, as is on-premises slaughter (Sec. 122-1217(7)-(8)).

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Ocala or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked September 3, 2026.