Backyard Chickens in West Palm Beach, Florida

Can you keep chickens in West Palm Beach?

Thinking about raising backyard chickens in West Palm Beach? Unfortunately, city ordinance flatly prohibits keeping chickens, roosters, or any other poultry or livestock anywhere within the city limits. Below is what the code actually says, along with general regional guidance in case you're keeping chickens in a nearby area where they are legal.

Not straightforward

No. The City of West Palm Beach prohibits the keeping of any poultry (including chickens) within city limits. The city's Code of Ordinances Sec. 14-1, titled "Keeping of livestock and poultry in city prohibited; penalty," makes it unlawful for any person to keep, maintain, or pasture horses, cattle, mules, goats, sheep, swine, poultry, or other livestock anywhere within the municipal limits of the city. Violators face a fine of up to $500 or imprisonment for up to 60 days.

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Restricted
How many hens: Not Allowed
Roosters: No
Permit required: No
Permit cost: Not specified
Setback from property line: Not specified

Peggy knows West Palm Beach

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

There are no coop, setback, or permit provisions for backyard chickens in West Palm Beach because keeping poultry of any kind is banned outright under Sec. 14-1 of the city code. This applies city-wide to all residential zoning districts — there is no exception for hens-only flocks, small numbers of birds, or private, non-commercial egg production.

Penalty: Any person violating this section is, upon conviction, subject to a fine not exceeding $500.00 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding 60 days (Code 1979, § 6-2; Sec. 14-1).

Residents interested in urban chicken-keeping have periodically lobbied the city council to change the ordinance, but as of the most recent available information the citywide prohibition remains in effect.

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in West Palm Beach

🌡️ Climate

USDA Hardiness Zone 10b / Humid Subtropical-Tropical Transition

West Palm Beach enjoys a warm, humid subtropical-to-tropical climate with mild, dry winters and long, hot, humid summers with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Because chickens are prohibited citywide, these climate notes are provided for general regional reference only (e.g., for residents keeping chickens legally in unincorporated Palm Beach County or elsewhere).

🦝 Who's after your hens

RaccoonHawkSnakeOpossumCoyote

Even though backyard flocks are not legal in West Palm Beach proper, South Florida's wildlife poses a serious predator risk anywhere poultry might be kept nearby. Common threats include raccoons and opossums (skilled nocturnal climbers and diggers), hawks and other birds of prey hunting by day, and snakes that target eggs and chicks. Coyotes have also become established across South Florida in recent years and can threaten unsecured flocks.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

Not applicable — backyard chickens are not permitted within West Palm Beach city limits. For nearby unincorporated areas where poultry may be allowed, heat-tolerant breeds such as Leghorns, Easter Eggers, Australorps, and Rhode Island Reds are generally well-suited to South Florida's heat and humidity.

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

Questions people ask about West Palm Beach

▸Are backyard chickens legal in West Palm Beach, Florida?

No. City Code Sec. 14-1 makes it unlawful to keep, maintain, or pasture poultry (or other livestock) anywhere within the municipal limits of West Palm Beach.

▸What happens if I keep chickens in West Palm Beach anyway?

Violating the prohibition on keeping poultry can result in a fine of up to $500 or imprisonment for up to 60 days, per Sec. 14-1 (Code 1979, § 6-2).

▸Can I get a permit or special exception to keep hens in West Palm Beach?

No permit process exists because the ordinance is a blanket citywide prohibition on poultry — there is no exemption for small hen-only flocks or private egg production under current city code.

▸Is unincorporated Palm Beach County different from the City of West Palm Beach?

Possibly. Palm Beach County classifies poultry as livestock that must be properly fenced, but county zoning is not entirely clear on whether poultry is allowed on residential parcels outside city limits. Residents should contact the Palm Beach County Planning, Zoning & Building Department directly, since West Palm Beach's own city-limit ban is separate and stricter.

▸Has West Palm Beach considered changing its no-chickens ordinance?

Residents have periodically organized to petition the city council to amend the ordinance and allow backyard hens, but as of the latest available information, no change has been enacted and the prohibition in Sec. 14-1 remains in force.

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with West Palm Beach or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked September 9, 2026.