On August 10th, the Orange County government unanimously passed the Backyard Chicken Keeping Ordinance during the Board of County Commissioners meeting.

Going into effect on November 1st, Orange County will issue 130 permits on a first come, first served basis to residents in select single-family and mobile home residential zoning districts. The ordinance does not override the private covenants and restrictions of HOAs and Planned Developments.

Additionally, all prospective backyard chicken owners are required to take University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences’ training class on the basics of backyard chicken keeping. The course aims to teach prospective chicken owners an array of topics that range from chicken nutrition and egg production to biosecurity. Learn more about the class here. 

Some key conditions from the new Backyard Chicken Ordinance:

1. A Backyard Chicken permit and proof of Training from UF/IFAS Extension Orange County is required.

2. Up to four (4) chickens may be kept for personal egg consumption.

3. Chickens must be kept for personal use only. Selling chickens, eggs, feathers, or chicken manure is prohibited.

4. Ducks, geese, turkeys, peafowl, male chickens/roosters, pigeons, or any other poultry or fowl are not allowed.

To learn about everything you need to know regarding the Backyard Chicken Keeping Ordinance, visit Orange County's website. 

Many Central Florida governments currently issue permits that allow residents to keep small flocks of chickens in their backyards including the cities of Orlando, Longwood, Maitland, Winter Park and Winter Garden, as well as neighboring counties of Lake, Osceola and Seminole. Visit respective city websites for more information on current ordinances and programs.