Can I keep chickens in Clermont, FL?
Yes, with conditions — Clermont allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 5 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 20 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Clermont Code of Ordinances, Ch. 6 (Animals), Sec. 6-45 (Livestock prohibited; exception), added by Ord. No. 2025-008, adopted February 11, 2025, verified July 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 5 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 20 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Coops and runs must be in the rear yard, never a front or side yard, at least 20 feet from any neighboring residential dwelling and at least 5 feet from any property line. Coops must provide at least 4 square feet per chicken, may not exceed 6 feet in height, and must be kept clean. Runs must be entirely fenced and no larger than 100 square feet. Chickens must be removed after three separate Code violations. |
| Code section | Clermont Code of Ordinances, Ch. 6 (Animals), Sec. 6-45 (Livestock prohibited; exception), added by Ord. No. 2025-008, adopted February 11, 2025 |
Livestock is prohibited in Clermont except by conditional use permit or under the urban backyard chicken program. That program allows a maximum of five hens on developed, occupied, detached single-family properties. Only female chickens qualify and any chicken that crows is deemed a rooster and prohibited citywide. Selling eggs, meat or feathers is prohibited, as is on-site slaughter. IMPORTANT: the program is set to expire on February 11, 2027 unless the city council extends it.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Clermont?
Yes, with conditions — Clermont allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Clermont Code of Ordinances, Ch. 6 (Animals), Sec. 6-45 (Livestock prohibited; exception), added by Ord. No. 2025-008, adopted February 11, 2025).
How many chickens can I keep in Clermont?
Up to 5 hens. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Clermont?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Clermont.
Are roosters allowed in Clermont?
No — roosters are prohibited in Clermont.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Clermont?
20 feet minimum. Coops and runs must be in the rear yard, never a front or side yard, at least 20 feet from any neighboring residential dwelling and at least 5 feet from any property line. Coops must provide at least 4 square feet per chicken, may not exceed 6 feet in height, and must be kept clean. Runs must be entirely fenced and no larger than 100 square feet. Chickens must be removed after three separate Code violations.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Clermont?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Clermont's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Clermont?
Clermont Code of Ordinances, Ch. 6 (Animals), Sec. 6-45 (Livestock prohibited; exception), added by Ord. No. 2025-008, adopted February 11, 2025. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Clermont Code of Ordinances, Ch. 6 (Animals), Sec. 6-45 (Livestock prohibited; exception), added by Ord. No. 2025-008, adopted February 11, 2025 — read the official code
“It shall be unlawful to keep any livestock upon any property within the city limits, except where a conditional use permit, authorizing livestock, is granted by the city council or if the property owner can demonstrate the owner complies with the urban backyard chicken regulations below.” source
“The maximum number of chickens per property will be five hens.” source
“The keeping of roosters within any zoning district within the city is prohibited. Any chicken that crows shall be deemed a rooster for the purposes of this Code.” source
“Any structure built for the housing or exercise of chickens shall be kept a minimum of 20 feet from any neighboring residential dwelling and a minimum of five feet from any property line.” 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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