Raising Backyard Chickens in Pensacola, Florida

A Guide to Urban and Suburban Chicken Keeping Across Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties

With the rising cost of eggs and growing interest in sustainable living, more and more Pensacola-area residents are embracing backyard chicken keeping. Whether you're seeking fresh eggs or just love the idea of a few feathered friends roaming your backyard, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about raising chickens in Northwest Florida.

📜 Understanding Local Chicken-Keeping Laws

Before you start building a coop or naming your hens, it’s essential to understand your local regulations. Zoning laws, city ordinances, and HOA rules all play a role in what’s allowed—and what’s not. Here’s what we found about the rules for keeping chickens in the Pensacola area.

🏙️ City of Pensacola- Properties in the city limits of Pensacola

• Number of Chickens: Up to 8 hens allowed; roosters are prohibited.
• Free-Ranging: Permitted on your property, but chickens must stay off neighboring yards and public areas.
• Setbacks: Coops or pens must be at least 30 feet from any adjacent dwelling, church, hospital, school, public building, or park.
• Commercial Use: Selling eggs or poultry is prohibited unless zoning permits it.
• Slaughtering: Not allowed within city limits.

🌲 Escambia County – including Pensacola, Cantonment, Beulah and Molino

• Number of Chickens: Up to 8 chickens permitted on lots ¼ acre or smaller.
• Roosters: Allowed only if kept at least 100 yards from neighboring homes.
• Free-Ranging: Permitted in fenced backyards from sunrise to sunset; chickens must be secured at night.
• Setbacks: Coops must be 10 feet from side and rear property lines and 20 feet from any neighboring residence.
• Commercial Use: Requires appropriate agricultural zoning.

🌾 Santa Rosa County- including Pace, Milton, Gulf Breeze, and Navarre

• County vs. City: Santa Rosa County is pretty lax on restrictions, however, the city limits like City of Milton and City of Gulf Breeze have restrictions.  Be mindful of noise ordinances as roosters may be restricted due to noise and proximity to neighbors. 
• City of Milton: Residents are allowed to keep up to eight hens per property, as long as the property owner resides on-site, however, roosters are not permitted. A secure coop and fenced outdoor enclosure are required, and both must meet specific size and maintenance standards to ensure cleanliness and safety. On-site slaughtering of chickens is prohibited.
• City of Gulf Breeze: Residents are allowed to keep up to 8 chickens, however, roosters are only permitted if kept at least 100 yards from other dwellings. They must kept in a coop, pen or enclosure and cannot free range after sunset. 
• City of Navarre: Residents can keep up to 8 chickens at single-family homes. Free-ranging is allowed in fenced backyards during the day, with chickens secured in coops at night. Roosters can be prohibited due to noise ordinances.
• Setbacks: Coops must typically meet accessory structure setbacks—usually 25 feet from rear and 10 feet from sides, but confirm with the planning department.
• HOAs: Many subdivisions in Santa Rosa County have HOA restrictions that prohibit poultry, regardless of county regulations.
• Permits: Some zones may require conditional use approval or a special permit.

Pro Tip: Whether you’re in Escambia or Santa Rosa County, check with your HOA or to see if there are recorded deed restrictions in absence of an HOA. Even if chickens are allowed by the city or county, many homeowners’ associations prohibit poultry and livestock. And of course, if you rent, be sure to get permission from your landlord before getting backyard chickens — they may be considered pets and could violate your lease.

🏠 Building a Coop: Essentials for a Happy Flock

A safe, functional, and comfortable coop is essential for successful chicken keeping. The local county extension office recommends starting with just 2 chicks before expanding your flock gradually. If you're raising chicks, keep in mind they grow quickly — many people underestimate how much space full-grown chickens will need!

When preparing your space for your chickens, your coop should include:

• Adequate Space: 2–3 square feet per chicken inside the coop, plus outdoor run space.
• Ventilation: Proper airflow reduces moisture, odor, and illness.
• Predator Protection: Secure fencing, latches, and hardware cloth to keep out raccoons, hawks, and neighborhood dogs.
• Nesting Boxes: One box per 3–4 hens, lined with clean bedding.
• Roosts: Chickens prefer to sleep off the ground on elevated bars.

Don't forget about the brutal summer heat! Make sure to place your coop in a shaded area to help your flock stay cool during Pensacola's hot summer months.

🥚 Daily Care & Chicken Keeping Tips

Raising chickens is relatively low-maintenance, but it does require daily attention and ongoing expenses, such as:

• Feed: Provide a quality layer feed; supplement with occasional treats like veggie scraps or mealworms.
• Water: Fresh, clean water should always be available.
• Cleaning: Remove waste, refresh bedding weekly, and deep clean monthly.
• Observation: Watch for signs of illness like lethargy, irregular eggs, or missing feathers.

A consistent routine will keep your flock healthy and your eggs delicious.

🌿 Why Raise Backyard Chickens?

• Fresh Eggs: Taste the difference with just-laid eggs!
• Natural Pest Control: Chickens love eating bugs, reducing pests in your yard.
• Garden Gold: Their droppings make excellent compost.
• Fun & Educational: Great for families—kids learn responsibility and care. 🐣

📚 Local Resources for Chicken Keepers

• UF/IFAS Extension Escambia County – Classes, expert advice, and educational materials.
• Local Feed Stores – Check out Tractor Supply or local farms for supplies and community tips.
• Online Communities: Join forums like BackyardChickens.com for DIY advice and flock support.

Raising backyard chickens in Pensacola and the surrounding areas can be a fun and rewarding hobby—if you follow the rules. Be sure to verify any HOA or landlord restrictions, review your local ordinances, and plan your coop layout with proper space for your chicks!

📌 This blog is for informational purposes only. Local regulations may change. Always confirm the latest ordinances with your local government before buying or housing chickens.

If you're dreaming of a backyard flock and need a home where chickens are welcome, our team can help! Whether you're looking for a Pensacola area property with acreage, a spacious backyard, or the perfect setup for a coop, our local Pensacola real estate agents specialize in finding homes with land that meet your needs. Start your search for chicken-friendly properties today at https://www.pensacolarealtymasters.com/mls-search or reach out to one of our Pensacola realtors for personalized help.