Can You Own Goats or Sheep in Florida?

A baby goat's face

In Florida, goats and sheep are considered livestock or farm animals, the keeping of which is allowed in areas zoned for agriculture. However, farm animals are usually not permitted in residential zoning districts. Therefore, whether or not you can own a goat or sheep in Florida depends on your location. Some Florida cities allow for urban livestock farming. If you happen to live in one of those cities, you may be allowed to keep a limited number of goats or sheep as pets. To determine whether goats or sheep are permitted in your area, contact your Zoning Office or local Animal Control. Meanwhile, you can keep goats or sheep on residential property in the following Florida cities.

Miami, FL

In Miami, Florida, goats and sheep are considered "grazing animals." Per Chapter 6, Sec. 6-1 of Miami's Code of Ordinances, a permit is required to keep grazing animals in the City. The permit is issued by the county health unit. Under the permit, you should not allow your grazing animals to run at large. All grazing animal enclosures are required to be located 100 feet from any human dwelling. Additionally, all grazing animal enclosures should be kept free from odors and free from fly breeding. So if you're wondering whether you can have a pet goat or sheep in Miami, the answer is Yes, you can, provided you meet the grazing animal-keeping requirements.

Tampa, FL

You can keep goats or sheep as pets or for personal use in Tampa, FL, provided you meet certain requirements. The city's zoning code addresses the keeping of farm animals, including goats and sheep. To keep goats or sheep, you need to have one-half acre for each animal. Additionally, farm animals should be kept in an enclosed area situated at least 200 feet from any dwelling.

St. Petersburg, FL

Miniature goats and miniature sheep are allowed as household pets in St. Petersburg, Florida. Mini sheep should not exceed a weight of 100 pounds nor exceed 25 inches in height, according to the City Code. On the other hand, mini goats include Nigerian Dwarf goats and African Pygmy goats. As required by ordinance, Nigerian Dwarf goats should not exceed a weight of 75 pounds. African Pygmy goats, on the other hand, should not exceed a weight of 60 pounds. Both Nigerian Dwarf goats and African Pygmy goats should not exceed a height of 25 inches.

No more than 2 mini goats or 2 mini sheep are allowed per residence. All male miniature goats and sheep must be neutered. Further, all miniature sheep and goats must be dehorned. The breeding of miniature goats and sheep is not permitted. Miniature goats and sheep are required to be controlled by a leash whenever outside of a structure or fenced area.

Pembroke Pines, FL

Goats and sheep are considered domesticated livestock in Pembroke Pines, Florida. Per Article 5, § 155.510 of the City's Code of Ordinances, four goats or sheep are allowed per each 35,000 square feet of lot area. Structures for livestock raising should not be located within 100 feet of any lot line.

Lakeland, FL

Under certain conditions, you may keep sheep or goats on your residential property in Lakeland, FL. Per Chapter 10, Sec. 10-3 of Lakeland's municipal code, it's unlawful for you to keep goats or sheep less than 100 feet from any neighboring residence. However, there is an exception, provided three-fourths of your neighbors give their written consent to the city manager that such animals may be kept or maintained within a shorter distance.

Melbourne, FL

An Animal Permit is required to keep goats or sheep in your backyard in Melbourne, FL. To apply for an animal permit, you need to complete a form provided by the City Clerk. You can contact the City Clerk’s Office at 321-608-7220 or send an e-mail to city.clerk@mlbfl.org to request an application form. If you intend to keep the animals in an enclosure, it must be in place before you submit the animal permit application. According to the City Code, the number of animals allowed will be based on the zoning district, lot size, and usable lot area.

Largo, FL

In Largo, FL, you can have backyard goats or sheep, provided you meet certain requirements. Per Chapter 5, Sec. 5-3 of Largo's municipal code, it's unlawful to keep any farm or livestock animal in any residential section of the city within 300 feet of any residence. However, there is an exception, provided you obtain written consent from your neighbor and permission from the city commission. Places where any goats and sheep are kept are required to be clean and dry.

Homestead, FL

In Homestead, FL, goats and sheep are considered grazing animals, the keeping of which is subject to certain limitations and restrictions. Per Chapter 4, Sec. 4-39 of Homestead's Code of Ordinances, you need to obtain a permit to keep grazing animals in the city. All grazing animal pens or enclosures are required to be situated more than 200 feet from any human dwelling. Further, grazing animal pens or enclosures are required to be kept free from odors, fly breeding, and other offensive and unhealthy conditions.

Kissimmee, FL

You can own sheep or goats in Kissimmee, FL, as long as you don't permit them to run at large. Per Chapter 6, Sec. 6-20 of Kissimmee's municipal code, the running at large of sheep and goats within the city is deemed a nuisance and expressly prohibited. Sheep and goats are required to be kept in a pen or yard situated at a point remote from any neighboring dwelling or residence. Further, it's unlawful to slaughter any animal within the city in public at any other place except a butcher pen.

Safety Harbor, FL

In Safety Harbor, FL, the keeping of sheep and goats is subject to a specific restriction. Per Chapter 4, Sec. 4.02 of the City's Code of Ordinances, it is unlawful to keep sheep or goats on a parcel of land having an area of less than one and one-quarter (1¼) acres.

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post
As an Amazon Associate, The Australian Shepherd Blog earns from qualifying purchases via links on this blog—at NO extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
-