If you’ve been hunting + pecking for information about owning chickens within the Tampa Bay area, allow us to break down the rules found in both Tampa and St. Pete city codes. Egg prices have increased due to bird flu and some retailers are limiting how many eggs can be purchased in stores.

Each city boasts its own regulations for raising your flock. Make sure to check permitting requirements and noise restrictions before bringing those chicks home.

Tampa

The city allows up to 10 hens, but no roosters.
The chickens must be kept in an enclosed area at all times.
There must be a coop on the residential lot.
Coops may be no more than 6 ft all and no larger than 125 sqft.

St. Petersburg

Homeowners can keep 10 fowl on their property, no matter the size of the property.
Chickens must be securely fenced in a clean area at all times.
There must be four sqft per fowl in the coop, and at least 10 sqft of open area for each fowl.
The coop may be no more than 6 ft tall and no larger than 130 sqft.
No coop shall be allowed in the front yard setback of any property or beyond the front façade of the principal structure. A coop shall comply with the side and rear yard setback requirements.

Ready to start your new fowl family? UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County is hosting a Backyard Chickens 101 Seminar tonight on everything from chicken nutrition and coops to predator protection and egg production tips. If you want fresh eggs without the hassle of owning chickens, consider purchasing from one of Tampa Bay's plethora of farmers' markets.