Flock Status · Florida

Bird flu rules for backyard flocks in Florida

Standing rules only · October 15, 2026

We found no bird-flu order covering Florida or any of its areas today. Its standing rules for bringing birds in and showing them still apply. A temporary relaxation of some requirements is in force through October 23, 2026.

Read from 8 official sources34 passages quotedChecked on October 14, 2026

At a glance

Today

Standing rules only

Bird-flu orders in force

None found

APHIS detections, 30 days

None listed

Report sick birds

(850) 410-0900

Not veterinary advice: follow your state veterinarian. This is a sourced reading of official notices, dated when we read them. Orders can change overnight, so confirm with Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Division of Animal Industry before you move, show or sell birds.

In force today

Worked out from each notice's dates for October 15, 2026. Bird-flu orders come first, then the standing rules.

Standing ruleMoving birds

Poultry move within Florida without testing or an OCVI, but vehicles must stop at agriculture inspection stations

No end date in the source

Statewide · movement within Florida · Birds: poultry

  • Stop at Florida Agriculture Inspection Stations with proof of residency and ownership or bill of lading
  • Does not cover fairs or exhibitions (not searched)

Guidance: Poultry Movement Requirements · FDACS Division of Animal Industry

What the guidance says (2 passages)
  • “Poultry may be moved within the state of Florida without testing or an Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (OCVI).”

    FDACS Division of Animal Industry · fdacs.gov · Intrastate (Movement Within Florida)

  • “Vehicles moving poultry are still required to stop at Florida's Agriculture Inspection Stations , where proof of residency and ownership/bill of lading must be presented.”

    FDACS Division of Animal Industry · fdacs.gov · Intrastate (Movement Within Florida)

How to reportReporting sick birds

FDACS says anyone working with birds must report sick birds to FDACS

No end date in the source

Statewide · Birds: birds

  • (850) 410-0900 office hours; 1-800-342-5869 after hours; RAD@FDACS.gov
  • Dead wild birds go to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Guidance: Avian Influenza · FDACS

What the guidance says (1 passage)
  • “Anyone working with birds, not just veterinarians, is required to report sick birds to FDACS so incidents can be investigated.”

    FDACS · fdacs.gov · How to Report Sick Birds

Temporary relaxation

Orders that suspend or ease some requirements for a while. Each one lists what it suspends and what still applies.

Temporary relaxationBringing birds in

Until October 23, 2026, Florida has suspended the requirement that poultry fleeing Hurricane Isaias emergency counties in Alabama, Georgia or Mississippi be accompanied by an OCVI, prior permission number and proof of testing, and its intrastate movement documentation rules for animals fleeing Florida emergency counties

The screwworm emergency rule still applies

In effect from October 8, 2026 · In force through October 23, 2026

Statewide · animals fleeing Hurricane Isaias: from Florida counties under a state of emergency (intrastate), and from Alabama, Georgia or Mississippi counties under a state of emergency (interstate) · Birds: animals including poultry and domestic fowl

What it suspends, and what still applies

  • Temporary relaxation (effect: relaxes): it suspends documentation requirements only; it adds no restriction
  • Suspends the requirement to be accompanied by an OCVI, prior permission number and proof of meeting testing requirements under Rule 5C-3.012 (and the OCVI under 5C-4.004(1)); all other provisions of law and rule remain in effect
  • Transporters must still stop at all agriculture inspection stations; without documents they get an Advisory Notice that must stay with the animals
  • Animals returning to Florida that miss a disease test are quarantined at their Florida destination until tested
  • Cervidae rules, the dairy cattle emergency rule 5CER26-13 and the screwworm emergency rule 5CER26-15 stay in effect
  • Ends October 23, 2026 unless extended; ends earlier if rescinded or if Executive Order 26-202 expires or is rescinded

Order: Commissioner of Agriculture Emergency Order 2026-07 (Hurricane Isaias) · Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, October 8, 2026

What the order says (8 passages)
  • “Rule 5C-3.012, Florida Administrative Code, requiring domestic fowl, poultry, ratites,”

    Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson · fdacs.gov · (2)(g), page 2

  • “and poultry products, be accompanied by an OCVI, prior permission number, and proof of meeting testing requirements during importation to Florida;”

    Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson · fdacs.gov · (2)(g), page 3

  • “THIS ORDER shall expire fifteen (15) days from the date of this Order unless extended or rescinded by the Commissioner of Agriculture or upon the expiration or rescission of Executive Order 26-202, or any further extensions thereof; whichever occurs first.”

    Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson · fdacs.gov · closing paragraph

  • “EXECUTED OCTOBER 8, 2026”

    Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson · fdacs.gov · signature block

  • “This temporary suspension shall expire in 15 days on October 23, 2026, unless extended or rescinded.”

    Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services · fdacs.gov · para 6

  • “Specifically, the requirements for animals to be accompanied by an Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (OCVI), identification, or other documentation”

    Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson · fdacs.gov · (2)

  • “Emergency Rule 5CER26-15 (Interstate Import Requirements for Warm-Blooded Animals Originating from Areas Impacted by New World Screwworm), which all remain in effect.”

    Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson · fdacs.gov · (2)

  • “All other provisions of law and rule remain in effect.”

    Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson · fdacs.gov · (2)

Bringing birds or hatching eggs into Florida

OCVI, or a VS 9-3 for NPIP poultry and hatching eggs (5C-3.012(1)). A prior permission number from the FDACS Poultry Import Permit portal (valid 15 days), except, from states not affected by END or AI, the six exemptions in 5C-3.012(2)(a)-(f) (for example NPIP hatching eggs or chicks under 4 days on a VS 9-3). Pullorum-typhoid status. An AI test: within 21 days from non-affected states unless the flock is NPIP U.S. Avian Influenza Clean (ratites, exotic birds, pigeons and doves exempt); within 7 days from non-quarantine parts of AI-affected states; nothing from a quarantine or control area unless released under USDA or state-of-origin requirements. New or cleaned and disinfected containers. Since October 1, 2026 (emergency rule 5CER26-15), birds from New World screwworm high-risk counties or infested states (outside an infested zone) need an OCVI valid for 5 days from inspection with the statement that they are free from screwworm larvae, and no other document (no VS 9-3) is accepted instead; birds from an infested zone also need the originating state's treatment or movement documents, an OCVI documenting an effective NWS treatment, and an FDACS Certificate of Animal Movement with a prior permission number requested at least two business days ahead. Hatching and table eggs, chicks under 5 days, and NPIP Types B, C and D birds born and raised indoors on a VS 9-3 are exempt. Until October 23, 2026 (earlier if rescinded or if Executive Order 26-202 ends), Emergency Order 2026-07 suspends the OCVI, prior-permission and test-proof documentation requirements of 5C-3.012 for animals fleeing Hurricane Isaias emergency counties in Alabama, Georgia or Mississippi; the screwworm emergency rule 5CER26-15 still applies.

What the entry rules say
  • “All domestic fowl, poultry and eggs for hatching purposes imported into Florida, unless exempted by Rule 5C-3.012 , Florida Administrative Code, must be accompanied by an OCVI.”

    FDACS Division of Animal Industry · fdacs.gov · Interstate (Movement Between States)

  • “Poultry and hatching eggs classified under provisions of the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) may substitute a Report of Sales of Hatching Eggs, Chicks and Poults, VS Form 9-3, for the OCVI.”

    FDACS Division of Animal Industry · fdacs.gov · Interstate

  • “Emergency Rule 5CER26-15 (Interstate Import Requirements for Warm-Blooded Animals Originating from Areas Impacted by New World Screwworm), which all remain in effect.”

    Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson · fdacs.gov · (2)

Standing ruleBringing birds in

From states not affected by AI: an OCVI or VS 9-3

A prior permission number unless exempt (for example NPIP hatching eggs or chicks under 4 days on a VS 9-3); and a negative AI test within 21 days of entry unless the flock is NPIP U.S. Avian Influenza Clean (ratites, exotic birds, pigeons and doves are also exempt).

In effect from January 31, 2021 · No end date in the source

Statewide · entry from states not affected by AI · Birds: poultry, poultry products (hatching eggs, chicks, poults, litter, offal) and domestic fowl

  • Sampling: flocks over 30 birds at least 30 samples per flock, 10 per house; flocks under 30 birds, every bird
  • Test date, results and lab listed on the OCVI or VS Form 9-3 with the prior permission number
  • No AI test: NPIP U.S. Avian Influenza Clean flocks in non-AI affected states; ratites; exotic birds; pigeons and doves
  • Prior permission number applied for through the FDACS Poultry Import Permit portal; permits valid 15 days; most issued within 3 business days, up to 14 days
  • Pullorum-typhoid test within 30 days unless NPIP U.S. Pullorum-Typhoid Clean or another listed exemption
  • Prior permission number not needed, if from a state not affected by END or AI (5C-3.012(2)(a)-(f)): (a) poultry consigned directly to a recognised slaughtering establishment; (b) individual exotic birds; (c) racing pigeons returning in unbroken sealed containers; (d) exhibition birds from NPIP flocks in Florida returning to Florida; (e) shipments passing through Florida for export on an international OCVI, containers unopened; (f) NPIP hatching eggs or chicks under 4 days with a VS 9-3
  • 'Poultry products' means hatching eggs, chicks, poults, litter and offal, not table eggs or processed poultry (5C-3.001(38)); an 'AI-affected state' is one with H5 or H7 AI diagnosed in poultry within the last 90 days (5C-3.001(7))

Rule: Rule 5C-3.012, F.A.C., Domestic Fowl, Poultry, Poultry Products and Ratites (effective 1/31/2021) · Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Animal Industry, January 31, 2021

What the rule says (7 passages)
  • “Entry into Florida must be within twenty-one (21) days of the AI sample being taken; and,”

    Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Animal Industry · flrules.org · 5C-3.012(3)(b)1.b.

  • “All Poultry and Poultry Products must be accompanied by proof of a negative, approved test for Avian Influenza (AI).”

    Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Animal Industry · flrules.org · 5C-3.012(3)(b)1.a.

  • “Permits are only valid for 15 days from date of issuance.”

    Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services · fdacs.gov · Prior Permission Number

  • “A Prior Permission Number is required on the accompanying documentation for Importation of all Domestic Fowl, Poultry, and Eggs For Hatching Purposes, except those listed below in paragraphs (a)-(f), that originate from a state not affected by Exotic New Castle Disease (END) or Avian Influenza (AI):”

    Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Animal Industry · flrules.org · 5C-3.012(2)

  • “Eggs for Hatching Purposes or chicks less than four (4) days of age originating from NPIP participating flocks accompanied by a Report of Sales of Hatching Eggs, Chicks, and Poults, VS Form 9-3 (FEB 2016).”

    Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Animal Industry · flrules.org · 5C-3.012(2)(f)

  • “Poultry Products. Hatching eggs, chicks, poults, litter, and offal, but not table eggs or processed poultry for human consumption.”

    Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services · flrules.org · 5C-3.001(38)

  • “Any state in which AI subtypes H5 or H7 or END virus has been diagnosed in poultry within the last ninety (90) days prior to importation into Florida.”

    Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services · flrules.org · 5C-3.001(7)

Standing ruleBringing birds in

Birds from a quarantine or control area in an AI-affected state may not enter Florida unless they completed all USDA or state-of-origin requirements to leave the area and Florida's import requirements

From elsewhere in an affected state, a negative AI test within 7 days of entry

In effect from January 31, 2021 · No end date in the source

Statewide · entry from AI-affected states · Birds: domestic fowl, live poultry, poultry products and hatching eggs

  • From a quarantine or control area: barred unless all USDA or origin-state requirements to leave the area are met and Florida import requirements are completed; FDACS checks USDA requirements in EMRS before permitting
  • From a non-quarantine area of an AI-affected state: negative AI test, entry within 7 days of sampling, same sampling numbers
  • Exempt from the 7-day test: ratites, exotic birds, pigeons and doves
  • FDACS web page also lists NPIP U.S. Avian Influenza Clean flocks in AI-affected states as exempt; the rule text does not (see the notes at the end of this page)
  • Prior permission number required for all poultry from an AI-affected state (the slaughter, exhibition-return and NPIP chick exemptions apply only to non-affected states)

Rule: Rule 5C-3.012, F.A.C., Domestic Fowl, Poultry, Poultry Products and Ratites (effective 1/31/2021) · Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Animal Industry, January 31, 2021

What the rule says (3 passages)
  • “No Domestic Fowl, live Poultry or Poultry Products or Eggs for Hatching Purposes originating from a Quarantine or Control Area in an AI affected state may enter Florida, except for Imported birds that have completed all USDA or state of origin requirements to move from a Quarantine or Control Area, and have completed Florida Import requirements”

    Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Animal Industry · flrules.org · 5C-3.012(3)(b)4.a.

  • “Entry into Florida must be within seven (7) days of the AI sample being taken; and,”

    Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Animal Industry · flrules.org · 5C-3.012(3)(b)4.b.(II)

  • “A prior permission number is required on the accompanying documentation for importation of all domestic fowl, poultry and eggs for hatching purposes except those listed here that originate from a state not affected by exotic Newcastle disease (END) or avian influenza (AI):”

    Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services · fdacs.gov · Prior Permission Number

Other disease entry orders

Not about bird flu, but they apply to poultry coming in.

In force, no end dateBringing birds in

Birds entering Florida from New World screwworm high-risk counties or infested states need an OCVI valid for 5 days from inspection with a screwworm-free statement (no VS 9-3 or other document instead)

From infested zones they also need treatment and a permit; eggs, chicks under 5 days and indoor-raised NPIP B, C and D birds on a VS 9-3 are exempt

In effect from October 1, 2026 · No end date in the source

Statewide · entry from New World screwworm high-risk counties, infested states or infested zones · Birds: warm-blooded domestic animals, including poultry (with poultry exemptions)

  • From an infested state or high-risk county (outside an infested zone): OCVI valid 5 days, stating the animals are free of screwworm larvae
  • No alternative movement document is accepted instead of an OCVI
  • From an infested zone: originating-state documents, an OCVI showing effective NWS treatment, and an FDACS Certificate of Animal Movement with a prior permission number requested at least two business days ahead
  • Exempt poultry: hatching and table eggs, chicks under 5 days; NPIP Types B, C and D born and raised indoors moving on a VS 9-3
  • High-risk county = within 125 miles of an infested Mexican state; FDACS lists high-risk areas as of October 2, 2026 on its Animal Industry page
  • Emergency rule 5CER26-15, new October 1, 2026; no end date printed (see the notes at the end of this page)

Rule: Emergency Rule 5CER26-15 Interstate Import Requirements for Warm-Blooded Animals Originating from Areas Impacted by New World Screwworm · FDACS Division of Animal Industry, October 1, 2026

What the rule says (9 passages)
  • “No alternative movement documents are accepted in lieu of an OCVI for warm-blooded animals being imported into Florida from a high-risk county, an infested state, or an infested zone.”

    FDACS Division of Animal Industry · fdacs.gov · (2)(b)

  • “The OCVI is valid for no more than 5 days from the date of inspection.”

    FDACS Division of Animal Industry · fdacs.gov · (2)(c)2.

  • “Hatching and table eggs and chicks under 5 days of age.”

    FDACS Division of Animal Industry · fdacs.gov · (3)(b)1.

  • “National Poultry Improvement Plan Types B, C, and D, born and raised indoors, moving on a USDA VS Form 9-3 (FEB 2016), Report of Sales of Hatching Eggs, Chicks, and Poults, as incorporated in Rule 5C-3.012, F.A.C.”

    FDACS Division of Animal Industry · fdacs.gov · (3)(b)2.

  • “History–New 10-1-26.”

    FDACS Division of Animal Industry · fdacs.gov · history note

  • “While currently not in Florida, New World screwworm (NWS), has been detected in the United States. An NWS Certificate of Animal Movement with prior permission number is required for all warm-blooded animals originating from Infested Zones.”

    Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services · fdacs.gov · Important Notice

  • “All warm-blooded animals originating from a high-risk area being imported into Florida must be accompanied by an Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (OCVI), valid for 5 days from the date of inspection,”

    Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services · fdacs.gov · New World Screwworm Update

  • “High-Risk Areas as of October 2, 2026:”

    Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services · fdacs.gov · New World Screwworm Update

  • “Texas: All counties that are not listed as an Infested County.”

    Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services · fdacs.gov · High-Risk Areas as of October 2, 2026

Federal rules apply on top for any move across a state line: official ID and a health certificate or NPIP paperwork.

Sick or dead birds? Who to call

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Division of Animal Industry

(850) 410-0900 (office hours); 1-800-342-5869 (after hours)

Report online

  • “Report unusual sickness or die-offs in domestic poultry to FDACS at (850) 410-0900 (during office hours) or 1-800-342-5869 (after hours) or by email at RAD@FDACS.gov .”

    FDACS · fdacs.gov · How to Report Sick Birds, Domestic Birds

Recent detections in Florida

USDA APHIS lists no confirmed bird-flu detections in Florida flocks in the 30 days to October 14, 2026. Latest detection in the APHIS data: October 9, 2026. The national picture

Common questions

Is there a bird flu order in Florida right now?
We found no bird-flu order covering Florida or any of its areas today. Its standing rules for bringing birds in and showing them still apply. A temporary relaxation of some requirements is in force through October 23, 2026.
Can I take my chickens to a poultry show or swap in Florida?
We found no current order on poultry shows or sales in Florida on October 15, 2026. That is what the official pages showed, not an all-clear; call the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at (850) 410-0900 before an event.
What do I need to bring chickens or hatching eggs into Florida?
OCVI, or a VS 9-3 for NPIP poultry and hatching eggs (5C-3.012(1)). A prior permission number from the FDACS Poultry Import Permit portal (valid 15 days), except, from states not affected by END or AI, the six exemptions in 5C-3.012(2)(a)-(f) (for example NPIP hatching eggs or chicks under 4 days on a VS 9-3). Pullorum-typhoid status. An AI test: within 21 days from non-affected states unless the flock is NPIP U.S. Avian Influenza Clean (ratites, exotic birds, pigeons and doves exempt); within 7 days from non-quarantine parts of AI-affected states; nothing from a quarantine or control area unless released under USDA or state-of-origin requirements. New or cleaned and disinfected containers. Since October 1, 2026 (emergency rule 5CER26-15), birds from New World screwworm high-risk counties or infested states (outside an infested zone) need an OCVI valid for 5 days from inspection with the statement that they are free from screwworm larvae, and no other document (no VS 9-3) is accepted instead; birds from an infested zone also need the originating state's treatment or movement documents, an OCVI documenting an effective NWS treatment, and an FDACS Certificate of Animal Movement with a prior permission number requested at least two business days ahead. Hatching and table eggs, chicks under 5 days, and NPIP Types B, C and D birds born and raised indoors on a VS 9-3 are exempt. Until October 23, 2026 (earlier if rescinded or if Executive Order 26-202 ends), Emergency Order 2026-07 suspends the OCVI, prior-permission and test-proof documentation requirements of 5C-3.012 for animals fleeing Hurricane Isaias emergency counties in Alabama, Georgia or Mississippi; the screwworm emergency rule 5CER26-15 still applies.
Who do I call about sick or dead birds in Florida?
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Division of Animal Industry at (850) 410-0900 (office hours); 1-800-342-5869 (after hours). Report sick or dying birds there or to USDA at 1-866-536-7593. This page is not veterinary advice; follow your state veterinarian.
How current is this page?
We read Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Division of Animal Industry's notices on October 14, 2026. Whether each order is in force is worked out from its dates every time the page is rebuilt, at least once an hour, so an order never shows as in force after it ends.
Sources
  1. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Division of Animal Industry: bird flu page. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Division of Animal Industry.
  2. Rule 5C-3.012, F.A.C., Domestic Fowl, Poultry, Poultry Products and Ratites (effective 1/31/2021). Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Animal Industry. January 31, 2021.
  3. Poultry Movement Requirements. FDACS Division of Animal Industry.
  4. Commissioner of Agriculture Emergency Order 2026-07 (Hurricane Isaias). Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. October 8, 2026.
  5. Emergency Rule 5CER26-15 Interstate Import Requirements for Warm-Blooded Animals Originating from Areas Impacted by New World Screwworm. FDACS Division of Animal Industry. October 1, 2026.
  6. Page on flrules.org. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
  7. hurricane-isaias-animal-movement-announcement-10082026-(ada). Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
  8. New World Screwworm Update. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

We read each document ourselves and last checked this page against them on October 14, 2026. Where they disagree, we show you the disagreement instead of picking a winner quietly.

What we couldn't confirm
  • APHIS lists three Florida detections in 2026 (fl-aphis-hpai-exporttocsv-fl-rows.txt): Palm Beach February 10, 2026 (WOAH Non-Poultry), Orange March 3, 2026 (live bird market), Lee May 8, 2026 (WOAH Non-Poultry); FDACS publishes no county list or premises quarantines on the pages read.
  • Web page vs rule: FDACS's movement page exempts NPIP U.S. Avian Influenza Clean flocks in AI-affected (non-quarantine) states from the 7-day test; rule 5C-3.012(3)(b)5. lists only ratites, exotic birds, pigeons and doves. Shown as a condition; FDACS (850) 410-0900 decides.
  • FDACS's Avian Influenza page text is partly outdated (refers to 2015-2017 events); the reporting duty sentence is current page text, not a cited statute.
  • Only page 1 of FDACS press releases was read; no Florida fair or show HPAI order was found, but fair-specific rules were not searched.
  • No current FDACS avian influenza order, quarantine area or show restriction was found on the pages in searchLog; this is a search result, not a statement that none exists.
  • Rule vs page wording: 5C-3.012(3)(b)4.a says birds from a control area must complete 'all USDA or state of origin requirements'; FDACS's page says USDA 'and' originating state. The row follows the rule.
  • Emergency rule 5CER26-15 (NWS) prints no end date; Florida emergency rules generally run 90 days by statute (not in saved text), so its end is unconfirmed. FDACS's High-Risk Areas list is dated October 2, 2026.
  • Emergency Order 2026-07: the saved text names Florida's 25 emergency counties only through Executive Order 26-202 and does not list which Alabama, Georgia or Mississippi counties are under a Hurricane Isaias emergency; appliesToday 'yes' rests on the intrastate part.
  • Emergency Order 2026-07 carries effect: relaxes; it never counts as a restriction.

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