Moving and not allowed to take our Chickens

Well, we have hit hard times and have to move. We have a place to go, but we aren't allowed to have any chickens. We have found a friend that is willing to take our babies in. I think we are gonna try to keep 3 of the 51 that we have. We are buying the place from my mom, but it is zoned R4 and we have to get a special permit which is some long drawn out process and cost $300 for just an application fee. Does anyone know if there are any kind of fines for keeping chickens in Marion County Florida? Plan on keeping them just as pets. My husband is of the mindset that they can't take our pet parrot (if we had one) why should they be able to take our pet chickens! Any advice would help!

 

Thanks for the bump and info. I have already called the county offices and got nowhere but "you need a special permit"

Also, we will be keeping at least 3 maybe up to 5...just not sure yet. We want to let the kids pick out their favorite HEN and take it. We already know the one neighbor and don't think she will have a problem with them. Who knows it might work for a while anyway.

As for the rest of our flock, my friend is taking them and I demanded visitation rights. She gave us that and free eggs for life. Even though we live an hour away we will definately go visit at least one a month.