OCALA, FL (352Today.com) – At its October 6, 2026, meeting, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners unanimously granted a reasonable accommodation to allow Rafael and Iris Marrero to keep three goats on their 0.95-acre R-1 property in the Rainbow Acres subdivision. The approval came after Growth Services staff recommended approval with conditions and after neighbors testified that the animals were well cared for with no odor or fly issues. Commissioners said each reasonable accommodation request is evaluated on its own merits.
The decision stood in contrast to the board’s unanimous May 19, 2026 denial of a reasonable accommodation for tenants Ryan and Jennifer Jones who reside approximately 300 feet away on the same street. In that case, staff recommended denial after county planner Eric Kramer told the board the animals were not allowed by right in R-1 zoning and raised concerns about neighborhood compatibility, reports of animals leaving the property, and a standing-water area used by the ducks and geese that could attract mosquitoes if not properly maintained. Neighbor complaints about noise and odors were also part of the record. The Jones family had sought to keep three goats, four geese, and two ducks for emotional support alongside already-permitted chickens. Commissioners noted that the property already allowed up to six hens and that the family had dogs, which they said could serve as companion animals, and they gave the tenants 30 days to remove the unapproved livestock.
Public comment highlights the gap
Jennifer Jones, who lives at the previously denied property, told the board she was not asking commissioners to take anything from the Marreros. She said her family’s original staff report had supported approval of three goats subject to conditions, but they were never given the chance to meet those conditions before the request was denied.
“In May, I stood before this very board for a reasonable accommodation request that would allow my family to keep our support animals. We provided documentation regarding our need. Most importantly, the original staff report supported us, allowing us to keep three goats, subject to specific conditions. We were never given the opportunity to meet those conditions. We were prepared to comply. Instead, our request was denied because of a half-truth. We respected the county’s decision and removed the animals. Since the denial, I have obtained a letter from my daughter Riley’s nurse practitioner, documenting the impact that losing the three goats had on her,” Jennifer said…