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.

“This is no longer simply about this agenda item. This is no longer simply about what we feared might happen if the animals were removed. You now have medical documentation of the impact after they were removed, and now only months later, this board is considering a reasonable accommodation for another family to keep three goats in the same R1 neighborhood, approximately 300 feet away… I’m not asking you to take something away from the Marrero family; I’m asking why my family was told ‘no’ without ever being given the opportunity to meet the conditions your own staff recommended. If three goats can reasonably be accommodated on an R-1 property approximately 300 feet away today, why were we not given this opportunity to demonstrate that the three goats could be accommodated on ours?” Jennifer said.

Her daughter Riley Jones said the goats had helped her calm down on difficult days.

“Our goats were not just animals that we kept in our backyard. I spent time with them when I was overwhelmed or having a difficult day. They helped me calm down and gave me something positive to look to focus on. When we were told that the animals were going to be taken away, I didn’t really understand why. I just knew that something that had helped me was being taken away,” Riley said.

“I just want you to remember that there are real kids and real families behind the decisions that you decide to make,” she continued.

Eleven-year-old Selena Jones noted that both her sister and father have autism and that the animals provided comfort.

Karen Loges, the Joneses’ landlord, objected on equitable grounds, saying two families in the same zoning district and on the same street should not receive different outcomes for similar requests. She said she was not challenging the Marreros’ personal circumstances.

“We are respectfully objecting to the reasonable accommodation request submitted by Rafael and Iris Marrero, seeking permission to keep three goats on their residential property, which is located a couple of houses down from our property. Our concern is based on the apparent inconsistency and how reasonable accommodation requests involving support animals are being considered within the same residential zoning area,” Loges said.

“We respectfully question what objective standard is being applied to determine that one family’s needs for these animals warrant an accommodation, while another family’s documented needs do not? Our properties are located within the same residential zoning district, and the properties at issue are on the same street. If goats or other support animals beyond those expressly permitted under the applicable R1 residential zoning regulations are not permitted for one family. We believe the same zoning standards should be applied consistently to another family in that same zoning district,” she continued.

Neighbor Wesley Riesman, who lives between the two properties, spoke in strong support of the Marreros. He said they treat their animals properly, with no flies or foul odor, regular veterinary visits, and a well-built structure. In May, Riesman had spoken against the animals at the Jones property, describing the situation as difficult for neighbors. Across-the-street resident William Riley also praised the Marreros’ care of the goats and said there was no odor.

Marrero testimony and conditions

Rafael Marrero, a 100 percent disabled Persian Gulf veteran, told the board the goats serve as support animals alongside his service dog.

“I don’t do well around people, so it’s taking me quite some effort just to be here,” he said. “I spend most of my time with them in the back… Between medication, them, and the support of my immediate neighbors and my wife, who is my 100 percent caregiver, I’m doing much better.” He said the goats come when he calls them by name “like puppies.”

“[The goats] all have names. I call them. They come to me. They’re like puppies, but I’m more than open to making any changes that may be required. So, when it comes to the chickens, I’m not attached to them. I already have someone that is going to adopt them, so I just would like to keep the goats. I’m more attached to them than anything else. That’ll be all,” Marrero said.

Commissioner Michelle Stone moved to approve, stating that every situation is evaluated on its own independent merits based on the testimony and staff reports. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Bryant and passed unanimously.

Conditions on the Marrero approval include that the accommodation runs only with the owners and this property, no commercial activity, manure kept at least 25 feet from property lines, a maximum of three goats with no replacements if any die or leave, secure fencing, and expiration on Sept. 15, 2031, with possible administrative renewals subject to continued compliance and no unresolved neighbor complaints. The related code case remains on hold.