Yes, beekeeping is legal in Arkansas, though subject to state and local regulations. The Arkansas State Plant Board (ASPB) oversees apiary health, while county governments may impose additional restrictions. Recent 2026 updates require annual registration of hives exceeding 20 colonies to monitor disease spread.
Key Regulations for Keeping Bees in Arkansas
- Hive Registration: Owners must register hives with the ASPB if maintaining more than 20 colonies annually, per Act 1001 of 2023. Failure to comply risks fines up to $500.
- Disease Control: The ASPB mandates reporting of Varroa destructor infestations and prohibits movement of infected hives without inspection. Apiaries in Benton, Washington, and Pulaski counties face heightened scrutiny due to high colony density.
- Zoning Compliance: Local ordinances in cities like Little Rock and Fayetteville limit hive placement to residential zones with setback requirements (minimum 25 feet from property lines). Rural areas often permit unrestricted placement but may require permits for commercial operations.
Additional compliance includes adherence to the Arkansas Apiary Law (Ark. Code Ann. § 2-18-101 et seq.), which aligns with USDA guidelines. Beekeepers must also comply with federal pesticide labeling laws when treating hives. Consult the ASPB’s 2026 Compliance Guide for updates.