Yes, keeping bees is legal in Delaware, provided compliance with state and county-specific regulations.
Beekeeping is permitted statewide under Delaware’s Apiary Law (Title 3, Chapter 18), administered by the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA). Local ordinances, particularly in New Castle County, may impose additional restrictions. Recent 2026 updates to the DDA’s Honey Bee Health Program mandate annual inspections for commercial hives exceeding 25 colonies, aligning with USDA guidelines. Hobbyist beekeepers (under 25 hives) face fewer requirements but must register operations with the DDA. Violations may trigger fines or mandatory hive destruction under the Delaware Apiary Act.
Key Regulations for Keeping Bees in Delaware
- Registration Requirements: All beekeepers must submit an Apiary Registration Form to the DDA, including hive locations and colony counts. Failure to register risks penalties under 3 Del. C. § 1805.
- Disease Control: The DDA enforces Varroa mite and American foulbrood eradication protocols. Infected hives may be quarantined or destroyed per 3 Del. C. § 1810.
- Zoning Restrictions: New Castle County prohibits hives within 200 feet of property lines in residential zones (NCC Code § 40-102). Kent and Sussex Counties defer to state law but may impose buffer zones near schools or hospitals.
Local health departments may impose further constraints during disease outbreaks. Consult the DDA’s 2026 Apiary Compliance Guide for updates. Non-compliance risks legal action under Delaware’s Pesticide and Apiary Enforcement Act.