Yes, keeping bees in Florida is legal, but compliance with state and local regulations is mandatory. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) oversees apiary laws, while county ordinances may impose additional restrictions. Recent 2026 updates emphasize disease control and hive registration requirements to mitigate Africanized honey bee spread.
Key Regulations for Keeping Bees in Florida
- Apiary Registration: All beekeepers must register hives annually with FDACS via the Florida Apiary Inspection Program. Registration is free and tracks hive locations to prevent disease outbreaks.
- Disease and Pest Control: Florida mandates compliance with FDACS’s apiary health standards, including inspections for Varroa mites and foulbrood. Non-compliance risks hive destruction or fines.
- Local Zoning Restrictions: Counties like Miami-Dade and Palm Beach impose additional rules, such as minimum lot sizes (e.g., 1 acre) or distance requirements from property lines. Check with the Florida Association of County Engineers for county-specific ordinances.
Violations of FDACS or local regulations may result in penalties, including cease-and-desist orders. Beekeepers should also adhere to Florida’s nuisance laws, as excessive swarms or aggressive hives may trigger complaints. Consult FDACS’s 2026 Apiary Compliance Guide for updates.