Yes, beekeeping is legal in Idaho, but compliance with state and local regulations is mandatory. The Idaho Department of Agriculture (IDA) oversees apiary management, requiring registration and disease control measures. Local ordinances, particularly in urban areas, may impose additional restrictions on hive placement and colony density.
Key Regulations for Keeping Bees in Idaho
- Apiary Registration: All beekeepers must register hives annually with the IDA under IDAPA 02.02.21, with fees ranging from $10 to $50 based on colony count. Failure to register risks fines up to $1,000.
- Disease and Pest Control: Idaho mandates adherence to IDA’s Apiary Inspection Program, which enforces treatments for Varroa mites and American foulbrood. Inspectors may quarantine non-compliant hives.
- Local Zoning Restrictions: Municipalities like Boise and Coeur d’Alene limit hive numbers (typically 2–4 per residential lot) and mandate 25+ feet setbacks from property lines. Some areas prohibit hives entirely in commercial zones.
Additional compliance notes include:
- Pesticide Use: Beekeepers must report pesticide-related bee kills to the IDA within 48 hours under IDAPA 02.02.22.
- 2026 Updates: Proposed amendments to IDAPA 02.02.21 will require electronic hive tracking, aligning with USDA’s 2026 National Honey Bee Health Survey. Public comment periods are open until Q1 2025.