Yes, keeping bees in Maine is legal, but compliance with state and local regulations is mandatory. The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (MDACF) oversees apiary laws, while municipal ordinances may impose additional restrictions. Recent 2026 updates require registration of all hives and adherence to disease control protocols to prevent colony collapse risks.
Key Regulations for Keeping Bees in Maine
- Hive Registration: All beekeepers must register their hives annually with the MDACF under the Maine Apiary Act, including location details and colony counts. Failure to register may result in fines up to $500 per unregistered hive.
- Disease Management: Mandatory reporting of American foulbrood or Varroa mite infestations is required within 48 hours. Infected hives must be treated or destroyed per MDACF directives to curb statewide spread.
- Local Zoning Compliance: Municipalities like Portland and Bangor enforce setback rules (e.g., minimum 25-foot distance from property lines) and may require permits for commercial operations exceeding 50 hives.
Additional restrictions apply in conservation areas or near commercial orchards, where buffer zones or pesticide-use limitations may be enforced. Consult the MDACF’s 2026 Apiary Compliance Guide for county-specific variances. Non-compliance risks legal action, including hive seizure or civil penalties.