Yes, beekeeping is legal in Massachusetts, but compliance with state and local regulations is mandatory. The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) oversees apiary management, while municipalities may impose additional restrictions. Recent 2026 updates emphasize disease control and hive registration to mitigate colony collapse risks.
Key Regulations for Keeping Bees in Massachusetts
- Apiary Registration: All beekeepers must register hives annually with MDAR under M.G.L. c. 128, § 10, with a $50 fee per location. Failure to register risks fines up to $500 per unregistered colony.
- Disease Management: Hives must comply with MDAR’s Apiary Inspection Program, which mandates inspections for foulbrood and other contagious diseases. Infected colonies may be quarantined or destroyed.
- Local Zoning Ordinances: Municipalities like Boston and Cambridge enforce setback requirements (e.g., 25–50 feet from property lines) and may limit hive counts in residential zones. Check town bylaws for specific constraints.
Additional compliance includes:
- Pesticide Use: Avoid neonicotinoids near foraging areas, as MDAR’s 2025 guidelines align with EPA restrictions to protect pollinators.
- Labeling: Hives must display the owner’s name and contact information for traceability during inspections.
- Swarm Control: Beekeepers must prevent swarming to avoid nuisance complaints under state nuisance laws (M.G.L. c. 242, § 11).
Violations may trigger MDAR enforcement actions, including hive removal or civil penalties. Consult the MDAR Apiary Program for updates, as 2026 regulations may introduce stricter biosecurity protocols.