Yes, beekeeping is legal in Minnesota, but compliance with state and local regulations is mandatory. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and local ordinances govern hive registration, disease control, and nuisance mitigation to balance agricultural and urban interests.
Key Regulations for Keeping Bees in Minnesota
- Hive Registration: All beekeepers must register colonies annually with the MDA under Minn. Stat. § 18H.12, with fees ranging from $10 to $50 based on hive count. Registration ensures traceability for disease outbreaks, including the 2026-mandated Varroa mite surveillance program.
- Apiary Location Restrictions: Hives must be placed at least 25 feet from property lines or public roads unless screened by a barrier. Urban areas like Minneapolis and St. Paul impose additional setback rules (e.g., 50 feet in residential zones) under local zoning codes.
- Disease and Pest Management: Beekeepers must comply with MDA’s 2024-2025 Honey Bee Best Management Practices, which prohibit the use of certain pesticides near hives and mandate Varroa destructor treatment records. Non-compliance risks quarantine orders under Minn. Stat. § 18H.13.