Yes, beekeeping is legal in Nebraska, but compliance with state and local regulations is required. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) oversees apiary management, while county ordinances may impose additional restrictions. Recent 2026 updates to the Nebraska Apiary Act emphasize disease control and registration protocols, mandating hive inspections for certain counties.
Key Regulations for Keeping Bees in Nebraska
- Apiary Registration: All beekeepers must register hives annually with the NDA under the Nebraska Apiary Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 2-4401 et seq.). Failure to register risks fines up to $500 per unregistered colony. The 2026 amendments now require digital submission of hive locations via the NDA’s online portal.
- Disease and Pest Control: Nebraska enforces strict protocols for controlling Varroa destructor mites and American foulbrood. Beekeepers must report outbreaks within 48 hours to the NDA, with mandatory treatment or hive destruction if ordered. The 2026 revisions grant inspectors expanded authority to quarantine infected apiaries.
- Local Zoning and Nuisance Laws: Counties like Douglas and Lancaster impose additional restrictions, including minimum setback distances (typically 25–50 feet from property lines) and limits on hive density. Urban beekeepers in Omaha must obtain a conditional use permit if operating within city limits. Violations may trigger municipal fines or forced relocation of hives.
Additional compliance notes include adherence to the USDA’s Honey Bee Health Survey and federal pesticide label restrictions when applying treatments near foraging areas. Consult the NDA’s 2026 Apiary Compliance Guide for county-specific updates. Non-compliance risks both civil penalties and liability for damages caused by unmanaged colonies.