All State Regulations

    Beekeeping Laws & Regulations in Florida

    Everything you need to know about legally keeping bees in Florida - from state registration to city-specific ordinances.

    Last updated: March 15, 2026

    Key Facts - Florida Beekeeping

    Registration Required

    Yes - through FDACS

    Residential Hive Limits

    1 hive on properties smaller than 1/4 acre.

    State Agency

    Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS)

    State Registration Requirements

    All beekeepers in Florida must register their bee colonies with FDACS under Florida Statute 586.045. Registration involves contacting your local apiary inspector, who will schedule a visit to assess colony health and check for Africanized bee genetics. After inspection, an official registration number is issued. Migratory beekeepers must notify the Division of Plant Industry (DPI) at least 5 days before moving colonies into Florida. Annual inspections are required, and all beekeepers must comply with the Beekeeper Compliance Agreement and Best Management Requirements (BMR) for maintaining European honey bee colonies.

    Registration Fees

    Registration fees are based on colony count. Hobbyists with up to 5 hives pay approximately $10 per apiary location per year. Commercial operators with more than 100 hives pay approximately $100.

    Register with FDACS

    Residential Beekeeping Rules

    Hive Limits - Residential

    1 hive on properties smaller than 1/4 acre. Up to 3 hives per 1/4 acre on larger properties. State regulations apply uniformly - FDACS preempts most local ordinances that would prohibit beekeeping.

    Hive Limits - Rural / Agricultural

    No specific limit on agricultural land. Commercial operations can maintain as many colonies as needed, subject to FDACS registration and inspection.

    Setback Requirements

    When a colony is within 15 feet of a property line, a flyway barrier at least 6 feet high is required. The barrier must be a solid wall, fence, or dense vegetation parallel to the property line and extending beyond the colony in each direction.

    City-Specific Regulations

    Miami

    Hive Limits

    Follows state regulations: 1 hive on lots under 1/4 acre, 3 hives per 1/4 acre on larger lots.

    Setbacks

    State requirement applies: 6-foot flyway barrier required when hives are within 15 feet of a property line.

    Notes

    Miami-Dade County is in an Africanized honey bee zone. FDACS strongly recommends annual re-queening with certified European stock. HOA restrictions may still prohibit beekeeping in deed-restricted communities. South Florida's tropical climate allows year-round beekeeping but also year-round pest pressure from varroa mites and small hive beetles.

    Tampa

    Hive Limits

    Follows state regulations: 1 hive on lots under 1/4 acre, 3 hives per 1/4 acre on larger lots.

    Setbacks

    State requirement applies: 6-foot flyway barrier required when hives are within 15 feet of a property line.

    Notes

    Hillsborough County follows FDACS state rules. Tampa's urban beekeeping community has grown significantly. The warm climate supports a long foraging season, with major nectar flows from citrus, Brazilian pepper, and palmetto. Hurricane preparedness for hives is important during the June-November storm season.

    Orlando

    Hive Limits

    Follows state regulations: 1 hive on lots under 1/4 acre, 3 hives per 1/4 acre on larger lots.

    Setbacks

    State requirement applies: 6-foot flyway barrier required when hives are within 15 feet of a property line.

    Notes

    Orange County follows FDACS state rules for beekeeping. Orlando's warm central Florida climate supports strong colonies but also favors pest buildup. Check HOA rules carefully - many Orlando-area planned communities have deed restrictions that may limit or prohibit beekeeping despite state law allowing it.

    Key Laws & Statutes

    Florida Statute Chapter 586 - Bee Disease and Pest Control

    Fla. Stat. Ch. 586

    Establishes the legal framework for beekeeping in Florida, including mandatory registration, inspection requirements, disease and pest reporting, and FDACS authority to regulate apiaries. Grants FDACS the power to preempt local ordinances that prohibit beekeeping.

    Florida Administrative Code 5B-54

    Fla. Admin. Code R. 5B-54

    Details the administrative rules for apiary inspection, beekeeper registration procedures, certificate issuance, and Best Management Requirements for maintaining honey bee colonies on non-agricultural land.

    Florida Beekeeping Association

    Florida State Beekeepers Association

    The Florida State Beekeepers Association (FSBA) serves beekeepers throughout the state with educational programs, an annual conference, and legislative advocacy. FSBA works closely with FDACS and UF/IFAS Extension to support both hobbyist and commercial beekeepers in managing the unique challenges of subtropical beekeeping.

    Visit Florida State Beekeepers Association

    Climate & Regional Considerations

    Florida's subtropical to tropical climate creates a unique beekeeping environment. The state has no true winter, so colonies remain active year-round. This eliminates winter losses from cold but increases year-round pest and disease pressure. Major nectar sources include citrus (spring), gallberry (early summer), palmetto (summer), and Brazilian pepper (fall). The hot, humid summers can stress colonies - provide ventilation and shade. Summer afternoon thunderstorms are common and generally beneficial, but tropical storms and hurricanes pose a real risk. North Florida beekeepers may see brief periods of reduced foraging in January-February, while South Florida colonies stay active continuously. Fire ants are a common apiary pest - elevate hives on stands with ant guards.

    Tips for Florida Beekeepers

    • Africanized honey bees are present throughout most of Florida. Annual re-queening with gentle European stock is strongly recommended, and it is required under the Best Management Requirements for residential apiaries.
    • Florida requires all beekeepers to sign a Beekeeper Compliance Agreement (FDACS form 08492) for colonies on non-agricultural property. This is a legally binding document - read it carefully.
    • Small hive beetles thrive in Florida's warm, humid climate. Use oil traps, maintain strong colonies, and avoid leaving supers or comb exposed.
    • Hurricane season (June through November) is a serious concern. Strap or tie down hives, trim overhanging branches, and have a plan for relocating colonies if a major storm approaches.
    • Florida's long growing season means bees can forage nearly year-round, but this also means varroa mite populations build without a winter brood break. Monitor and treat proactively.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Other State Regulations

    Beekeeping Cost Calculator

    Estimate startup costs, ongoing expenses, and potential honey revenue for your beekeeping operation in Florida.

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    Do You Need a License to Keep Bees?

    Most states require hive registration, not a license. Our guide explains the difference and what Florida expects before you start.

    Read the Guide

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