All State Regulations

    Beekeeping Laws & Regulations in Georgia

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

    Last updated: April 1, 2026

    Key Facts - Georgia Beekeeping

    Registration Required

    No - through GDA

    Residential Hive Limits

    No statewide residential hive limit.

    State Agency

    Georgia Department of Agriculture, Plant Protection Division

    State Registration Requirements

    Georgia does not require mandatory beekeeper registration, but the Georgia Department of Agriculture's Plant Protection Division strongly encourages voluntary registration so the state apiarist can monitor for diseases and notify beekeepers of pest outbreaks. Beekeepers selling queens, package bees, or nucleus colonies, or moving bees across state lines, must obtain a certificate of inspection from the state apiarist. Georgia has a strong tradition of commercial queen and package bee production, and many of the nation's queen breeders are based in south Georgia.

    Registration Fees

    Free. Voluntary registration; certificates of inspection cost $10-$25 if needed for interstate movement or queen sales.

    Register with GDA

    Residential Beekeeping Rules

    Hive Limits - Residential

    No statewide residential hive limit. Local city and county ordinances set specific limits.

    Hive Limits - Rural / Agricultural

    No statewide limit on rural or agricultural properties. Georgia is a major commercial beekeeping state, particularly for queen rearing and package bee production.

    Setback Requirements

    No statewide setback requirement. Local ordinances vary, typically requiring 5 to 25 feet from property lines.

    City-Specific Regulations

    Atlanta

    Hive Limits

    Up to 2 hives on lots under 1/2 acre; up to 5 hives on lots between 1/2 and 1 acre; additional hives permitted on larger lots.

    Setbacks

    Hives must be at least 10 feet from any property line. A 6-foot flyway barrier is required if hives are within 25 feet of a property line.

    Notes

    Atlanta permits residential beekeeping under its urban agriculture ordinance, adopted in 2014. Beekeepers must provide a water source, maintain hives in moveable-frame equipment, and avoid creating a nuisance. Front-yard hives are not permitted. The Metro Atlanta Beekeepers Association is one of the largest local clubs in the Southeast.

    Savannah

    Hive Limits

    Up to 2 hives on residential lots; additional hives permitted on lots over 1/2 acre with appropriate setbacks.

    Setbacks

    Hives must be at least 10 feet from any property line and screened from neighbors with a 6-foot fence, hedge, or flyway barrier.

    Notes

    Savannah permits residential beekeeping in most zoning districts. Chatham County's coastal climate supports a long foraging season with major flows from holly, gallberry, palmetto, and tupelo. Hurricane preparedness is important for coastal beekeepers.

    Augusta

    Hive Limits

    Up to 4 hives on residential lots under 1/2 acre; additional hives on larger lots.

    Setbacks

    Hives must be at least 10 feet from any property line and screened from neighbors when within 25 feet.

    Notes

    Augusta-Richmond County permits residential beekeeping with reasonable setback requirements. The CSRA (Central Savannah River Area) Beekeepers Association supports local beekeepers across Georgia and South Carolina border counties.

    Key Laws & Statutes

    Georgia Code Title 2, Chapter 14 - Honey Bees

    O.C.G.A. Title 2, Ch. 14

    Establishes the legal framework for beekeeping in Georgia, including the authority of the Commissioner of Agriculture to inspect apiaries, quarantine diseased colonies, and regulate the movement of bees and used equipment. Authorizes certificates of inspection for interstate commerce in bees.

    Georgia Honey Bee Protection Act

    O.C.G.A. 2-14-40 et seq.

    Provides protections for beekeepers against nuisance lawsuits when operating in compliance with best management practices. Limits the ability of local governments to prohibit beekeeping outright, though they may regulate hive placement and density.

    Georgia Beekeeping Association

    Georgia Beekeepers Association

    The Georgia Beekeepers Association (GBA) serves beekeepers throughout the state with semi-annual meetings, educational programs, and a network of affiliated local clubs. GBA partners with the University of Georgia Honey Bee Program for research and extension. Georgia's strong queen breeding industry makes it a destination for beekeepers seeking quality queens and package bees each spring.

    Visit Georgia Beekeepers Association

    Climate & Regional Considerations

    Georgia spans USDA hardiness zones 6b in the north Georgia mountains to 9a along the southern coast, creating diverse beekeeping conditions. North Georgia has cool winters and is famous for sourwood honey, harvested from the high-elevation sourwood trees that bloom in late June and early July. Central Georgia has mild winters and a long foraging season with major flows from clover, blackberry, and privet. South Georgia has nearly year-round foraging with tupelo, gallberry, palmetto, and cotton as major nectar sources. The hot, humid summers favor small hive beetle populations - manage proactively. Hurricane season affects coastal beekeepers from June through November. Drought is an occasional concern, particularly in the central and southwestern regions.

    Tips for Georgia Beekeepers

    • Georgia is one of the top queen and package bee producers in the country - take advantage of local sources rather than shipping bees from far away.
    • Small hive beetles thrive in Georgia's warm, humid climate. Use beetle traps, maintain strong colonies, and freeze comb before storing.
    • The University of Georgia Honey Bee Program offers excellent educational resources and certification programs for Georgia beekeepers.
    • South Georgia's tupelo flow (April-May) produces one of the most prized varietal honeys in the world. North Georgia beekeepers focus on sourwood (June-July).
    • Africanized honey bees have been detected in south Georgia. Re-queen with gentle stock annually and monitor colony temperament.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Other State Regulations

    Beekeeping Cost Calculator

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

    Calculate Costs

    Do You Need a License to Keep Bees?

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

    Read the Guide

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