All State Regulations

    Beekeeping Laws & Regulations in Indiana

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

    Last updated: April 1, 2026

    Key Facts - Indiana Beekeeping

    Registration Required

    Yes - through OISC

    Residential Hive Limits

    No statewide residential hive limit.

    State Agency

    Office of Indiana State Chemist

    State Registration Requirements

    Under Indiana law, all beekeepers must register their apiaries with the Office of Indiana State Chemist, which is housed at Purdue University and serves as the state apiary regulatory authority. Registration is free and must be updated annually or when colonies are moved to a new location. The State Apiarist conducts inspections for American foulbrood, European foulbrood, and other reportable diseases. Beekeepers bringing colonies into Indiana must obtain a certificate of inspection from the state of origin.

    Registration Fees

    Free. Indiana does not charge a fee for beekeeper registration.

    Register with OISC

    Residential Beekeeping Rules

    Hive Limits - Residential

    No statewide residential hive limit. Local city ordinances typically allow 2 to 6 hives on residential lots.

    Hive Limits - Rural / Agricultural

    No statewide limit on rural or agricultural properties.

    Setback Requirements

    No statewide setback requirement. Local ordinances typically require 5 to 25 feet from property lines, often with flyway barrier requirements.

    City-Specific Regulations

    Indianapolis

    Hive Limits

    Up to 2 hives on lots under 1/2 acre, up to 5 hives on larger lots.

    Setbacks

    Hives must be at least 10 feet from property lines and 25 feet from neighboring dwellings. A 6-foot flyway barrier is required when hives are within 25 feet of a property line.

    Notes

    Indianapolis has a growing urban beekeeping community. Hives must be in rear yards only and a water source must be provided. Register with the Office of Indiana State Chemist. The city generally supports pollinator-friendly practices.

    Fort Wayne

    Hive Limits

    Up to 2 colonies on residential lots less than 1/2 acre, with additional colonies permitted on larger lots.

    Setbacks

    Hives must be placed at least 10 feet from any property line and 20 feet from neighboring residences.

    Notes

    Fort Wayne allows beekeeping in residential zones as an accessory use. A flyway barrier is recommended when hives are near lot lines. Beekeepers must register with OISC.

    Evansville

    Hive Limits

    Generally permitted in residential zones with no specific numeric limit, subject to nuisance provisions.

    Setbacks

    Recommended 10-foot setback from property lines, with flyway barriers for hives near neighboring properties.

    Notes

    Evansville follows state regulations and does not have a restrictive municipal beekeeping ordinance. Beekeepers are encouraged to notify neighbors and follow best management practices to avoid nuisance complaints.

    Key Laws & Statutes

    Indiana Bee Law

    IC 14-24-8

    Establishes the authority of the State Chemist (State Apiarist) to inspect apiaries, control diseases, and register beekeepers. Requires beekeepers to cooperate with inspections and report reportable diseases such as American foulbrood.

    Indiana Administrative Code, Title 355, Article 4

    355 IAC 4

    Details administrative rules for apiary inspection, registration procedures, disease reporting, and movement of bees into Indiana from other states.

    Indiana Beekeeping Association

    Beekeepers of Indiana

    The Beekeepers of Indiana is the statewide association supporting hobby, sideliner, and commercial beekeepers. The organization hosts the Indiana Bee School each spring, publishes a quarterly newsletter, and coordinates with more than 20 local bee clubs across Indiana.

    Visit Beekeepers of Indiana

    Climate & Regional Considerations

    Indiana spans USDA hardiness zones 5b through 6b, with cold winters, humid summers, and unpredictable spring weather. Colonies need strong populations and ample stores (60-70 pounds of honey) to survive the cold months from December through March. Upper ventilation is essential to prevent condensation from forming on the inner cover and dripping on the cluster. Spring buildup can be interrupted by late freezes and wet weather. Summer humidity favors small hive beetle populations, especially in southern Indiana, and varroa mite monitoring should be performed monthly throughout the active season.

    Tips for Indiana Beekeepers

    • Register your apiary with the Office of Indiana State Chemist - it is free and legally required under Indiana law.
    • Attend the annual Indiana Bee School in March, which features expert speakers and hands-on workshops for beekeepers at all levels.
    • Indiana winters are long and cold - feed 2:1 syrup in early fall and ensure colonies have 60-70 pounds of honey stores before the first freeze.
    • Soybean fields and clover pastures are major nectar sources in Indiana - position hives near agricultural land when possible but be aware of pesticide risks.
    • Join a local club affiliated with Beekeepers of Indiana for mentorship and hands-on experience.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Other State Regulations

    Beekeeping Cost Calculator

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

    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 Indiana expects before you start.

    Read the Guide

    Cookie Notice

    We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalized ads or content, and analyze our traffic. By clicking "Accept All", you consent to our use of cookies. We use Google Analytics to analyze usage of our website.Read our Privacy Policyfor more information.