All State Regulations

    Beekeeping Laws & Regulations in Minnesota

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

    Last updated: April 1, 2026

    Key Facts - Minnesota Beekeeping

    Registration Required

    No - through MDA

    Residential Hive Limits

    No statewide residential hive limit.

    State Agency

    Minnesota Department of Agriculture

    State Registration Requirements

    Minnesota does not require mandatory beekeeper registration, but the Minnesota Department of Agriculture operates an apiary program that encourages voluntary registration through FieldWatch's BeeCheck platform. MDA investigates reports of American foulbrood and other reportable diseases. Beekeepers bringing colonies into Minnesota from out of state must have a certificate of inspection. The University of Minnesota Bee Squad and Bee Lab provide significant research and extension support for beekeepers statewide.

    Registration Fees

    Free. Minnesota offers voluntary registration through BeeCheck/FieldWatch.

    Register with MDA

    Residential Beekeeping Rules

    Hive Limits - Residential

    No statewide residential hive limit. Local municipalities set specific limits.

    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 with flyway barriers.

    City-Specific Regulations

    Minneapolis

    Hive Limits

    Up to 2 hives per residential lot without a permit; additional hives require written consent from 80 percent of neighbors within 100 feet.

    Setbacks

    Hives must be at least 5 feet from property lines and 25 feet from residential dwellings on adjacent lots. A 6-foot flyway barrier is required when hives are within 25 feet of a property line.

    Notes

    Minneapolis legalized urban beekeeping in 2009. Beekeepers must register hives with Minneapolis Animal Care and Control and follow city ordinance 70.70. Hives must be in rear yards only, and a water source must be provided.

    St. Paul

    Hive Limits

    Up to 2 hives per residential lot with a permit from the city. Additional hives may be allowed with neighbor consent.

    Setbacks

    Hives must be at least 5 feet from property lines and 25 feet from neighboring residences. Flyway barriers required when hives are within 25 feet of lot lines.

    Notes

    St. Paul requires a beekeeping permit from the city. Beekeepers must complete an application and obtain consent from neighboring property owners. Rear-yard placement and water source required.

    Rochester

    Hive Limits

    Up to 2 hives on residential lots less than 1/2 acre, with additional hives allowed on larger properties.

    Setbacks

    Hives must be at least 10 feet from property lines and 25 feet from neighboring dwellings.

    Notes

    Rochester permits urban beekeeping in residential zones. Beekeepers are encouraged to register with BeeCheck. The University of Minnesota's Bee Lab and Bee Squad in nearby Minneapolis-St. Paul provide resources for southern Minnesota beekeepers.

    Key Laws & Statutes

    Minnesota Statutes Chapter 19 - Bees

    Minn. Stat. Ch. 19

    Establishes the authority of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to regulate apiaries, control bee diseases, and require certificates of inspection for bees entering Minnesota. Designates American foulbrood as a reportable disease.

    Minnesota Pollinator Protection Rules

    Minn. Stat. 18B.075

    Requires pesticide applicators to use best management practices to protect pollinators. Allows beekeepers to register apiary locations so applicators can be notified of nearby hives before applying pesticides.

    Minnesota Beekeeping Association

    Minnesota Honey Producers Association

    The Minnesota Honey Producers Association (MHPA) represents commercial and hobby beekeepers throughout Minnesota. MHPA hosts an annual summer field day and winter meeting, supports research at the University of Minnesota Bee Lab, and advocates for beekeeper interests including pollinator protection legislation.

    Visit Minnesota Honey Producers Association

    Climate & Regional Considerations

    Minnesota spans USDA hardiness zones 3a through 5a, with extremely cold, long winters - especially in northern Minnesota where temperatures routinely drop below minus 30F. Winter preparation is the single most important task for Minnesota beekeepers. Colonies should be strong, disease-free (treat for varroa in late summer), and provisioned with 90-100 pounds of honey. Tar paper wraps, foam insulation, and wind breaks are standard. Upper ventilation is non-negotiable to prevent lethal condensation. Some beekeepers use insulated hive bodies or overwintering sheds. Spring is short and often interrupted by late snowstorms - patience with buildup is essential. Summer is productive but short, typically mid-June to mid-August.

    Tips for Minnesota Beekeepers

    • Minnesota has some of the harshest winters for beekeeping in the lower 48 - plan for 6 months of confinement with 90-100 pounds of honey stores.
    • Use heavy winter preparation: insulated covers, upper entrances, wind breaks, and tar paper or foam wraps.
    • Take advantage of the University of Minnesota Bee Lab's research and the Bee Squad's educational programs - they are world-class resources based in the Twin Cities.
    • Register with BeeCheck so pesticide applicators can avoid your apiary - Minnesota's row crop agriculture and soybean aphid treatments pose significant risks.
    • The main honey flow is late June through early August, driven by clover, basswood, and alfalfa. Fall goldenrod and aster provide winter stores.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Other State Regulations

    Beekeeping Cost Calculator

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

    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 Minnesota expects before you start.

    Read the Guide

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