All State Regulations

    Beekeeping Laws & Regulations in Missouri

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

    Last updated: April 1, 2026

    Key Facts - Missouri Beekeeping

    Registration Required

    No - through MDA

    Residential Hive Limits

    No statewide residential hive limit.

    State Agency

    Missouri Department of Agriculture, Plant Industries Division

    State Registration Requirements

    Missouri does not require mandatory beekeeper registration, but the Missouri Department of Agriculture's Plant Industries Division offers voluntary registration to support disease tracking and pesticide notification. MDA investigates reports of American foulbrood and other reportable bee diseases. Beekeepers bringing bees into Missouri from out of state must have a certificate of inspection issued within the past 60 days. Missouri also offers a property tax exemption for beekeeping equipment under certain conditions.

    Registration Fees

    Free. Missouri offers voluntary apiary registration.

    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 vary.

    City-Specific Regulations

    Kansas City

    Hive Limits

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

    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

    Kansas City permits urban beekeeping in residential zones. Beekeepers must provide a water source and place hives in rear yards only. The Midwestern Beekeepers Association serves the KC metro area with education and mentorship.

    St. Louis

    Hive Limits

    Up to 2 hives on residential lots with additional hives allowed on larger lots. Registration with the city may be required.

    Setbacks

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

    Notes

    St. Louis has a growing urban beekeeping community supported by the Eastern Missouri Beekeepers Association. Hives must be placed in rear yards with water sources. Check with the St. Louis Department of Health for specific registration requirements.

    Springfield

    Hive Limits

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

    Setbacks

    Recommended 10-foot setback from property lines.

    Notes

    Springfield does not have a restrictive beekeeping ordinance. Beekeepers should follow best management practices and consider joining the Springfield Area Beekeepers Association for local support.

    Key Laws & Statutes

    Missouri Revised Statutes Chapter 264

    Mo. Rev. Stat. Ch. 264

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

    Missouri Property Tax Exemption for Beekeeping

    Mo. Rev. Stat. 137.100

    Provides property tax exemption for honey bees and beekeeping equipment used in the production of honey and beeswax for agricultural purposes.

    Missouri Beekeeping Association

    Missouri State Beekeepers Association

    The Missouri State Beekeepers Association (MSBA) is the statewide organization supporting hobby, sideliner, and commercial beekeepers. MSBA hosts spring and fall conferences, publishes a newsletter, supports youth beekeeping programs, and coordinates with more than 30 local beekeeping clubs across Missouri.

    Visit Missouri State Beekeepers Association

    Climate & Regional Considerations

    Missouri spans USDA hardiness zones 5b through 7a, with cold winters, hot humid summers, and a long growing season. Winter preparation includes ensuring 60-80 pounds of honey stores, upper ventilation for moisture control, and wind protection. Northern Missouri winters are similar to Iowa, while southern Missouri has milder conditions closer to Arkansas. Summer heat and humidity favor small hive beetle populations, so maintain strong colonies and use beetle traps. Spring can bring severe thunderstorms and tornadoes - secure hives with straps. The long growing season (March through October) offers extended foraging opportunities but also prolonged pest pressure.

    Tips for Missouri Beekeepers

    • Missouri has a vibrant local club network - join the Missouri State Beekeepers Association and a local affiliated club for mentorship.
    • Missouri winters are less severe than northern Midwest states but still require 60-80 pounds of honey stores and wind protection.
    • The main nectar flow runs from late April through June, with clover, black locust, and tulip poplar as key sources. A fall flow from goldenrod and aster provides winter stores.
    • Small hive beetles are a significant pest in Missouri's warm, humid summers - use traps and maintain strong colonies.
    • Take advantage of the Missouri property tax exemption for beekeeping equipment used for honey and beeswax production.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Other State Regulations

    Beekeeping Cost Calculator

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

    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 Missouri expects before you start.

    Read the Guide

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