All State Regulations

    Beekeeping Laws & Regulations in Nebraska

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

    Last updated: April 1, 2026

    Key Facts - Nebraska Beekeeping

    Registration Required

    Yes - through NDA

    Residential Hive Limits

    No statewide residential hive limit.

    State Agency

    Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Plant Industry

    State Registration Requirements

    Nebraska law requires all beekeepers to register their apiaries annually with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture under the Nebraska Apiary Act. Registration must be renewed each year and beekeepers must report apiary locations. The NDA Bureau of Plant Industry conducts inspections for American foulbrood and other reportable diseases. Beekeepers bringing colonies into Nebraska from out of state must have a certificate of inspection.

    Registration Fees

    Annual registration fee of approximately $10-20 depending on colony count.

    Register with NDA

    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

    Omaha

    Hive Limits

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

    Notes

    Omaha permits urban beekeeping in residential zones. Beekeepers must register with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and are encouraged to join the Omaha Bee Club for local support. Hives must be in rear yards with water provided.

    Lincoln

    Hive Limits

    Up to 2 hives per residential lot with a city permit. Additional hives may be allowed on larger lots.

    Setbacks

    Hives must be at least 10 feet from property lines and 25 feet from neighboring dwellings with flyway barriers required.

    Notes

    Lincoln allows beekeeping in residential zones with a city permit. Beekeepers must register with both the city and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. The Lincoln area has an active beekeeping community supported by the Nebraska Beekeepers Association.

    Bellevue

    Hive Limits

    Generally allowed in residential zones, subject to local ordinance and nuisance provisions.

    Setbacks

    Recommended 10-foot setback from property lines.

    Notes

    Bellevue follows general Sarpy County and state regulations. Beekeepers should register with NDA and follow best management practices. Check with the city planning department for any specific requirements.

    Key Laws & Statutes

    Nebraska Apiary Act

    Neb. Rev. Stat. 2-3401 to 2-3410

    Establishes mandatory apiary registration with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, grants authority for apiary inspection and disease control, and requires certificates of inspection for bees entering Nebraska.

    Nebraska Administrative Code Title 25, Chapter 26

    25 NAC 26

    Details administrative rules for apiary registration procedures, inspection protocols, and disease management in Nebraska.

    Nebraska Beekeeping Association

    Nebraska Beekeepers Association

    The Nebraska Beekeepers Association (NBA) is the statewide organization supporting hobby and commercial beekeepers across Nebraska. NBA hosts annual conferences, publishes a newsletter, supports youth scholarship programs, and coordinates with local clubs including the Omaha Bee Club and Lincoln area beekeepers.

    Visit Nebraska Beekeepers Association

    Climate & Regional Considerations

    Nebraska spans USDA hardiness zones 4b through 5b, with cold winters, hot summers, and strong prevailing winds across the Great Plains. Winter preparation is critical - colonies need 70-90 pounds of honey, wind protection (absolutely essential), and upper ventilation. Tar paper wraps or foam insulation are common. Spring brings severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes that can topple hives - strap them down. Summer heat combined with wind can dehydrate colonies, so provide abundant water. The Sandhills and eastern Nebraska have better forage than the more arid western regions, where drought can severely limit honey production.

    Tips for Nebraska Beekeepers

    • Register annually with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture - this is required under the Nebraska Apiary Act.
    • Nebraska winters are cold with strong winds across the plains - provide wind breaks, wrap hives, and ensure 70-90 pounds of honey stores.
    • The Nebraska Sandhills region produces excellent honey from wildflowers and is home to significant commercial beekeeping operations.
    • Watch for pesticide exposure from row crops - register with FieldWatch's BeeCheck program to help applicators avoid your hives.
    • Join the Nebraska Beekeepers Association and attend the annual conference for excellent education and networking.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Other State Regulations

    Beekeeping Cost Calculator

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

    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 Nebraska expects before you start.

    Read the Guide

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