All State Regulations

    Beekeeping Laws & Regulations in Texas

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

    Last updated: March 15, 2026

    Key Facts - Texas Beekeeping

    Registration Required

    Yes - through TAIS

    Residential Hive Limits

    No statewide residential hive limit.

    State Agency

    Texas Apiary Inspection Service (TAIS)

    State Registration Requirements

    All beekeepers in Texas must register their apiaries with the Texas Apiary Inspection Service, which operates through Texas A&M AgriLife Research. Registration is required regardless of the number of hives. Equipment not located at the beekeeper's primary residence must be clearly and permanently marked with identification in one-inch letters or numbers on each end of the hive body, or a weatherproof sign must be posted in the apiary with contact information. Beekeepers are legally required to report any suspected reportable disease or pest to TAIS.

    Registration Fees

    Free for hobbyists with fewer than 10 colonies. Commercial beekeepers (10+ colonies) pay $50 per year. Interstate permits cost $200.

    Register with TAIS

    Residential Beekeeping Rules

    Hive Limits - Residential

    No statewide residential hive limit. Local city ordinances set specific limits - typically 2 to 10 hives depending on lot size and municipality.

    Hive Limits - Rural / Agricultural

    No statewide limit on rural properties. Texas offers an agricultural tax exemption (ag valuation) for properties used for beekeeping, requiring 6 or more hives on 5-20 acres.

    Setback Requirements

    No statewide setback requirements. Local ordinances vary - typically 5 to 10 feet from property lines. Many cities require a 6-foot flyway barrier if hives are near property lines.

    City-Specific Regulations

    Austin

    Hive Limits

    Sliding scale based on lot size: 2 hives on lots 0.25 acres or smaller, up to 8 hives on lots over 1 acre.

    Setbacks

    Hives must be behind a 6-foot flyway barrier unless the property borders undeveloped land for at least 25 feet.

    Notes

    Austin is considered one of the most beekeeper-friendly cities in Texas. Hives are allowed in all residential zones without permits as long as beekeepers maintain an adequate water source and follow setback rules. No front-yard hives.

    Dallas

    Hive Limits

    Up to 5 hives without a permit. More than 5 hives requires a one-time permit fee of $50.

    Setbacks

    Hives must be at least 10 feet from side and rear property lines. The setback may be reduced to 5 feet if the adjacent property is vacant and undeveloped with written consent from the property owner.

    Notes

    No hives allowed in front yards. All hives must be placed at ground level or securely attached to a stand. A clean water source must be provided on the same property. Flight paths must not cross property lines at less than 6 feet above ground.

    Houston

    Hive Limits

    No specific citywide hive limit. Houston has no zoning code, which makes beekeeping regulation more permissive than most Texas cities.

    Setbacks

    Hives must be at least 5 feet from property lines and 20 feet from neighboring dwellings.

    Notes

    Houston is unique among major U.S. cities in lacking traditional zoning. State law prohibits cities from outright banning beehives. Beekeepers should still check for any deed restrictions or HOA rules that may apply to their specific property.

    Key Laws & Statutes

    Texas Agriculture Code, Chapter 131

    Tex. Agric. Code Ann. Title 6, Ch. 131

    Establishes the legal framework for apiary inspection, disease control, and beekeeper registration in Texas. Grants TAIS authority to inspect apiaries and enforce quarantine measures.

    HB 1293 (Right to Keep Bees)

    Texas House Bill 1293, 2023

    Prohibits municipalities and counties from adopting or enforcing ordinances that completely ban beekeeping. Local governments may still regulate hive placement, setbacks, and the number of colonies.

    Texas Beekeeping Association

    Texas Beekeepers Association

    The Texas Beekeepers Association (TBA) is the statewide organization serving hobby, sideliner, and commercial beekeepers. TBA hosts an annual convention, publishes educational resources, and advocates for beekeeper-friendly legislation. They maintain a directory of local beekeeping clubs throughout the state.

    Visit Texas Beekeepers Association

    Climate & Regional Considerations

    Texas spans USDA hardiness zones 6b through 9b, creating vastly different beekeeping conditions across the state. In South Texas, bees may forage year-round, while North Texas colonies need winter preparation similar to midwestern states. The hot, dry summers in West Texas require extra attention to water sources, while the humid Gulf Coast creates conditions favorable for small hive beetles. Drought is a major concern statewide - monitor nectar availability and be prepared to feed during dry spells. Hurricane season (June through November) along the coast can disrupt colonies, so secure hives well.

    Tips for Texas Beekeepers

    • Africanized honey bees (AHB) are established throughout most of Texas, particularly in the southern and central regions. Re-queening with gentle European stock annually is strongly recommended.
    • Texas qualifies beekeeping land for agricultural tax valuation. You typically need 6 or more hives on 5-20 acres to receive the ag exemption, which can significantly reduce property taxes.
    • Summer heat can be extreme - provide shade and a reliable water source for your hives. Consider using screened bottom boards for ventilation.
    • The spring nectar flow in Texas typically runs from March through May, but timing varies significantly by region - the Rio Grande Valley starts earlier, while the Panhandle starts later.
    • Register with TAIS even as a hobbyist. It is free, helps with disease tracking, and gives you access to the state's apiary inspection resources.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Other State Regulations

    Beekeeping Cost Calculator

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

    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 Texas expects before you start.

    Read the Guide

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