All State Regulations

    Beekeeping Laws & Regulations in Vermont

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

    Last updated: April 1, 2026

    Key Facts - Vermont Beekeeping

    Registration Required

    Yes - through VAAFM

    Residential Hive Limits

    No statewide residential limit.

    State Agency

    Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets

    State Registration Requirements

    Vermont law requires all beekeepers to register their hives with the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets Apiary Program. Registration is free and must be updated when hives are moved or sold. The State Apiarist provides inspections, disease diagnostics, and issues health certificates for interstate transport. Out-of-state bees entering Vermont must have a certificate of inspection showing freedom from American foulbrood issued within the past 60 days.

    Registration Fees

    Registration is free for Vermont beekeepers.

    Register with VAAFM

    Residential Beekeeping Rules

    Hive Limits - Residential

    No statewide residential limit. Most Vermont towns do not have specific bee ordinances.

    Hive Limits - Rural / Agricultural

    No statewide limit. Vermont strongly supports beekeeping as part of its agricultural heritage.

    Setback Requirements

    No statewide setback requirement. Local zoning may include setbacks, but Vermont towns are generally permissive.

    City-Specific Regulations

    Burlington

    Hive Limits

    No specific citywide cap. Beekeeping is allowed in residential zones under the urban agriculture ordinance.

    Setbacks

    Hives should be set back at least 10 feet from property lines with flyway barriers if near neighbors.

    Notes

    Burlington actively supports urban beekeeping. Hives must be registered with the state, and beekeepers should maintain a water source.

    Montpelier

    Hive Limits

    No explicit limit. Hives permitted in residential areas.

    Setbacks

    Reasonable setbacks and flyway barriers encouraged near neighboring dwellings.

    Notes

    As the state capital, Montpelier follows a generally permissive approach aligned with state law and registration requirements.

    Rutland

    Hive Limits

    No city cap. Beekeeping permitted as an accessory use.

    Setbacks

    Hives should be placed away from property lines with consideration for flight paths.

    Notes

    Rutland defers to state-level rules. Beekeepers should notify immediate neighbors and maintain good management practices.

    Key Laws & Statutes

    Vermont Apiary Law

    6 V.S.A. Ch. 125, Sections 3021-3029

    Establishes the Apiary Program, requires registration of all hives, authorizes inspections, and provides for the control and eradication of bee diseases.

    Vermont Pollinator Protection Committee

    Act 83 of 2016

    Created a standing committee to recommend best practices for protecting pollinators from pesticides and habitat loss, and to coordinate beekeeper notifications.

    Vermont Beekeeping Association

    Vermont Beekeepers Association

    The Vermont Beekeepers Association (VBA) supports beekeepers across Vermont with education, mentorship, bee schools, a summer field day, and an annual meeting. VBA coordinates with the State Apiarist and local clubs statewide.

    Visit Vermont Beekeepers Association

    Climate & Regional Considerations

    Vermont spans USDA zones 3b through 5b, with cold winters and short summers. Colonies must be strong and well-stocked (70-90 pounds of honey) by the end of September. Wrap hives or insulate, provide upper ventilation, and keep entrance reducers in place to exclude mice. The nectar flow runs from dandelion in early May through basswood in early July, with a secondary goldenrod and aster flow in September. Mud season and early-spring cold snaps can challenge colonies that have begun brood rearing - monitor stores carefully in March and be ready to feed fondant. Vermont's maple forests provide excellent early forage when temperatures allow flight.

    Tips for Vermont Beekeepers

    • Register with the Vermont Apiary Program - it is free and helps protect bees through pesticide notifications.
    • Vermont winters are long - ensure colonies enter fall with at least 70 pounds of honey stores.
    • Use upper entrances and moisture boards to manage winter condensation in Vermont's damp climate.
    • Attend a VBA bee school before your first season - they are offered around the state each winter.
    • Treat varroa mites in August to protect the winter bee population.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Other State Regulations

    Beekeeping Cost Calculator

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

    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 Vermont expects before you start.

    Read the Guide

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