Beekeeping Laws by State (2025)

"Is beekeeping legal where I live?" is one of the first questions every aspiring beekeeper asks—and one of the hardest to answer definitively.

The US has no federal beekeeping regulations. Instead, you're dealing with a patchwork of state laws, local ordinances, and private restrictions. What's completely legal one mile away might require a permit—or be banned—where you are.

Here's how to navigate it.

The Three Levels of Regulation

1. State Laws

Most states regulate beekeeping at the state level, primarily to control disease (especially American Foulbrood). Common state-level requirements include:

• Registration: Many states require you to register your apiary with the state department of agriculture. This is usually free or costs a small fee ($5–$25). Registration enables disease tracking and may qualify you for state inspection services.
• Inspection access: State apiary inspectors have the right to inspect your hives for disease. This is actually a benefit—free expert eyes on your colonies.
• Disease reporting: Some states require reporting of certain diseases (particularly American Foulbrood).
• Movable frame requirements: A few states require hives with removable frames to allow inspection. This effectively bans traditional skeps but allows all modern hive types.

2. Local Ordinances (City/County)

This is where things get complicated. Cities and counties can add restrictions beyond state law, including:

• Setback requirements: Hives must be 10–25 feet from property lines
• Flyway barriers: Required fences or hedges to force bees to fly upward
• Hive limits: Maximum number of hives allowed per lot (often 2–6 for residential)
• Lot size minimums: Some areas require minimum acreage (e.g., no bees on lots under ½ acre)
• Permits: Some cities require beekeeping permits with annual fees
• Water source requirements: You must provide water on your property
• Neighbor notification: Some require notifying adjacent property owners

Urban areas typically have more restrictions than rural areas. Some cities ban beekeeping entirely in residential zones.

3. Private Restrictions (HOA/Landlord)

Even if state and local law allows beekeeping, private restrictions can prohibit it:

• HOA CC&Rs: Many homeowners associations ban livestock, which often includes bees. Read your covenants carefully—violating them can mean fines or forced removal.
• Rental agreements: Your landlord may prohibit bees even if local law allows them.
• Deed restrictions: Some properties have deed restrictions limiting certain uses.

How to Research Your Local Laws

Step 1: Check State Requirements

Search "[Your State] apiary registration" or "[Your State] beekeeping laws." Most states have this information on their Department of Agriculture website. Look for:

• Registration requirements and fees
• State apiarist contact information
• Disease reporting requirements
• Any statewide restrictions

Step 2: Check City/County Ordinances

Search "[Your City] beekeeping ordinance" or "[Your City] municipal code bees." You can also:

• Call your city/county planning or zoning department
• Search your municipal code online (most are searchable)
• Check with your local beekeeping association—they know the local rules

Step 3: Check Private Restrictions

• Read your HOA CC&Rs and bylaws thoroughly
• Ask your HOA board directly if unsure
• Review your lease if renting
• Check property deed restrictions

State-by-State Overview

Below is a general overview of state registration requirements. This is for reference only—always verify current requirements with your state's department of agriculture, as laws change.

Common Urban Beekeeping Rules

If you're in a city or suburb, expect additional regulations. Here are common patterns:

Typical setback requirements: 10–25 feet from property lines, or 5 feet with a 6-foot flyway barrier (solid fence/hedge).

Typical hive limits: 2 hives on lots under ¼ acre, 4–6 hives on ¼–1 acre, more on larger properties.

Flyway barriers: Many cities require a 6-foot solid fence, hedge, or structure between hives and property lines. This forces bees to fly upward, keeping them above pedestrian head height.

Water requirements: You must provide a water source on your property so bees don't become a nuisance at neighbors' pools or pet bowls.

Best Management Practices: Some cities require adherence to "BMPs"—a set of guidelines for responsible beekeeping that may include requeening aggressive colonies, maintaining adequate equipment, and not abandoning hives.

What If Beekeeping Is Restricted Where You Live?

• Consider advocacy: Many cities have updated their codes in recent years to allow urban beekeeping. Your local bee club may have ongoing efforts to change restrictive laws.
• Find alternative locations: Some beekeepers keep hives on friends' or family members' properties, at community gardens, or on farms outside city limits.
• Support native bees: If you can't keep honey bees, consider planting pollinator gardens or installing mason bee houses. Different contribution, same positive impact.