Florida Urban Beekeeping Laws: What City Beekeepers Need to Know

Florida is more than sandy beaches and orange groves—urban beekeeping is taking off in cities from Miami to Jacksonville and everywhere in between. If you’re thinking about starting a backyard hive or two in a Florida city or suburb, it’s smart to get familiar with both state and local laws before you suit up and start tending bees. Here’s a thorough, down-to-earth guide to Florida’s urban beekeeping laws, with real-life tips for keeping your hives (and neighbors) happy.

Is Urban Beekeeping Legal in Florida?

Yes, beekeeping is legal in most urban and suburban areas of Florida, but it comes with specific rules. Florida is one of the most “bee-friendly” states in the country—so much so that it has clear state-level protections for beekeepers, but also detailed regulations to keep both bees and neighbors safe.

Florida State Law: The Foundation for Urban Beekeeping

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) regulates all beekeeping—rural and urban—across the state. Here are the must-know state rules:

Annual registration required: Every beekeeper in Florida, even hobbyists with just one hive, must register their apiary each year with FDACS. Registration is easy, inexpensive, and helps the state manage bee health and disease outbreaks.
Hive inspection: Registered hives can be inspected by state apiary inspectors to check for disease or pests. State law allows for hives to be ordered destroyed or moved if they’re diseased or creating a public nuisance.
State “Right to Farm” protection: Florida’s “Right to Farm Act” protects registered beekeepers from nuisance lawsuits—as long as they follow all rules and manage hives responsibly.
State-level preemption: Florida law says local governments can’t ban beekeeping entirely on single-family residential lots, but they can regulate hive numbers, placement, and best management practices. This means local rules matter, but outright bans are off the table in most places.

Local Ordinances: City and County Rules

Cities and counties can regulate—but not ban—beekeeping in most neighborhoods. Here’s what you’ll find in many Florida cities:

Limits on number of hives: Typical city rules allow 2–4 hives per residential lot; larger lots or community gardens may be allowed more.
Setbacks and placement: Hives often must be 10–25 feet from property lines, sidewalks, or public areas. Some cities require more space for larger numbers of hives.
Flyway barriers: If hives are near property lines or walkways, a fence, wall, or dense shrub (at least 6 feet tall) may be required to direct bees to fly up and away from people.
Water source: Cities almost always require a constant water source on your property to keep bees from searching neighbors’ pools, fountains, or bird baths.
Nuisance and safety enforcement: Aggressive hives, repeated swarms, or complaints can lead to city action, including ordering hive removal or relocation.
HOA and lease rules: Homeowners’ associations or landlords may have stricter requirements or even ban hives, so always check your CC&Rs or rental agreement.

City Examples: Urban Beekeeping in Florida

Miami: Allows backyard hives on single-family lots with limits on hive number and placement, and requires water sources and barriers near property lines.
Orlando: Permits backyard beekeeping with up to 2 hives per lot, setbacks from property lines, and nuisance rules.
Jacksonville: Follows state guidelines, with recommendations for setbacks and water sources. Complaints can trigger inspections.
Tampa, St. Petersburg, Tallahassee, and others: Have similar codes—setbacks, hive limits, water and barrier requirements, and nuisance enforcement.

If your town or city isn’t listed, call your local animal control, code enforcement, or planning department for specific rules.

What About Selling Honey?

Florida’s “cottage food law” allows small-scale beekeepers to sell honey and bee products directly to consumers (including at farmers markets or from your home), provided you label products with your name, address, and a “cottage food” statement. Larger-scale sales or selling to stores may require further permits or inspections.

Penalties and Enforcement

State or city officials can order hive removal or destruction if you ignore inspections, allow aggressive or diseased bees, or violate placement and number rules.
You may lose the right to keep bees if you repeatedly cause nuisance complaints.
HOAs can fine you or require removal if you violate association rules—even if the city allows hives.

Tips for Happy Urban Beekeeping in Florida

Register your hives every year and keep them marked as required.
Keep hives away from play areas, walkways, and property lines where possible.
Install a flyway barrier and maintain a steady water source to minimize bee-neighbor conflicts.
Limit the number of hives to city rules (and what your property can support).
Inform your neighbors—sometimes a heads-up and a honey jar can prevent complaints.
Manage swarms and aggressive colonies promptly; re-queen when needed.
Join a local beekeeping club for advice, support, and continuing education.

Helpful Resources

Final Thoughts: Urban Beekeeping in Florida—Legal, Rewarding, and Growing

Florida welcomes urban beekeepers—as long as you register, follow local codes, and keep your bees responsibly. A little homework, clear communication, and good management mean you’ll enjoy fresh honey, pollinator-friendly gardens, and a more connected neighborhood—all without legal headaches.