Boynton Beach, FL Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- State Preemption
- FL §586.10
- Registration
- FDACS annual
- Local Ban
- Prohibited
- BMPs
- Required
- HOAs
- May restrict
Summary
Beekeeping is allowed in Boynton Beach under FL §586.10 state preemption. Cities cannot ban honeybee colonies. FDACS annual registration required for all beekeepers regardless of hive count.
586.01 Short title. - This chapter shall be known as the “Florida Honey Certification and Honeybee Law.” History. - s. 9, ch. 28167, 1953; s. 1, ch. 86-62. 586.02 Definitions. - As used in this chapter: (1) “Apiary” means a beeyard or site where honeybee hives, honeybees, or honeybee equipment is located. (2) “Apiculture” means the raising, caring for, and breeding of honeybees. (3) “Beekeeping equipment” means honeybee hives, frames, supers, pallets, queen excluders, and other equipment which is used in the cultivation of honeybees and the harvesting of products produced by honeybees. (4) “Certified honey” means honey that is sampled, analyzed, and certified by the department to be primarily of one type from a principal nectar source.
Full Breakdown
Florida Statute §586.10 preempts local beekeeping bans and requires the FL Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) to regulate all honeybee colonies. Every beekeeper must register annually with FDACS Apiary Inspection (free for hobbyists) and comply with Best Management Practices including providing water sources, positioning hive entrances away from property lines, and using gentle European stock. Africanized bee colonies must be requeened. HOAs in Boynton Beach planned communities may still prohibit hives on private lots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to keep bees in Boynton Beach?
Sources & Official References
- [1]FL §586.10
- [2]FDACS Apiary
Other rules in Boynton Beach
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