Broward County, FL Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

Florida Statute 586.10 (the Beekeeping Preemption law) prohibits any county or municipality from adopting or enforcing ordinances that prohibit, restrict, or regulate beekeeping when the hives are registered in compliance with Chapter 586 and maintained per FDACS best management practices. Broward County therefore cannot ban backyard hives. Hive registration is free and annual through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services apiary inspection program. FDACS Best Management Practices require an adequate water source on the beekeeper's property (to prevent foraging in neighbors' pools), a 6-foot flight path barrier (fence or hedge) when hives are within 15 feet of a property line, and appropriate requeening to manage Africanized honeybee hybridization, which is prevalent in South Florida. HOAs may still impose private deed restrictions on beekeeping; 586.10 does not reach private covenants. Urban Broward beekeepers commonly use Langstroth or top-bar hives and register with Broward County Beekeepers Association for mentorship. Wild feral hives and Africanized colonies are removed by licensed pest control operators under FDACS authority.