Seminole County, FL Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- County rule
- None (state preempted)
- Authority
- FL Dept. of Agriculture (FDACS)
- Statute
- FS 586.10
- Requirement
- Register hives with state
- Standards
- State Best Management Practices
Summary
Seminole County cannot regulate registered honeybee colonies. Florida Statute 586.10 preempts beekeeping regulation to the state Department of Agriculture, so you register hives with the state rather than the county.
The authority to regulate, inspect, and permit managed honeybee colonies and to adopt rules on the placement and location of registered inspected managed honeybee colonies is preempted to the state through the department and supersedes any related ordinance adopted by a county, municipality, or political subdivision thereof.
Full Breakdown
Under Florida's honeybee preemption, the authority to regulate, inspect, and permit managed honeybee colonies and to set rules on their placement is reserved to the state through the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), superseding any related county or city ordinance. Beekeepers must register colonies with FDACS's Apiary Inspection program and follow the state's Best Management Practices, but Seminole County itself sets no separate hive permit or setback for registered inspected colonies.
Violations & Fines
Enforcement of colony registration and placement is by FDACS, not the county; unregistered or non-compliant apiaries are handled under the state apiary program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Seminole County require a beekeeping permit?
How do I register my hives?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Seminole County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Seminole County to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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