Miami-Dade County, FL Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

Section 33-226(7) of the zoning code lists beekeeping among the uses permitted as-of-right in the EU-1 Estate Residential District, capping it at five hives and requiring each hive to sit at least 150 feet from a highway line and 150 feet from a residential structure; other EU and RU zoning classifications set their own hive counts and setbacks under the parallel 'uses permitted' sections for those districts. 3 supplies the operating rules layered on top of the zoning cap: hives may only be placed and maintained in accordance with Chapter 33, every apiary location must carry an identification sign giving the owner's or keeper's name, address and phone number, and it is unlawful to remove, deface or destroy that sign.

Placing or maintaining hives on public or private land without the landowner's consent is itself unlawful, and the Miami-Dade Police Department or another agent designated by the County Manager can impound noncompliant colonies. Before impounding, the department must post a notice on the hive at least 15 days in advance identifying the alleged violation, and the keeper can correct the violation or request a hearing before the County Manager or a designee during that window, which stays enforcement until the hearing is resolved. Impounded hives are held 30 days and can be redeemed by paying impoundment and redemption fees the Board of County Commissioners sets; unclaimed hives are sold at public auction after published notice.

Voluntarily moving noncompliant hives to another unlawful site does not cure the violation and is treated as a continuing one. 3 applies only in the unincorporated area; each of the county's 34 municipalities sets its own hive rules.