Fort Lauderdale, FL Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Beekeeping code
- Fort Lauderdale Code Sec. 6-12
- Flight-path duty
- Must not interfere with adjoining property
- Water requirement
- Year-round supply nearer than neighbors' water
Summary
Fort Lauderdale allows beekeeping but Sec. 6-12 requires beekeepers to control the bees' flight path so it does not interfere with neighbors and to keep a year-round water supply nearer the hives than any water on adjoining property.
Flight path control of bees. It shall be unlawful for a beekeeper to fail to control the flight path of the bees on the beekeeper's premises so that as a result the flight path of the beekeeper's bees interferes with the use and enjoyment of adjoining property. Availability of water on the premises. It shall be unlawful for any such person to fail to have an adequate supply of water available on the premises for the bees. The water supply shall be in the vicinity of the beehives and shall be closer to the beehives than any water on adjoining property. The water shall be available year-round.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 67 Update 1 | Unified Land Development Code: Supplement 58 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 6-12 regulates beekeeping in two ways. First, it is unlawful for a beekeeper to fail to control the flight path of bees on the premises so that the flight path interferes with the use and enjoyment of adjoining property. Second, the beekeeper must maintain an adequate year-round water supply in the vicinity of the hives, located closer to the hives than any water on adjoining property, to discourage bees from watering on neighboring land. Beekeeping is otherwise permitted, but apiaries in Florida are also subject to state registration and inspection under the Florida Department of Agriculture.
Violations & Fines
Code-enforcement citation under Sec. 6-12 for failing to control bee flight paths or to provide an on-site water supply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep bees in Fort Lauderdale?
Do I have to provide water for my bees?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Lauderdale
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Fort Lauderdale to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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Beekeeping in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Broward County handle beekeeping.