Homestead, FL Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Registration
- Required with FDACS
- State Law
- FL Statute Section 586
- Flyway Barrier
- Recommended to redirect flight paths
- Water Source
- Must provide to prevent nuisance
- Contact
- FDACS (352) 395-4691
Summary
Florida encourages beekeeping under FL Statute Section 586 and the Florida Bee Act. Homestead beekeepers must register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Hives must be managed responsibly with adequate water sources and setbacks. Homestead's tropical agriculture makes beekeeping particularly beneficial for pollination.
— (1) 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. (2) The department shall: (a) Administer and enforce this chapter. (b) Adopt rules necessary to enforce this chapter, rules relating to standard grades for honey and other honeybee products, and, after consultation with local governments and other affected stakeholders, rules to administer this section. (3) The department may: (a) Enter upon any public or private p
Full Breakdown
Florida is a bee-friendly state with the Florida Bee Act (FL Statute Section 586) establishing a regulatory framework for beekeeping. Homestead beekeepers must register their apiary with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and submit to periodic inspections. Hives should be placed with consideration for neighbors: maintaining flyway barriers (fences or hedges) to redirect bee flight paths above head height, providing water sources to prevent bees from using neighbors' pools or pet bowls, and keeping hives oriented away from neighboring living areas. There is no statewide limit on the number of hives, but best practices suggest matching colony count to available forage. Homestead's extensive agricultural operations (tropical fruit, nurseries) make the area excellent for beekeeping, and bees provide essential pollination services. Africanized honey bees are present in South Florida, and beekeepers should maintain European honey bee stock and re-queen regularly to minimize aggressive genetics.
Violations & Fines
Unregistered apiaries face FDACS enforcement. Nuisance bee colonies may be ordered removed. Swarms and aggressive colonies should be reported to FDACS at (352) 395-4691. No city fines for compliant beekeeping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep bees in Homestead?
Do I need to register my beehives in Homestead?
Are Africanized bees a concern in Homestead?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Homestead
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Homestead to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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