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Palm Beach County, FL Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

Few Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified April 2026

Key Facts

State Law: FL §586.10 preemption
Registration: FDACS annual, free
Density: 1 hive per 1,000 sq ft
Setback: 10 ft or flyway barrier

Summary

Beekeeping is allowed countywide under FL §586.10, which preempts local bans. Hives must be registered annually with FDACS Division of Plant Industry, free of charge.

City-specific rules exist: Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Boynton Beach, and Delray Beach have their own beekeeping rules that differ from Palm Beach County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Florida Honey Certification and Honeybee Law.” History. - s. 9, ch. 28167, 1953; s. 1, ch. 86-62.
586.02 Definitions. - As used in this chapter: (1) “Apiary” means a beeyard or site where honeybee hives, honeybees, or honeybee equipment is located. (2) “Apiculture” means the raising, caring for, and breeding of honeybees. (3) “Beekeeping equipment” means honeybee hives, frames, supers, pallets, queen excluders, and other equipment which is used in the cultivation of honeybees and the harvesting of products produced by honeybees. (4) “Certified honey” means honey that is sampled, analyzed, and certified by the department to be primarily of one type from a principal nectar source.

Source: FDACS ApiaryView official code

Full Breakdown

FL §586.10 prohibits municipalities and counties from banning beekeeping. PBC permits hives on residential, agricultural, and rural lots subject to FDACS Best Management Practices: hive density of 1 hive per 1,000 sq ft of lot, water source provided, and 10-foot setback from property lines or a 6-foot flyway barrier. The agricultural reserve in western PBC is particularly bee-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep bees in my backyard in Palm Beach County?

FL §586.10 state preemption prevents Palm Beach County from banning beekeeping. FDACS annual hive registration required. Hive setbacks from property lines apply per FDACS guidance. Western PBC's agricultural areas and proximity to natural lands provide excellent foraging habitat.

What are the beekeeping regulations in Palm Beach County?

State Preemption: FL §586.10, county cannot ban. Registration: FDACS annual hive registration. Agricultural Areas: Ideal foraging habitat in western PBC. HOAs: May restrict via covenants.

Sources & Official References

[1]FDACS Apiary

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All Palm Beach County rules

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Beekeeping in Cities Across Palm Beach County

West Palm Beach, FL Boca Raton, FL Boynton Beach, FL Delray Beach, FL Jupiter, FL