New Port Richey, FL Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- FL §586 (preempts local bans)
- Registration
- Required with FDACS
- Limit (small lots)
- 3 colonies on 1/4 acre or less
- HOA Exception
- HOAs may restrict
Summary
Beekeeping is permitted in New Port Richey under Florida state preemption. Florida Statute §586 allows managed honey bee colonies on residential property statewide. Beekeepers must register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and follow Best Management Practices.
586.10 Powers and duties of department; preemption of local government ordinances. — (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. 586.055 Location of apiaries. — An apiary may be located on land classified as agricultural under s. 193.461 or on land that is integral to a beekeeping operation. 586.045 Certificates of registration and inspection. — (1) Each beekeeper having honeybee colonies within the state shall apply to the department, on forms supplied by the department, for certificates of inspection and registration, and for annual renewal on the anniversary date of the registration. An application for renewal postmarked after the anniversary date shall be accompanied by a $10 late filing fee.
(2) Each application shall be accompanied by a registration fee as set by department rule, based on the cost of the honeybee inspection program.
(3) Neither the registration fee nor the annual renewal fee shall exceed $100.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
New Port Richey allows beekeeping on residential and agricultural properties in city limits. Hives should be set back at least 10 feet from property lines and 25 feet from public sidewalks or rights-of-way. A flyway barrier (fence or dense hedge) of at least 6 feet tall is recommended between hives and neighboring properties to redirect bee flight paths above head height. The number of hives is typically limited to 2-4 on standard residential lots, with more allowed on larger parcels. Florida may require registration of apiaries with the state department of agriculture. Water sources must be provided on the property to prevent bees from seeking water on neighboring properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep bees in my backyard in New Port Richey?
What are the beekeeping regulations in New Port Richey?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in New Port Richey
Florida rules heatmap·Compare New Port Richey to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Beekeeping in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Pasco County handle beekeeping.