North Miami, FL Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- State Preemption
- Local bans prohibited (F.S. 586)
- Registration
- Required with FDACS
- Compliance Agreement
- FDACS Form 08492 required
- BMR Required
- Yes, for non-agricultural properties
- HOA Restrictions
- May still apply
Summary
Beekeeping in North Miami is governed by Florida Statute 586, which preempts local governments from prohibiting beekeeping. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) regulates all apiary activities statewide. Beekeepers on non-agricultural properties must follow Best Management Requirements (BMR) for Maintaining European Honey Bee Colonies and execute a Beekeeper Compliance Agreement with FDACS.
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.
Full Breakdown
Under Florida Statute 586 (Florida Apiary Act), the state preempts local ordinances that prohibit beekeeping, meaning North Miami cannot ban residential beekeeping outright. However, HOAs and deed-restricted communities may impose their own restrictions. Beekeepers must register their colonies with FDACS and comply with the Best Management Requirements (BMR) for Maintaining European Honey Bee Colonies on non-agricultural properties. Requirements include maintaining gentle European honeybee stock, providing adequate water sources, managing colony temperament, and keeping hives a minimum distance from property lines and public areas. The Beekeeper Compliance Agreement (FDACS Form 08492) must be executed with FDACS. North Miami's Chapter 4 (Animal Control) provides the local framework for animal regulation, and animal control officers may respond to swarm complaints. Africanized honeybee colonies must be immediately requeened or destroyed.
Violations & Fines
Failure to comply with BMR requirements may result in FDACS revoking the Beekeeper Compliance Agreement and ordering colony removal. Report bee swarm emergencies to North Miami PD at (305) 891-0294 or Miami-Dade Animal Services at 311.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep bees in my backyard in North Miami?
What are the requirements for residential beekeeping in North Miami?
Can my HOA ban beekeeping in North Miami?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in North Miami
Florida rules heatmap·Compare North Miami 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 Miami-Dade County handle beekeeping.