Ocoee, FL Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

FL §586.10 expressly preempts local regulation of beekeeping across Florida. Cities and counties cannot ban beekeeping, impose lot-size minimums beyond state best-management practices, or require local permits for residential apiaries. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Division of Plant Industry administers all beekeeper registration under FL §586.045, and registration is required annually for any beekeeper with one or more colonies. FDACS charges a tiered fee schedule based on colony count ($10 for 1-5 colonies up through higher tiers for commercial operations). FDACS also publishes best management practices addressing setbacks, water sources, flight path screening, and Africanized honey bee management; following these practices creates a legal safe-harbor against nuisance claims. Ocoee cannot prohibit backyard beekeeping, but private HOA CC&Rs in communities like Westyn Bay, Forest Oaks, Wesmere, and Prairie Lake Reserve remain enforceable against property owners and often ban or limit hives. Colonies near swimming pools, playgrounds, or schools require additional screening under FDACS BMPs.