Orlando follows Florida state law on beekeeping under Florida Statute 586.10, which preempts local restrictions on honeybee colonies. All beekeepers, including hobbyists, must register annually with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). Orlando residents can keep registered managed honeybee hives on residential property as long as they follow state best management practices.
Beekeeping in Florida is governed primarily by state law. FS 586.10, enacted to support pollinator health and the bee industry, preempts most local ordinances that prohibit or unreasonably restrict managed honeybee colonies. Orlando cannot ban backyard beekeeping outright. All beekeepers in Florida - including hobbyists with even a single hive - must register annually with FDACS, and registered colonies are subject to state inspection for pests and diseases (notably American foulbrood and Africanized honeybees). FDACS publishes Best Management Requirements (BMRs) covering hive density, water source provision, swarm prevention, flight path management, and colony placement to minimize neighbor conflicts. Following the BMRs is a legal requirement and provides safe-harbor protection. Aggressive Africanized colonies may be ordered destroyed. HOAs may add restrictions, but a city-wide ban is preempted.
Keeping unregistered colonies: state misdemeanor under FS 586. Failure to follow Best Management Requirements: state administrative penalties and possible colony removal orders. Aggressive Africanized colonies: mandatory destruction at owner expense.
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