Orlando, FL Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- State Preemption
- FS 586.10 limits local beekeeping bans
- Registration
- Annual FDACS registration required for all beekeepers
- Best Practices
- FDACS BMRs cover density, water, flight paths
- Local Bans
- Cannot prohibit registered managed colonies
- HOA Rules
- May add reasonable restrictions
Summary
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.
586.01 Short title. 586.02 Definitions. 586.025 Unlawful acts. 586.03 Certification and labeling of Florida-produced honey. 586.045 Certificates of registration and inspection. 586.055 Location of apiaries. 586.10 Powers and duties of department; preemption of local government ordinances. 586.11 Certificate of inspection to accompany interstate shipments; enforcement. 586.112 Stop-sale or stop-movement notice. 586.13 Removal, destruction, or treatment of infested or infected honeybees or beekeeping equipment. 586.14 Compensation for beekeeping equipment and honeybees contained therein destroyed due to infection with American foulbrood. 586.15 Penalty for violation. 586.16 Handling of money received. 586.161 Honeybee Technical Council. 586.01 Short title.
Full Breakdown
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.
Violations & Fines
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep bees in my Orlando backyard?
Do I need to tell my neighbors before keeping bees?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Orlando
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Orlando 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 Orange County handle beekeeping.