Denton County, TX Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- County Regulation
- None -- state law only
- Registration
- Required with TAIS (free)
- State Law
- TX Ag Code Ch. 131
- Hive Type
- Movable-frame required
- HOA Restrictions
- May apply in subdivisions
Summary
Denton County does not regulate beekeeping. State law under TX Ag Code Chapter 131 requires free annual registration with the Texas Apiary Inspection Service.
Sec. 131.045. BEEKEEPER REGISTRATION. (a) Each beekeeper in this state may register on an annual basis with the chief apiary inspector. A registration under this section expires August 31 following the date the registration is issued. (b) A registration must include: (1) information required by the chief apiary inspector; and (2) the county or counties in which the beekeeper operates. (c) The inspector may require a beekeeper to submit with the registration information a map showing the exact location of each of the beekeeper's apiaries. A map submitted under this section is a trade secret under Chapter 552, Government Code, and may not be disclosed.
Full Breakdown
Beekeeping in unincorporated Denton County is regulated solely by state law. Texas Agriculture Code Chapter 131 requires all beekeepers to register their apiaries with the Texas Apiary Inspection Service (TAIS) through Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Registration is free and must be renewed annually. TAIS inspectors may inspect hives for American foulbrood and other reportable diseases. Bees must be kept in movable-frame hives to allow inspection. There are no county setback requirements, hive number limits, or permit requirements. Many rural Denton County properties, particularly those zoned agricultural with 1-acre or larger lots, keep bees without restriction. HOA deed restrictions in master-planned communities may prohibit or restrict beekeeping. Texas Property Code 202.007 prevents HOAs from banning vegetable gardens and solar panels but does not specifically protect beekeeping.
Violations & Fines
Failure to register apiary with TAIS: Class C misdemeanor, fine up to $500. Failure to comply with TAIS disease control order: Class B misdemeanor, fine up to $2,000. Diseased colonies may be destroyed by TAIS inspectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to keep bees in unincorporated Denton County?
Can my HOA ban beekeeping?
How many hives can I keep?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Denton County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Denton County to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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