Orange County, FL Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- FL 586.10 preemption
- Registration
- FDACS annual required
- Local Ban
- Prohibited by state
- BMPs
- FDACS flyway setbacks
- HOA
- May still restrict
Summary
Beekeeping is allowed throughout unincorporated Orange County under FL Statute 586.10, which preempts all local bans. Beekeepers must register annually with FDACS and follow state best management practices.
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
Florida preemption means Orange County cannot prohibit beekeeping on residential or agricultural parcels. Hives should be set back from property lines with flyway barriers or elevated placement per FDACS BMPs. Africanized honey bee management is a state concern; Orange County has experienced periodic AHB swarms. HOAs may still restrict hives despite state preemption of municipal authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep bees in my backyard in Orange County?
What are the beekeeping regulations in Orange County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Orange County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Orange County to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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