Sunrise, FL Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Local Rule
- No hive allowance, Sec. 4-2
- State Registration
- FDACS, Fla. Stat. Ch. 586
- Africanized Bees
- Present in South Florida
- Confirm With
- Community Development
Summary
Sunrise Code Sec. 4-2 permits only dogs, cats, and caged non-dangerous animals in the city, leaving little room for residential hives. Florida requires all beekeepers to register with FDACS under Ch. 586.
The possession or custody of any animal, except dogs and cats, within the city limits is hereby prohibited. However, any animal which does not have vicious or dangerous propensities, in either its wild or domestic state, may be kept within the city limits on the property of the owner or custodian thereof, provided that such animal is kept within a cage constructed and designed to prevent escape therefrom or destruction thereof by the animal contained therein.
Full Breakdown
Sunrise has no ordinance that expressly authorizes backyard beekeeping. Code Sec. 4-2 prohibits keeping any animal other than dogs and cats unless it is non-dangerous and confined to an escape-proof cage: a standard foraging honey bee colonies cannot meet, so hobby hives are not provided for within city limits. Statewide, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) regulates apiaries under Fla. Stat. Ch. 586: every beekeeper must register colonies, and inspectors manage disease and pest control. Africanized honey bees are established across South Florida, so FDACS urges keeping registered, managed European stock. Residents wanting hives should confirm allowance with the Sunrise Community Development Department before starting.
Violations & Fines
Unregistered colonies violate Fla. Stat. Ch. 586 and may be inspected or destroyed by FDACS. Bees kept contrary to Sec. 4-2, or nuisance swarms, are addressed by Sunrise Code Enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep bees in Sunrise?
Do I have to register my hives in Florida?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sunrise
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Beekeeping in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Broward County handle beekeeping.