Dunedin vs Pinellas Park
How do beekeeping rules compare between Dunedin, FL and Pinellas Park, FL?
Dunedin and Pinellas Park have similar restriction levels.
Dunedin, FL
Pinellas County
Dunedin cannot prohibit beekeeping. Florida Statute Chapter 586 gives the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services exclusive authority over honey bee colonies, preempting any local ordinance that bans hives on residential property.
View full Dunedin rules →Pinellas Park, FL
Pinellas County
Beekeeping in Pinellas Park is governed by Florida law, not local ordinance. FS 586.10 preempts municipal regulation of managed honeybee colonies; the Florida Department of Agriculture handles registration, inspection, and placement rules.
View full Pinellas Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dunedin | Pinellas Park |
|---|---|---|
| Local ban allowed | No, preempted by state | - |
| Registration required | Annual FDACS registration | - |
| Governing statute | Fla. Stat. Chapter 586 | - |
| BMP compliance | Required for all hives | - |
| HOA restrictions | Not preempted | - |
| Local rules | - | Preempted by state |
| Statute | - | FS 586.10(1) |
| Regulator | - | Florida Dept. of Agriculture |
| Registration | - | Required annually with FDACS |
| Inspection authority | - | State, not city |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Dunedin FAQ
Can Dunedin stop me from keeping bees?
No. Florida Chapter 586 preempts local bans on registered honey bee colonies. The city can only enforce general nuisance, setback, and property rules, not an outright prohibition.
Do I have to register my hives?
Yes. Every Florida beekeeper, including hobbyists with a single hive, must register annually with FDACS and pay a small fee based on the number of colonies.
How many hives can I have on a small lot?
FDACS Best Management Practices set colony density by lot size: typically up to three colonies on lots under quarter-acre, with more hives permitted as parcel size grows.
Pinellas Park FAQ
Do I need a permit from Pinellas Park to keep bees?
No city permit is required. You must register your colonies annually with the Florida Department of Agriculture and follow state Best Management Practices.
Can my neighbor force me to remove bees?
Only the state can order removal of registered, BMP-compliant colonies. Local nuisance complaints are typically referred to FDACS apiary inspectors for review.
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