Beekeeping: Fort Worth vs Mansfield
How do beekeeping rules compare between Fort Worth, TX and Mansfield, TX?
Mansfield has fewer restrictions than Fort Worth.
Fort Worth, TX
Tarrant County
Fort Worth allows beekeeping on residential property under Chapter 6 of the Code. If hive entrances are perpendicular to and within 25 feet of a property line, the keeper must install a solid 6-foot-tall wall, fence, or hedge between the hives and the property line as a flyway barrier.
View full Fort Worth rules →Mansfield, TX
Tarrant County
Mansfield allows backyard beekeeping on residential lots. Texas Agriculture Code Chapter 131 and the Texas Apiary Inspection Service (TAIS) govern registration, hive movement, and disease.
View full Mansfield rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fort Worth | Mansfield |
|---|---|---|
| Code Reference | Fort Worth Code Ch. 6 | - |
| Flyway Barrier Trigger | Hive within 25 ft of property line | - |
| Barrier Height | 6 ft solid wall, fence, or hedge | - |
| State Registration | Texas Apiary Inspection Service | - |
| Hobby Hives | - | Allowed on residential |
| State Framework | - | TX Ag Code Chapter 131 |
| TAIS Registration | - | Not required under 6 colonies |
| Interstate Permit | - | 200 dollars plus health certificate |
| Setback Practice | - | 10 to 25 ft from property line |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fort Worth FAQ
Is beekeeping allowed in Fort Worth?
Yes. Beekeeping is allowed on residential property in Fort Worth under Chapter 6. If hive entrances are within 25 ft of a property line, you must install a 6-ft solid wall, fence, or hedge as a flyway barrier.
Do I need to register my Fort Worth hives?
Hobby hives do not need a city permit, but Texas law requires registration with the Texas Apiary Inspection Service if you sell honey or move bees between locations.
Mansfield FAQ
Can I keep honey bees in my Mansfield backyard?
Yes. Mansfield allows backyard beekeeping subject to general nuisance rules. Small hobby operations do not need to register with TAIS.
Do I need a permit to sell honey from Mansfield hives?
No city permit. Small-scale sale of honey from your own hives is legal under the Texas Cottage Food Law with labeling requirements.
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