Alabama Beekeeping Registration and Apiary Law

The Alabama Apiary Law, codified at Title 2, Chapter 14, requires every person owning or possessing bees to register hives annually with the State Apiarist within the Department of Agriculture and Industries. Section 2-14-3 authorizes inspection for diseases including American foulbrood, with mandatory destruction of infected colonies. Section 2-14-7 regulates importation of bees and used equipment from other states. Permits and certificates of inspection are required for movement and sale. While municipalities may impose additional zoning rules on hive placement, the state registration and disease control regime applies uniformly.

Failure to register, importing without permit, or harboring diseased colonies subjects beekeepers to fines, mandatory destruction of hives, and possible misdemeanor charges.