Alabama Statewide Rule
Alabama Beekeeping Registration and Apiary Law
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Title 2, Chapter 14
- Registration
- Annual with state
- Inspector authority
- State Apiarist
- Disease focus
- American foulbrood
- Import permit
- Required out-of-state
Summary
Alabama Code Title 2, Chapter 14 requires all beekeepers to register colonies with the Department of Agriculture and Industries and complies with state apiary inspection and disease control standards.
Every beekeeper, owner or others in possession of any honeybees shall, on or before October 1 of each year, register with the Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries every colony of honeybees, bee yards or apiaries in their possession or under their control, and such registration shall be made upon forms furnished by the commissioner upon which there shall be shown the number and location of colonies of bees with the apiary location or locations together with such other information as may be necessary for the administration of this chapter. The Board of Agriculture and Industries shall establish through rules and regulations categories of apiarists or beekeepers. Colonies of bees and apiaries acquired after October 1 during any year and not previously registered shall also be registered as required under this section; provided, however, that this requirement shall not apply to any bees or apiaries acquired after March 31, as such bees shall not be registered until the following October 1.
Full Breakdown
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.
Violations & Penalties
Failure to register, importing without permit, or harboring diseased colonies subjects beekeepers to fines, mandatory destruction of hives, and possible misdemeanor charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register my hives in Alabama?
Can I bring bees from another state?
What if my colony is diseased?
Sources
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