Arkansas Beekeeping Law: Statewide Animal Ordinances Rules (2026)

Key Facts

Governing Code: Ark. Code 2-22-101 et seq.
Regulator: State Plant Board
Registration: Required for apiaries
Inspection: State authority
Import Permit: Required from out-of-state

Full Breakdown

Under the Arkansas Apiary Act (Ark. Code Ann. 2-22-101 et seq.), the State Plant Board administers all bee health regulations, including disease control, colony registration, and inspections. Beekeepers must register apiaries with the Plant Board and provide accurate location information. Movement of bees, used equipment, and queens into Arkansas requires certificates of inspection. The Board may quarantine, treat, or destroy diseased colonies. While municipalities can address nuisance hive placement under zoning, all health and disease enforcement is preempted by the state Plant Board.

Violations & Penalties

Failure to register colonies, refusal of inspection, or moving diseased bees can result in misdemeanor charges, civil penalties, and destruction of infected hives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register my bee colonies in Arkansas?

Yes. Arkansas law requires beekeepers to register their apiary with the State Plant Board and to provide updated information on hive locations for inspection purposes.

Can my city ban backyard beekeeping in Arkansas?

Cities can regulate hive placement, setbacks, and nuisance issues through zoning, but disease control and registration authority is preempted by the State Plant Board.

Arkansas Apiary Act and Beekeeping Regulations