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Idaho Statewide Rule

Idaho Apiary Registration and Inspection Law

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Idaho (2026)

Key Facts

Governing chapter
Title 22, Chapter 25
Registration statute
Idaho Code 22-2510
Regulator
Idaho Dept. of Agriculture
Hobbyist exemption
Available
Last verified: August 21, 2026Source: Idaho Legislature

Summary

Idaho requires commercial beekeepers to register apiaries annually with the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, and uniform statewide inspection rules apply to disease control and bee movement under Title 22, Chapter 25.

(1) There is hereby levied upon each beekeeper maintaining colonies within the state of Idaho, or desiring to move bees into the state, an annual registration fee of ten dollars ($10.00) for up to fifty (50) colonies. Each additional colony in excess of the first fifty (50) colonies shall be assessed at the rate of ten cents (10¢) per colony. Hobbyist beekeepers are exempt from registration under this section.

Source: Idaho LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

Idaho Code Title 22, Chapter 25 governs bee inspection statewide. Idaho Code Section 22-2510 requires beekeepers maintaining colonies in Idaho or moving bees into the state to register and pay an annual fee, while genuine hobbyists are exempt. All apiaries must display the owner's name, address, and telephone number. The Idaho State Department of Agriculture has authority to inspect hives and order abatement when disease or exotic strains are found. These standards apply uniformly statewide, although municipalities may regulate hive placement and lot setbacks through residential zoning.

Violations & Penalties

Violating the apiary chapter is a misdemeanor punishable by fines from $100 to $1,000, and unregistered or diseased colonies may be ordered destroyed or quarantined.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register my beehives in Idaho?
Commercial beekeepers must register apiaries and pay annual fees with the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, while bona fide hobbyists are exempt from registration under Idaho Code 22-2510.
Can my city ban beekeeping in Idaho?
Cities may regulate hive placement and setbacks through zoning, but state law governs registration, inspection, and disease control uniformly across Idaho.

Sources

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