Illinois Statewide Rule
Illinois Bees and Apiaries Act Statewide Requirements
Key Facts
- Statute
- 510 ILCS 20
- Registration
- Annual with IDOA
- Regulator
- Illinois Dept of Agriculture
- Import rule
- Inspection certificate required
Summary
The Illinois Bees and Apiaries Act requires registration of all colonies with the Department of Agriculture and authorizes inspections to control diseases statewide.
(a) Every person keeping one or more colonies of bees shall register with the Department annually. (b) Every person keeping one or more colonies of bees may be required to post his or her registration number in a prominent place within each apiary under his or her control.
Full Breakdown
Under the Illinois Bees and Apiaries Act (510 ILCS 20), every person who owns or operates an apiary must register colonies annually with the Illinois Department of Agriculture. The Department conducts inspections for American foulbrood, European foulbrood, and other regulated diseases. Bees and equipment imported into Illinois require a certificate of inspection from the state of origin. The Act applies to hobbyist and commercial beekeepers alike. Municipalities can impose zoning setbacks, but registration, disease inspection, and interstate movement rules are exclusively state-administered.
Violations & Penalties
Civil penalties up to $500 per violation; quarantine or destruction of diseased colonies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register my beehives in Illinois?
Can I bring bees into Illinois from another state?
Sources
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