Louisiana Statewide Rule

Louisiana Requires Annual Registration of Every Honeybee Colony

Significant RestrictionsApplies statewide across Louisiana (2026)

Key Facts

Registration deadline: October 1 annually
Enforcing agency: LDAF commissioner
Maximum penalty: $500 per violation
Permit fees: Up to $200 by colony count
Governing law: La. R.S. 3:2301–2311

Last verified: July 31, 2026

Summary

Every beekeeper in Louisiana must register every colony and apiary with the Department of Agriculture and Forestry on or before October 1 each year, or before bringing bees into the state. The commissioner can fine violators up to $500 per violation.

On or before October 1 of each year, or prior to bringing any honeybees or beekeeping equipment into the state, every beekeeper shall register with the commissioner every colony or apiary in his possession or under his control, on a form furnished by the commissioner.

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Full Breakdown

Louisiana runs a statewide apiary registration program through the Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF). Under La. R.S. 3:2305, every beekeeper must register each colony and apiary with the commissioner by October 1 annually, or before moving honeybees or equipment into the state, listing the number and location of each colony. The stated purpose is disease control, stopping contagious and infectious honeybee diseases from spreading within Louisiana. LDAF issues Class A permits to Louisiana-domiciled applicants and Class B permits to others, with fees scaled by colony count up to $200. Failure or refusal to register is a violation of the Part.

Violations & Penalties

Failure or refusal to register is a violation of the apiary law. Under La. R.S. 3:2310 the LDAF commissioner may impose a civil penalty of up to $500 for each violation, assessed through an adjudicatory hearing under the Administrative Procedure Act.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do hobby beekeepers in Louisiana have to register their hives?

Yes. La. R.S. 3:2305 requires every beekeeper to register every colony and apiary with LDAF by October 1 each year, regardless of hive count. The statute contains no hobbyist exemption.

What does it cost to register bees in Louisiana?

Fees are set by permit class and colony count, ranging up to $200. Class A permits go to Louisiana-domiciled beekeepers; Class B permits cover out-of-state applicants.

What is the penalty for not registering?

The LDAF commissioner may impose a civil penalty of up to $500 for each violation under La. R.S. 3:2310, following an adjudicatory hearing under the Administrative Procedure Act.

Sources

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