Maryland Statewide Rule

Maryland Requires Statewide Apiary Registration With MDA

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Maryland (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: Md. Ag. Section 5-501 et seq.
Registration: Required annually
Hive type: Removable frames only
Regulator: MDA Apiary Inspector

Last verified: August 21, 2026Source: Maryland General Assembly

Summary

Maryland law requires every beekeeper to register their apiary with the Maryland Department of Agriculture and authorizes statewide inspection, treatment, and quarantine of colonies for disease control.

(a) (1) A beekeeper shall register annually with the Department each colony that it maintains, as provided in this subsection. (2) On or before January 1 of each year, the beekeeper shall complete and submit to the Department a registration form on which the beekeeper shall state the number of colonies he maintains and the location of each colony. (3) The Department shall adopt a form which shall be used to comply with the registration requirements of this subsection. (b) Any person who is not registered as a beekeeper under this section and who acquires a colony shall register it with the Department within 30 days after the acquisition.

Source: Maryland General AssemblyView official code

Full Breakdown

Md. Code Ann., Agriculture Sections 5-501 through 5-509 establish the Apiary Inspection Law. All beekeepers must register colonies annually with the Maryland Department of Agriculture and use only removable-frame hives. State apiary inspectors may enter property to inspect for American foulbrood and other diseases, order treatment, or destroy infected colonies. While localities may impose additional zoning rules on hive placement, the registration, inspection, and disease-control framework operates uniformly statewide. Maryland recognizes beekeeping as agriculture for Right to Farm purposes.

Violations & Penalties

Misdemeanor; failure to register or comply with inspection orders carries fines up to $500 per violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to register my backyard hive in Maryland?

Yes. Every beekeeper, regardless of colony count, must register annually with the Maryland Department of Agriculture under the Apiary Inspection Law. Registration is free and supports disease tracking statewide.

Can my city ban beekeeping outright?

Local zoning may regulate hive placement, setbacks, and density, but the state registration and inspection regime applies uniformly. Outright bans face Right to Farm scrutiny if beekeeping is established agriculture.

Sources

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.