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Michigan Statewide Rule

Michigan Beekeeping: No State License, Voluntary Apiary Inspection (Act 412)

Few RestrictionsApplies statewide across Michigan (2026)

Key Facts

State license
None required
Beekeeper registry
Not maintained by MDARD
Apiary inspections
Voluntary, on request
Governing statute
1976 PA 412 (MCL 286.701+)
Quarantine power
MDARD, for pests/diseases
Last verified: July 31, 2026

Summary

Michigan sets no statewide beekeeper license or registration. Under the Apiary Law, 1976 PA 412, MDARD runs voluntary hive inspections and holds standby authority to quarantine bee movement when a new pest or disease appears. Local zoning still governs where hives may sit.

Michigan's Apiary Law, Act 412 of 1976 provides for the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) to conduct apiary inspections, as well as the ability to impose a quarantine to restrict the transportation of bees or bee products within or through the state, should any new and injurious pests or diseases occur.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Michigan does not license or register beekeepers and sets no state colony cap. The Apiary Law (1976 PA 412, MCL 286.701 et seq.) gives the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development two roles: running voluntary apiary inspections and issuing the health certificates beekeepers need to ship colonies to states or countries that require them, and imposing a quarantine on transporting bees or bee products within or through Michigan if a serious new pest or disease is detected. Importing bees from other states and Canada is currently unrestricted. Shipments to California must meet the federal Spongy Moth and California Spotted Lanternfly quarantine stipulations. MDARD also publishes management standards through the GAAMPs.

Violations & Penalties

Moving bees or bee products in defiance of an MDARD quarantine order under the Apiary Law is the enforceable offense. There is no penalty for keeping unregistered hives, because no state registration exists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license or permit to keep bees in Michigan?
No. MDARD issues no statewide beekeeping license and keeps no beekeeper registry. Inspections are optional and requested by the beekeeper, mainly to certify colonies for shipment to other states or countries.
Can Michigan restrict where I move my bees?
Yes. Under the Apiary Law, 1976 PA 412, MDARD can quarantine the transportation of bees or bee products within or through the state if a new, injurious pest or disease appears.

Sources

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