Mississippi Apiary Law and State Beekeeping Regulations

The Mississippi Apiary Law (Miss. Code Sections 69-25-1 through 69-25-19) places oversight of bees and hives under the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, Bureau of Plant Industry, with the State Entomologist serving as Apiary Inspector. The state focuses on preventing the spread of bee diseases, parasites, and undesirable strains. Out-of-state movement of bees, queens, or used equipment requires a state inspection certificate. Hobbyist hive registration is not currently mandatory statewide. The law authorizes inspectors to enter premises, examine colonies, and order destruction of diseased bees. Local zoning may add setback or hive-count limits but cannot override state disease-control authority.

Selling, transporting, or importing bees without required state inspection certificates; refusing inspection; or moving infected colonies can result in misdemeanor charges and quarantine orders.