Montana Statewide Rule

Montana Apiary Registration Required for All Beekeepers

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Montana (2026)

Key Facts

Registration Statute: MCA 80-6-104
Agency: Department of Agriculture
Frequency: Annual registration
Disease Authority: State quarantine power

Last verified: August 21, 2026Source: Montana Legislature

Summary

Montana requires all beekeepers to register hives with the Department of Agriculture annually. The state apiary law preempts local registration mandates and sets disease standards uniformly.

(1) The department may grant hobbyist apiary site registrations to hobbyist beekeepers under the following conditions: (a) the applicant may not own a total of more than 10 hives, and all of the hives must be placed on the hobbyist apiary site; (b) the applicant shall own the bees and the hives and shall personally manage and operate the bees and the hives; and (c) only five hobbyist apiary site registrations are allowed for an applicant and only five hobbyist apiary site registrations are allowed for a family unit.

Source: Montana LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

MCA Title 80, Chapter 6 (Apiaries) requires beekeepers to register colonies with the Montana Department of Agriculture and pay annual fees based on hive count. The Department maintains apiary location records, conducts disease inspections, and may quarantine or destroy colonies infected with American foulbrood. Commercial beekeepers face additional zone protections that create exclusive territory rights for established operations. While cities may regulate hive placement and density via zoning, the state registration and disease control framework applies universally. Pollinator protection rules also limit pesticide application near registered apiaries.

Violations & Penalties

Operating unregistered hives violates MCA 80-6-104 with civil penalties; selling diseased equipment is a misdemeanor with fines up to $500.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register backyard beehives in Montana?

Yes. MCA Title 80 Chapter 6 requires all beekeepers, including hobbyists, to register their hives annually with the Montana Department of Agriculture regardless of colony count.

Can cities ban beekeeping if I am state-registered?

Cities may regulate hive placement and density through zoning, but state registration and disease control apply universally. Local rules cannot override state apiary inspection authority.

Sources

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