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Nevada Statewide Rule

Nevada Requires Bees Be Kept in Movable-Frame Hives (NRS 552)

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Nevada (2026)

Key Facts

Statute
NRS 552.230
Enforcer
NV Dept. of Agriculture
Required equipment
Movable-frame hives only
Correction window
At least 3 days
Civil penalty
Up to $500 per violation
Last verified: July 31, 2026

Summary

Nevada law makes it unlawful to keep bees in anything other than movable-frame hives, so inspectors can open colonies to check for disease. The State Department of Agriculture enforces Chapter 552 and can condemn and destroy non-conforming hives.

1. It shall be unlawful for any person to have in the person's possession any bees kept in other than movable frame hives... 3. If the owner or owners, caretaker, or person in charge shall neglect, fail or refuse to correct the condition by providing accessible movable frame hives within the time specified in the written notice, the bees, hives and combs shall be condemned and destroyed by the inspector, without compensation.

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Full Breakdown

Under NRS 552.230, no one in Nevada may possess bees kept in hives other than movable-frame hives, the design that lets an inspector lift each frame to check for American foulbrood and other diseases. If an inspector finds fixed-comb or box hives, they serve written notice giving at least 3 days to switch to accessible movable-frame equipment. Ignore the notice and the bees, hives, and combs are condemned and destroyed without compensation. The Nevada Department of Agriculture controls all apiary matters under NRS 552.095 and the Director may impose a civil penalty up to $500 per violation.

Violations & Penalties

An inspector serves written notice giving at least 3 days to correct. Fail to provide movable-frame hives and the bees, hives, and combs are condemned and destroyed with no compensation; the Director may add a civil penalty up to $500 per violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to register my hives with the state?
Chapter 552 imposes no statewide hive-registration requirement. Its core mandate is that colonies use movable-frame hives so inspectors can examine them for disease.
Why does Nevada ban fixed-comb hives?
Movable frames let an inspector lift and examine each comb for diseases like American foulbrood. Fixed-comb or box hives cannot be inspected, so NRS 552.230 makes them unlawful.
What happens if I ignore an inspector's notice?
After at least 3 days, the bees, hives, and combs are condemned and destroyed by the inspector without compensation, and the Director may impose up to a $500 civil penalty.

Sources

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