Pennsylvania Statewide Rule

Pennsylvania Bee Law Registration Requirement Statewide

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Pennsylvania (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: 3 Pa.C.S. Ch. 21 (Section 2105)
Registration fee: $10 (about two years)
Inspector: PA Department of Agriculture
Max fine: $300 summary

Last verified: August 21, 2026Source: PA Bee Law - 3 Pa.C.S. Ch. 21

Summary

Pennsylvania's Bee Law requires all beekeepers to register their colonies annually with the Department of Agriculture for inspection and disease control.

(a) General rule.-The owner of an apiary located in this Commonwealth shall register the apiary with the department. (b) Application.-The application for registration of an apiary shall be made on a form provided by the department and shall include all of the following: (1) The name and complete mailing address of the owner of the apiary and the name and complete mailing address of the person primarily responsible for maintaining and caring for the apiary if different from the owner. (2) The exact location or locations of each apiary. (3) The number of colonies contained in the apiary. (4) Such other information as the department may require.

Source: PA Bee Law - 3 Pa.C.S. Ch. 21View official code

Full Breakdown

The Pennsylvania Bee Law (3 Pa.C.S. Ch. 21) requires every person who owns or possesses honeybees to register each apiary with the PA Department of Agriculture under 3 Pa.C.S. Section 2105. The registration fee is $10 and covers roughly a two-year period. The law authorizes state apiary inspectors to inspect colonies for diseases such as American foulbrood and treats beekeeping as agriculture. Municipalities may set zoning rules for hive placement, but the state registration requirement applies universally and disease-quarantine authority rests with the state.

Violations & Penalties

Failure to register is a summary offense punishable by fines up to $300. Refusing inspection or violating quarantines may result in colony destruction and additional penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register beehives in Pennsylvania?

Yes. All beekeepers must register each apiary with the PA Department of Agriculture under the state Bee Law, regardless of hive count. The registration fee is $10 and covers about two years.

Can my township ban beekeeping in Pennsylvania?

Townships can apply zoning to hive placement, but cannot exempt beekeepers from state registration. Right to Farm protections may apply on qualifying farmland.

Sources

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