South Carolina Beekeeping and Apiary Inspection Rules

SC Code Sections 46-33-10 through 46-33-90 establish the State Apiarist program administered by Clemson University. All beekeepers must register colonies with the Department of Plant Industry, and inspectors may examine hives for American foulbrood and other regulated diseases. The state requires permits for the sale or movement of bees, queens, and used equipment to prevent disease spread. Out-of-state colonies must obtain entry permits with health certificates. Local zoning may impose additional setbacks or hive limits, but the state inspection and registration scheme operates uniformly. Beekeepers are protected from nuisance lawsuits when complying with best management practices under the SC Right to Practice Apiculture provisions.

Operating unregistered apiaries, moving diseased bees, or refusing inspection can result in fines, quarantine orders, and destruction of infected colonies under state authority.