How To Become a Registered Beekeeper in Florida 2025
Are you interested in learning how to become a Florida beekeeper? Discover the steps to get started and how to become a registered beekeeper in Florida. When I was researching about how to become a registered beekeeper in Florida, I found the state provided information was often vague and difficult to to understand. The purpose of this blog post is to help you understand exactly what you need to do to become a backyard or hobbyist beekeeper in Florida.
As a registered beekeeper, I’m here to be your beekeeping mentor, sharing my experience and providing tips to help you succeed on your beekeeping journey. The information provided is based upon the current 2025 regulations.
Are You Ready To Become a Beekeeper?
The first step is to decide if you are ready to become a beekeeper, if you still are questioning yourself or if you still have reservations and aren’t sure if you are ready to take the plunge, check out my article here:
Florida Beekeeping Regulations
In Florida, beekeeping is regulated under Chapter 586 of the Florida Statutes, which outlines the requirements and standards for managing honey bee colonies within the state. According to these regulations, all beekeepers are required to register their colonies with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).
The Florida regulations can be quite confusing for someone looking to become a new beekeeper.
To simplify the process, I’ve outlined the steps to become a registered beekeeper in the flowchart below:
Steps to Becoming a Registered Beekeeper
1. Prepare Your Apiary
Before you acquire your bees, it’s important to set up your apiary. Florida has specific guidelines for hive placement and maintenance to ensure safety and health for both the bees and the surrounding environment.
Check out our Article on Selecting a location for your beehives.
Review the guidelines provided in the Residential Beekeeper Compliance Agreement, which you will need to sign. This agreement outlines where and how to place your hives, ensuring they comply with state standards.
2. Get Your Bees
Once your apiary is ready, you’ll need to acquire honey bee colonies. Be sure that the bees you purchase meet the state’s requirements, including health and safety standards. Install the bees in your prepared hives, ensuring that everything is set up for their long-term success.
3. Beekeeper Compliance Agreement
Before moving forward, review and sign the Beekeeper Compliance Agreement. This agreement ensures that you understand and agree to comply with all Florida beekeeping regulations. It’s important to familiarize yourself with these rules to avoid any issues down the line.
4. Schedule an Inspection
Florida requires an apiary inspection to ensure that your hives are healthy and compliant with state regulations. Schedule an appointment with your Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) inspector. They will assess the health of your bees, ensure your hives meet all regulations, and provide valuable advice.
5. Register Your Bees
After the inspection, your FDACS inspector will assist you in submitting the required documentation for your beekeeping registration. You’ll be assigned a FIRM number, which is your unique identifier as a registered beekeeper in Florida. This number must be used when marking your hives.
6. Maintain Your Registration
Beekeeping in Florida requires annual renewal of your registration. Stay up-to-date with Florida’s beekeeping regulations by renewing your registration each year and keeping your apiary in compliance. Regular inspections and adherence to regulations will ensure the health and productivity of your hives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I register first and then get bees or do I get bees and then register?
Beekeeping in Florida, however, works differently!
To become a registered beekeeper, you must first acquire bees and then, once your apiary is established, complete the registration process.
Do I need to schedule an inspection each year for my bees in Florida?
The short answer is Yes your bees must be inspected each year.
In order to complete your registration renewal application, you must have a bee inspection within the previous 12 months. To schedule an inspection, you must contact your assigned bee inspector.
FDACS Apiary Inspector
Your assigned inspector can be found here: Apiary Inspector Directory
Don’t BEE late! Scheduling your inspection on time can save you money—current late fees are $10.
For more information on how to prepare for beekeeping inspections
click here: Tips for How to Prepare for Your Annual Florida Inspection
What is a firm number, and why do I need one?
A firm number is a unique ID assigned to your apiary by FDACS, and it is required for registration and identifying your hives.
Can I keep bees in my backyard?
Yes, but you must follow local ordinances and ensure your apiary complies with FDACS guidelines. The Residential Beekeeper Compliance Agreement will help with this.
Additional Resources
Here are some additional state resources related to beekeeping in Florida:
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Beekeeper Registration
Beekeeper RegistrationFlorida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Bee Disease and Pest Management
Bee Disease and Pest ManagementFlorida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Apiary Inspection Program
Apiary Inspection ProgramUniversity of Florida – Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory
Honey Bee Research and Extension LaboratoryFlorida State Beekeepers Association
Florida State Beekeepers AssociationFlorida Cooperative Extension Service – Beekeeping in Florida
Beekeeping in Florida – UF/IFAS Extension
These resources provide information about bee registration, pest management, local beekeeping organizations, research, and extension services that are beneficial for new beekeepers in Florida.