Apiary Inspection
Florida Laws | FAQ | Forms | Related Links | Contact
Apiary Inspection plays a vital role in Florida Agriculture as inspectors work to prevent introduction and establishment of honey bee pests and diseases. A healthy and secure Florida honey bee industry is valuable to all.
Florida’s honey industry is consistently ranked among the top five in the nation with an annual worth of $13 million. In addition, the Florida honey bee industry benefits our state’s fruit and vegetable industry by providing an estimated $20 million in increased production numbers created by managed pollination services that are available in no other way. There are over 100 varieties of popular fruits and vegetables that use pollination to ensure fruitful crops.
Florida Apiary Inspectors certify movement of honey bee colonies throughout the state and nation. These colonies are monitored for diseases, honey bee pests and unwanted species. The Department has the most comprehensive state program (e.g., numbers of inspectors and traps) to prevent the accidental introduction of the unwanted Africanized honey bee.
Seventeen million pounds of honey are produced in Florida each year and enjoyed around the world as the sweetener of choice.
Honey bees, otherwise know as the Angels of Agriculture, are the strongest link in the chain between food producers and consumers.
Florida Laws
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where can one obtain information about beekeeping?
One should reference the Division of Plant Industry, Apiary Inspection web page or contact the Apiary Inspector in your region at http://www.freshfromflorida.com/pi/plantinsp/apiary/apiary.html under Locate your Apiary Inspector.
- If one has a colony of bees must the beekeeper register
and what is the procedure?
Yes, all who keep bees must register with the Department by contacting the local Apiary Inspector. See http://www.freshfromflorida.com/pi/plantinsp/apiary/apiary.html under Brief Summary of the Apiary Law.
- What are the regulations for honey houses and honey labeling?
These regulations come under the jurisdiction of the Division of Food Safety.
- How does one ship bees out of state or move them within
the state?
Florida law requires that all bees being moved be inspected and certified by the Department. See Chapter 586.
- How does one join a beekeepers' association?
One should contact the Florida State Beekeepers Association.
- Where does one
purchase bee supplies?
One should contact the Florida State Beekeepers Association at http://www.floridabeekeepers.org/ or the local Apiary Inspection at http://www.freshfromflorida.com/pi/plantinsp/apiary/apiary.html.
- What does one use to treat bees for diseases and pests?
Contact the local Apiary Inspector.
- How does one remove bees, yellow jackets, wasps?
For removing bees, yellow jackets and wasps from private property, one must contact a local pest control company.
Forms
There are no forms available at this time.
Related Links
Contact
If you have any questions, please contact:
G. W. Hayes, Jr.
E-mail Jerry.Hayes@freshfromflorida.com
1911 SW 34 Street, Room AP-110
Gainesville, FL 32608
Phone: (352)372-3505, Ext. 128
Fax: (352) 334-0715
