Prior to the passage of Chapter 586, Florida Statutes, regulation of apiaries was in a state of chaos. Different counties, municipalities, and other local governments were regulating apiaries in different manners creating a patchwork of prohibition and permissibility across the state. However, with the passage of Chapter 586, Florida Statutes, the Florida State government preempted all local regulation of apiaries. The gist of Chapter 586, Florida Statutes, is that any individual may own a well organized apiary if it is registered with the State. Now, anyone, subject to restrictive covenants such as the ones contained in Home Owner’s Associations, can own a beehive. Also noteworthy if Florida Administrative Code Chapter 5B-54 which spells out in more detail some of the procedures the state may take to prevent the outbreak of disease and introduction of pests. In summary, Chapter 586, Florida Statutes, is a slam dunk in the regulation of apiaries because it simplifies the rules.
