Contact Us
1-888-397-1517
(352) 395-4600 (Outside the U.S.)
DPIHelpline@FDACS.gov
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Division of Plant Industry
The Doyle Conner Building
1911 SW 34th St.
Gainesville, FL 32608
Select a question below to expand the answer.
How do I join a beekeepers' association?
Contact the Florida State Beekeepers Association.
How do I remove bees, yellow jackets, wasps?
To remove bees, yellow jackets and wasps from private property, contact a Bee Removal Specialist .
How do I 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 Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). See Chapter 58, Florida Statutes.
If I have a colony of bees, do I need to register? What is the procedure?
Yes, everyone who keeps bees must register with FDACS by contacting the local apiary inspector. See Beekeeper Registration.
What are the regulations for honey houses and honey labeling?
The Division of Food Safety regulates honey production and honey house standards. Visit Food Safety's webpage to learn about these requirements, as well as requirements for labeling your honey. If you are selling under the Cottage Food Law, those regulations can be found on the Cottage Foods webpage. For more information about honey production and marketing, check out the University of Florida's Honey Bee Lab resources.
What are the requirements for residential beekeepers (non-agricultural)?
You can find a list of best management requirements for maintaining honey bee colonies on non-agricultural lands on the Beekeeper Compliance Agreement form. Note: The form must be executed by a local apiary inspector.
What do I use to treat bees for diseases and pests?
Contact your local apiary inspector or the Honey Bee and Research Extension Lab.
Where can I obtain information about beekeeping?
Visit the Beekeeper Registration page or contact the apiary inspector in your region. Locate your apiary inspector.
Where do I purchase bee supplies?
Contact the Florida State Beekeepers Association or the local apiary inspector.