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Beekeeping Rules in Florida

According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, there are more than 1,000 registered beekeepers in the state managing 200,000 bee colonies. In addition to generating $15 million to $20 million dollars a year in honey sales, Florida's bees provide pollination services. It is estimated that without the pollination provided by Florida's bees, the state's food production would decrease by a third. This helps to explain why Florida has established laws to regulate and protect beekeeping in the state.

Importing Bees and Equipment
- Any honeybees or used beekeeping equipment that is being moved or shipped into Florida must be accompanied by an inspection certificate from its state of origin. This certificate must state that the beekeeper had his bees and equipment inspected annually and that the bees are free of honeybee pests and unwanted honeybee species. This certificate is not considered valid when issued by a state whose beekeeping standards are below Florida's standards. Bees being moved in combless packages must also be inspected and certified in their state of origin to ensure that no honey is used in their feed.
Pests and Unwanted Races
- Beekeepers in Florida must keep their bee populations and beekeeping equipment free of both honeybee pests and undesired honeybee races. If the Florida Department of Agriculture finds pests or unwanted races in a beekeeper's population or on her equipment, the department will issue a written notice to the beekeeper. If it is possible to treat the problem, the beekeeper will be allowed to do so under department supervision. If the problem cannot be treated, the beekeeper will have 48 hours from the time of notification to destroy or remove from the state any noncompliant bees or equipment. If the beekeeper refuses to comply with a notification to destroy or move bees and equipment for longer than 10 days after receiving notification, the Department of Agriculture will carry out the destruction of the stated bees and equipment.
Honey Labeling
- Florida beekeepers are required to follow both federal and Florida law when labeling honey for sale. Regulations about honey labeling are extensive and specify what can be called honey, how to list the amount of honey in the container, minimum font sizes that can be used on the label, and where on the label certain information must be placed. Small business can qualify for an exemption from placing nutritional labels on their honey, but they waive this exemption if they make any claim on their label about honey's nutritional or health value. Florida law also requires beekeepers to list the complete address of the honey manufacturer on the label, including ZIP code. Honey producers may wish to obtain legal advice when designing honey labels to ensure proper compliance with all labeling laws.

Insects & Science