Apiary/Beekeeping

Do I need a Beekeepers license if it a hobby or for my own personal use?

Yes

Must my beehives be inspected?

Beehives must be inspected for beekeepers that would send their bees out of state or sell their queens.

Can the Department of Agriculture and Industries help me with bee pest/diseases?

The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries can identify pests and diseases but cannot give recommendations for treatments. Please check your county extension office for recommended treatment options.

What are the laws regarding any restriction on beekeeping?

There are currently no state laws restricting beekeeping. Check with your HOAs, municipal offices, and county offices to make sure there are no local laws in your area.

What do I do if I think I have “Killer Bees” or “Murder Hornets”?

If you think you have Africanized Honeybees (Killer Bees), please call to have an inspector come and get a sample to send to the lab to be verified. If you suspect you have Asian giant hornets (Murder Hornets), capture and/or exterminate the insect of concern and send a picture to Plant Protection. Keep the dead insect in case an inspector needs to see it.

What is the fee structure for an Apiary certificate?

Certification	Fee	Late Fee
Apiary/Beekeepers	$4.00 for 1 to 9 hives up to $60.00 for 500 or more hives	15%
Online Transaction fee	4%

How and when do I register my Bees?

Initial registration may take place at any time. Beekeepers are encouraged to register online at appengine.egov.com/apps/al/adai-apiary. If you would prefer a paper application, please call or email the Apiary Administrator. (See Apiary program for contact information)

When can I renew my Apiary registration?

Renewals begin September 1^st and run through October 1^st. Any renewal after that is considered late and will be assed a 15% late fee. You may renew on line at appengine.egov.com/apps/al/adai-apiary, or submit a paper application, found here.