Beekeeping Laws in Mississippi: A Clear Guide to State Regulations
May 21, 2026
If you want to keep bees in Mississippi, you need to understand the state’s rules before you set up your first hive. Mississippi requires all beekeepers to follow specific beekeeping laws that control disease, parasites, pests, and unwanted bee strains, with mandatory inspections for anyone moving bees in or out of the state. These rules exist to protect both your colonies and the broader beekeeping community from serious threats like American Foulbrood Disease.
The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce oversees beekeeping regulations through its Bureau of Plant Industry. You’ll need to work with state inspectors if you plan to transport bees, breed queens, or sell packaged bees. But the rules go beyond just inspections.
Your responsibilities include understanding where you can place hives on your property, how to manage diseases, what permits you need, and how to legally sell honey. Whether you’re starting a backyard hobby or planning a commercial operation, knowing these requirements will help you avoid fines and keep your bees healthy.
Legal Status and Zoning Requirements in Mississippi
Beekeeping is legal in Mississippi, but you must follow state regulations that focus on disease control and inspection requirements. The Mississippi Bee Disease Act controls disease, parasites, and pests affecting honey bee colonies throughout the state.
You need to understand that Mississippi Code Annotated Sections 69-25-101 through 69-25-109 establish the framework for beekeeping operations. The Bureau of Plant Industry under the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce enforces these rules.
State-Level Requirements
If you plan to move bees in or out of Mississippi, you must have your colonies inspected and certified by a state inspector. This applies to migratory beekeepers, queen breeders, and package bee producers. You cannot ship honey bees or used beekeeping equipment without proper inspection certificates.
Local Zoning Considerations
Zoning requirements are typically governed by municipal and city bylaws in your specific area. You should check with your local government before starting a beekeeping operation. Different cities and counties may have their own rules about hive placement, property setbacks, and the number of colonies allowed.
Your property type matters. Residential, agricultural, and commercial zones each have different restrictions. Some municipalities require minimum lot sizes or mandate specific distances between hives and property lines.
Contact your city planning department or county zoning office to verify local requirements. Homeowners association rules may add additional restrictions beyond government regulations.
Registration and Inspection Requirements in Mississippi
Mississippi beekeepers must follow specific registration and inspection rules under the Mississippi Bee Disease Act. The state takes these requirements seriously to protect bee health across all apiaries.
You need to register your apiary locations with the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce. The Bureau of Plant Industry oversees this program and conducts regular inspections of bee colonies.
Inspection Requirements for Different Beekeepers:
- Migratory beekeepers – Must obtain inspection certificates before moving bees
- Queen breeders – Required to have certificates before shipping
- Package bee producers – Need certificates to ship bees and equipment
- Out-of-state beekeepers – Must get an entry permit at least 30 days before bringing colonies into Mississippi
If you plan to bring bees into Mississippi, you must provide a certificate of inspection from your state apiary official. This certificate needs to reach the Bureau of Plant Industry 30 days ahead of your move.
State inspectors check your colonies for American Foulbrood Disease and other serious threats like mites. These inspections help prevent the spread of diseases that could harm bee populations statewide.
You cannot ship used beekeeping equipment without proper inspection certificates. This rule applies to both in-state movements and out-of-state shipments.
The Bureau of Plant Industry requires compliance agreements with beekeepers to ensure proper handling of regulated items. These agreements protect Mississippi’s bee population from disease and pests that could devastate colonies.
Hive Location and Property Restrictions in Mississippi
Mississippi does not have statewide laws that set specific distances for where you can place beehives on your property. The state focuses mainly on disease control rather than hive placement rules.
Local regulations for beekeepers are mostly governed by municipal and city laws in your area. You need to check with your city or county government to find out if they have zoning restrictions for beekeeping.
Some cities may require you to keep hives a certain distance from property lines or neighboring homes. Others may limit the number of colonies you can keep in residential areas. Your homeowners association might also have rules about keeping bees.
Common considerations for hive placement include:
- Distance from property boundaries
- Proximity to neighbors and public areas
- Water source availability for your bees
- Flight path direction away from foot traffic
When choosing an apiary location, you should think about your neighbors even if no laws restrict you. Conflicts can arise if bees bother nearby residents.
Moving your hives to resolve neighbor complaints may be necessary to maintain good relationships. This protects the reputation of beekeeping in your community.
Before you start keeping bees, contact your city planning department or zoning office. Ask specifically about beekeeping ordinances and any permits you might need. Some areas require registration with local authorities separate from state requirements.
Disease Management and Safety Regulations in Mississippi
Mississippi takes bee disease control seriously through Mississippi Code Annotated Sections 69-25-101 through 69-25-109. The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce runs the program to stop infectious and contagious diseases from spreading among honey bee colonies.
The Bureau of Plant Industry inspects your apiaries for American Foulbrood Disease and serious pests like mites. You need to understand these inspections are mandatory if you move bees in or out of the state.
Required Inspection Certificates
You must obtain inspection certificates before shipping if you are a:
- Migratory beekeeper
- Queen breeder
- Package bee producer
The certificates apply to both live bees and used beekeeping equipment. You cannot legally transport these items across state lines without proper certification.
Disease and Pest Control
The state has full authority to handle Africanized honey bees and both American and European foulbrood. Inspectors also look for parasites and other contagious diseases that could harm bee populations.
Your colonies must pass inspection to prove they are disease-free. This protects both your operation and other beekeepers in the state.
Contact Requirements
You can reach the apiary program at apiary@mdac.ms.gov or call (662) 325-8488. The office is located in Mississippi State and handles all inspection scheduling and certification questions.
These regulations exist to prevent disease outbreaks that could destroy entire bee populations. Following them protects your investment and Mississippi’s agricultural industry.
Permits, Fees, and Neighbor Notification in Mississippi
Mississippi does not require a general beekeeping permit for hobbyist beekeepers maintaining hives on their own property. You can start keeping bees without registering with the state in most cases.
However, if you plan to move bees into Mississippi from another state, you must obtain an entry permit from the Bureau of Plant Industry. You need to submit a certificate of inspection from your state’s apiary official at least 30 days before bringing colonies across state lines.
Entry Permit Requirements:
- Certificate of inspection from originating state
- Number of colonies being transported
- 30-day advance notice to Bureau of Plant Industry
- Contact information for beekeeper
The state does not charge fees for basic beekeeping operations. Commercial beekeepers who breed queens or produce package bees need inspection certificates before shipping, but Mississippi law does not specify permit fees for these activities under the Mississippi Bee Disease Act.
Mississippi state law does not mandate neighbor notification before starting a beehive. You are not legally required to inform neighbors about your beekeeping activities. However, local zoning ordinances may have additional requirements depending on your city or county.
Check with your local government offices about any municipal beekeeping regulations. Some cities impose setback distances from property lines or limit colony numbers in residential areas. Your homeowners association may also have rules about livestock or agricultural activities that could affect beekeeping.
Selling Honey and Hive Products in Mississippi
If you want to sell honey in Mississippi, you need to understand both state health regulations and agriculture department rules. The Mississippi Department of Health oversees honey bottling facility inspections, while the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce handles most other beekeeping laws.
Small-Scale Sales Exemption
Mississippi law provides an exemption for small honey producers. If you make infrequent casual sales and pack or sell less than 500 gallons of honey per year, you fall under a different category than commercial operations.
Labeling Requirements
Your honey labels must meet specific state standards. These requirements apply when you sell honey at retail markets, farmers markets, or directly to consumers.
Facility Standards
The Mississippi Department of Health sets sanitary requirements for honey production facilities. You must follow these standards even for small operations. In 2019, the department updated its inspection policies for honey bottling facilities.
Selling Bees and Equipment
If you plan to sell bees, queens, or used beekeeping equipment, you face additional requirements. Migratory beekeepers, queen breeders, and package bee producers must have inspection certificates before shipping. This certification process ensures you don’t spread bee diseases or pests to other operations.
Required Certifications
You need proper certification to sell bees or queens to other beekeepers. The Bureau of Plant Industry conducts inspections to verify your colonies are disease-free before issuing certificates.