2425-002 FDACS Beekeeper BMPs.pdf

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Division of Plant Industry

BEEKEEPER COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT

Chapter 586.10 (1), F.S. / Rule 5B-54.0105, F.A.C.

P.O. Box 147100, Gainesville, Florida 32614-7100 / (352) 395-4636

1. NAME & MAILING ADDRESS OF OWNER OR AGENT:

2. APIARY(IES) LOCATIONS BY COUNTY

3. REGULATED ARTICLE(S): Honey bee colonies

4. APPLICABLE STATE QUARANTINE(S) OR REGULATIONS:

193.461, 570.32, 586.10 (1), Florida Statutes, and Chapter 5B-54, Florida Administrative Code.

Signature of this document indicates adherence to the following requirements and establishes compliance with Chapter 586, Florida Statutes. Beekeepers keeping bees in areas that are classified as non-agricultural pursuant to Section 193.461, Florida Statutes, must adhere to these guidelines. The guidelines are recommended, but not required for beekeepers keeping bees in areas classified as agricultural pursuant to section 193.461, Florida Statutes.

BEST MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR

MAINTAINING EUROPEAN HONEY BEE COLONIES ON NON-AGRICULTURAL LANDS

The colony density limits in areas not classified as agricultural pursuant to Section 193.461, Florida Statutes, below, minimize potential conflict between people and honey bees and beekeepers following the BMRs outlined in this document. The honey bee colony requirements /densities may not be exceeded except under a special permit issued by the Director of the Division of Plant Industry in accordance with the requirements of Rule 5B-54.0105(3), F.A.C.

1. The placement of honey bee colonies on non-agricultural must agree to and adhere to the following stipulations:

A. When a colony is situated within 15 feet of a property line, the beekeeper must establish and maintain a flyway barrier at least 6 feet in height consisting of a solid wall, fence, dense vegetation or combination thereof that is parallel to the property line and extends beyond the colony in each direction.

B. All properties, or portions thereof, where the honey bee colonies are located must be fenced, or have an equivalent barrier to prevent access, and have a gated controlled entrance to help prevent unintended disturbance of the colonies.

C. No honey bee colonies may be placed on public lands including schools, parks, and other similar venues except by special permit letter issued by the Director of the Division of Plant Industry and written consent of the property owner.

2. Honey bee colony densities on non-agricultural are limited to the following property size to colony ratios:

A. One quarter acre or less tract size - 3 colonies. Colony numbers may be increased up to six colonies as a swarm control measure for not more than a 60 day period of time.

B. More than one-quarter acre, but less than one-half acre tract size - 6 colonies. Colony numbers may be increased up to 12 colonies as a swarm control measure for not more than a 60 day period of time.

C. More than one-half acre, but less than one acre tract size - 10 colonies. Colony numbers may be increased up to 20 colonies as a swarm control measure for not more than a 60 day period of time.

FDACS-08492 12/17

WILTON SIMPSON

COMMISSIONER

D. One acre up to two and a half acres - 15 colonies. Colony numbers may be increased up to 30 colonies as a swarm control measure for not more than a 60 day period of time.

E. Two and a half to five acres - 25 colonies. Colony numbers may be increased up to 50 colonies as a swarm control measure for not more than a 60 day period of time.

F. Five up to ten acres – 50 colonies. Colony numbers may be increased up to 100 colonies as a swarm control measure for not more than a 60 day period of time.

G. Ten or more acres – 100 colonies. The number of colonies shall be unlimited provided all colonies are at least 150 feet from property lines.

3. Beekeepers must provide a convenient source of water on the property that is available to the bees at all times so that the bees do not congregate at unintended water sources.

4. Beekeepers must visually inspect all honey bee colonies a minimum of once a month to assure reasonable colony health including adequate food and colony strength. If upon inspection honey bees appear to be overly aggressive the beekeeper shall contact their assigned apiary inspector for an assessment.

5. Re-queen collected swarms, new colonies and maintain colonies with queens or queen cells from EHB queen producer(s).

6. Practice reasonable swarm prevention techniques as referenced in University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences extension document “Swarm Control for Managed Beehives”, ENY 160, published November 2016.

7. Do not place apiaries within 150 feet of tethered or confined animals or public places where people frequent. (Examples - day care centers, schools, parks, parking lots, etc.)

8. Do not place colonies in an area that will impede ingress or egress by emergency personnel to entrances to properties and buildings.

9. Deed restrictions and covenants that prohibit or restrict the allowance for managed honey bee colonies within their established jurisdictions take precedence and as a result supersede the authority and requirements set forth in Chapter 586 Florida Statutes and Rule Chapter 5B-54, Florida Administrative Code.

It shall be presumed for purposes of this article that the beekeeper is the person or persons who own or otherwise have the present right of possession and control of the tract upon which a colony or colonies are situated. The presumption may be rebutted by a written agreement authorizing another person to maintain the colony or colonies upon the tract setting forth the name, address, and telephone number of the other person who is acting as the beekeeper.

5. AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE

6. PRINTED NAME & TITLE

7. DATE SIGNED

The affixing of the signatures below will validate this agreement, which shall remain in effect until canceled or renewed, but may be revised as necessary or revoked for noncompliance. All previous versions of this compliance agreement are superseded and rendered obsolete by this document.

8. AGREEMENT NO.

9. DATE OF AGREEMENT

10. APIARY INSPECTOR NAME AND SIGNATURE

Print Name

Signature

11. OFFICIAL ADDRESS

Division of Plant Industry Apiary Inspection Section P.O. Box 147100 Gainesville, FL 32614-1416

12. ASSISTANT APIARY CHIEF

FDACS-08492 12/17