Beekeeping regulations

Beekeeping Laws & Regulations in New York (2026)

New York · Last reviewed June 2026

Not legal advice. Beekeeping rules change and vary by state, county and even city — and local zoning or HOA rules can be stricter than state law. Treat this page as a starting point, and always confirm the current requirements with the official source linked below and your local authority before you keep bees.

Since December 2021, all New York State beekeepers must register with the state — and it's free. If you keep bees in New York City, you'll also need to register with the city.

State registration is mandatory (and free)

As of December 23, 2021, all beekeepers in New York State must register with the Department of Agriculture & Markets and renew annually. Registration is free and done online, under Article 15 of the Agriculture & Markets Law (the Cooperative Honeybee Health Improvement Program). New beekeepers should register within 30 days of setting up.

New York City: an extra step

Beekeeping is legal in all five boroughs, but NYC beekeepers must also register each hive with the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and renew by May 31 each year. The city also expects a reliable water source and thoughtful hive placement; it recommends keeping colonies at least 5 feet from property lines or using a 6-foot barrier.

Equipment, disease and moving bees

Hives must have movable frames.
All beekeepers must report outbreaks of bee disease and pests; you may not keep diseased or banned bees.
Bees brought into New York must carry a health certificate from the origin state.

Local rules still apply

Towns and cities can add their own zoning rules — minimum lot sizes, hive limits or setbacks — so check your municipality's ordinance alongside state (and, in NYC, city) registration.

Official sources — check these for current rules:

Log it once, in the apiary

HiveDash turns every inspection into a record you can actually use — eggs, brood, stores, mite counts, all in one tap.

Open HiveDash

Information compiled from official state sources and current as of June 2026. Regulations change — verify with the official links above. HiveDash is a record-keeping tool, not a legal or compliance service.