Yes, beekeeping is legal in Indiana, but compliance with state and local regulations is mandatory. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and county health departments enforce rules to mitigate risks like Africanized honey bees and colony collapse disorder. Recent 2026 amendments to Indiana Code 15-25-1 require mandatory registration for hives exceeding five colonies, aligning with USDA APHIS guidelines.
Key Regulations for Keeping Bees in Indiana
- Hive Registration: Owners must register hives with the IDNR annually if maintaining more than five colonies, per IC 15-25-1. Failure to register risks fines up to $500 under 312 IAC 9-4-1.
- Apiary Location Restrictions: Hives must be sited at least 20 feet from property lines in residential zones, per 770 IAC 4-3. Urban areas like Indianapolis require additional setback approvals from the Marion County Board of Health.
- Disease and Pest Control: Indiana mandates compliance with the Indiana Bee Inspection Program, which enforces Varroa mite treatment protocols. Non-compliance triggers quarantine orders under 355 IAC 1-5-2.