Yes, beekeeping is legal in Maryland, but subject to county-specific ordinances and state apiary registration requirements enforced by the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA). Hobbyists and commercial apiarists must comply with nuisance abatement laws and zoning restrictions, particularly in urban jurisdictions like Montgomery County, which mandates hive setbacks and registration by 2026.
Key Regulations for Keeping Bees in Maryland
- Apiary Registration: All beekeepers must register hives annually with the MDA under Md. Code Ann., Agric. § 5-301, with a $10 fee per colony. Registration data informs disease tracking and pesticide exposure mitigation.
- Zoning and Nuisance Laws: Counties like Baltimore and Anne Arundel prohibit hives in residential zones without special permits. Nuisance complaints may trigger inspections under Md. Code Ann., Local Gov’t § 1-203, requiring hives to be 50+ feet from property lines in some jurisdictions.
- Disease Control: The MDA enforces COMAR 15.14.02, mandating inspections for foulbrood and varroa mite infestations. Apiarists must report outbreaks within 48 hours or face quarantine orders and hive destruction.