Yes, beekeeping is legal in Pennsylvania, but compliance with state and local regulations is mandatory. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) oversees apiary health, while municipalities may impose additional restrictions. Recent 2026 updates to the Pennsylvania Apiary Law emphasize disease control and registration requirements, reflecting heightened scrutiny of non-native bee species.
Key Regulations for Keeping Bees in Pennsylvania
- Mandatory Registration: Beekeepers must register colonies with the PDA annually via the Apiary Inspection Program, with fees ranging from $10 to $50 based on hive count. Failure to register risks fines up to $300 under 7 Pa. Code § 25.1.
- Disease and Pest Protocols: Hives must undergo inspections for Varroa destructor and American foulbrood, with mandatory treatment or destruction of infected colonies. The PDA’s 2026 guidelines now require electronic reporting of infestations via the Beekeeper Portal.
- Local Zoning and Nuisance Laws: Municipalities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh impose setback rules (e.g., 25-foot minimum from property lines) and may cap hive numbers. Violations may trigger complaints under municipal nuisance ordinances, particularly in residential zones.
Additional restrictions apply to migratory beekeeping, where temporary relocation requires prior approval from the PDA and adjacent landowners. Non-compliance with these provisions may result in quarantine orders or legal action under the Pennsylvania Commercial Apiary Act. Consult county extension offices for jurisdiction-specific amendments.