Yes, beekeeping is legal in Texas, but compliance with state and local regulations is mandatory. The Texas Apiary Act governs beekeeping, requiring registration with the Texas Apiary Inspection Service (TAIS) for hives exceeding 20 colonies. Local ordinances may impose additional restrictions, particularly in urban areas.
Key Regulations for Keeping Bees in Texas
- Apiary Registration: Beekeepers must register hives with TAIS under the Texas Apiary Act (Chapter 131), with fees ranging from $20 to $100 depending on colony count. Failure to register risks penalties up to $1,000.
- Disease Control: Mandatory inspections for foulbrood and other diseases are enforced by TAIS. Infected hives must be treated or destroyed to prevent spread.
- Local Zoning Laws: Municipalities like Austin and Dallas impose setback requirements (e.g., 25+ feet from property lines) and may restrict hive counts in residential zones. Houston’s 2024 ordinance caps urban hives at 4 per property.
Additional Considerations
- Pesticide Use: Texas law (Agriculture Code § 131.051) prohibits pesticide application within 1 mile of registered apiaries without prior notification to beekeepers.
- Liability: Beekeepers must adhere to the Texas Common Law doctrine of “strict liability” for swarms escaping or stinging, requiring protective measures like fencing.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: TAIS is revising inspection protocols to align with USDA’s 2026 National Honey Bee Health Survey, emphasizing Varroa mite management.