Yes, keeping bees in Vermont is legal, but compliance with state and municipal regulations is mandatory. The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) oversees apiary management, while local zoning ordinances may impose additional restrictions. Recent 2026 updates to the Vermont Beekeeping Best Management Practices require hive registration and disease reporting to mitigate risks like Varroa infestations.
Key Regulations for Keeping Bees in Vermont
- Hive Registration: All beekeepers must register colonies annually with VAAFM via the Vermont Beekeeper Registration Program, with fees waived for hobbyists maintaining ≤5 hives.
- Disease Management: Mandatory reporting of American foulbrood or Varroa infestations within 48 hours to VAAFM, with destruction of infected hives if ordered.
- Zoning Compliance: Local ordinances may limit hive density (e.g., maximum 2 hives per residential lot in Burlington) or require setbacks from property lines; consult town clerk offices for specifics.
Violations may result in fines up to $500 per offense under 6 V.S.A. § 1105, with repeat offenders facing mandatory inspections. For migratory beekeepers, additional permits from VAAFM are required before transporting hives across state lines.