Understanding the Oklahoma Voluntary Registration Program for Honey Bees and Apiaries
Hello, I’m OKC business attorney Dillan Savage with Wirth Law Office, and I primarily practice in the Oklahoma City, Oklahoma area. Today, we’re going to talk about the voluntary registration program for honeybees (apiaries) in Oklahoma.
If you already have an established apiary, are looking to move it, or want to get started in beekeeping, this information may be helpful.
Program Overview and Benefits
The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture offers a voluntary registration program for beekeepers who want to establish or register their apiaries. Registration requires a fee, and once registered, you receive a registration number. You also gain access to information about other registered apiaries in your area.
Because the Department of Agriculture has authority over pest control and disease prevention, they can require you to relocate or deny your requested location if your apiary’s placement could endanger other honeybees or pose a risk to the public.
While registration is voluntary, if you choose not to register, you are legally required to post your personal contact information in or near your apiary. This allows others—and the Department—to identify and contact you if necessary.
Consequences of Not Registering
If your apiary is unregistered and lacks posted contact information, and the Department cannot determine who owns it, they have the authority to:
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- Declare the apiary abandoned and destroy the bees, or
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- Relocate the bees to another individual who can properly maintain them.
It’s important to be aware of the program’s benefits and the requirements that apply if you opt out of registering.
Final Thoughts
If you found this video helpful or believe it could help someone else, please visit theoklahomacityattorney.com.
My name is Dillan Savage—thank you for watching.
Schedule a Low-Cost Consultation
For personalized assistance regarding your honey bee registration or any related legal matters, call the Oklahoma City attorney Dillan Savage at 405-888-5400 to schedule a low-cost consultation today!
