Florida Bees
Save You Money
How Agricultural Classification Works
Florida law (Statute 193.461) allows landowners using property for agriculture — including beekeeping — to have it assessed at its agricultural value instead of market value.
Check your property
Enter your county, acreage, and current assessed value above. We'll estimate your savings based on your county's millage rates and agricultural productivity values.
See your savings
Get an instant estimate of how much you could save annually, the number of hives you'd need, and your return on investment.
Get your free guide
Download a county-specific guide with your Property Appraiser's contact info, application tips, and the March 1 deadline.
Why Florida Is Great for Beekeeping
Florida's climate and legal framework make it one of the best states for combining beekeeping with property tax savings.
No Minimum Acreage
Unlike most states, Florida law specifically says counties cannot require a minimum number of acres for agricultural classification.
Year-Round Beekeeping
Florida's subtropical climate means bees stay active longer, producing 60–100 lbs of honey per hive — nearly double some northern states.
Auto-Renewing Classification
Once approved, your agricultural classification renews automatically each year until your land use changes. Less paperwork than many states.
Multiple Nectar Flows
Citrus blooms in spring, gallberry and palmetto in summer, goldenrod in fall — Florida bees have forage sources most of the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is agricultural classification in Florida?
Under Florida Statute 193.461, land used for "bona fide agricultural purposes" — including beekeeping — is assessed at its agricultural productivity value instead of market value. This typically reduces the taxable value of the land by 90–99%, leading to significant property tax savings. It's sometimes informally called an "ag exemption," though technically it's a classification, not an exemption.
Does Florida really have no minimum acreage?
Correct. Florida Statute 193.461 explicitly states that "a minimum acreage may not be required for agricultural assessment." Your county Property Appraiser will evaluate whether your land demonstrates a genuine agricultural use, but there is no acreage floor set by state law. That said, you'll need enough space to maintain bees safely and demonstrate commercial intent.
When is the application deadline?
March 1 of each year. First-time applicants must file a full application with their county Property Appraiser. If you miss the deadline, you may still apply with a late filing petition and a small fee, but it's not guaranteed to be accepted. After your first year, the classification auto-renews unless your land use changes.
How many beehives do I need?
Florida law doesn't specify an exact number — it requires "bona fide commercial agricultural use." In practice, most Property Appraisers look for at least 4–6 hives on smaller properties, with more required as acreage increases. Our calculator estimates the number based on typical county practices.
How much does it cost to get started with bees?
A basic hive setup runs about $197 for equipment and $260 for a nucleus colony (nuc) of bees — roughly $457 per hive. Annual maintenance (mite treatments, feed, replacement parts) averages around $75 per hive. Most beekeepers also earn income from honey: Florida hives typically produce 60 lbs per year, which sells for about $20/lb locally.
What about my homestead exemption?
Agricultural classification and homestead exemption are separate programs and can be combined. Your home and the surrounding 1 acre continue to receive the homestead exemption and are taxed at market rate. The agricultural classification applies to your remaining qualifying acreage, reducing that land's taxable value.
Do I need beekeeping experience?
No prior experience is needed. BeeKings provides hives, bees, equipment, hands-on training, and ongoing support. Florida also has an excellent network of local beekeeping associations and the UF/IFAS Honey Bee Research Lab for education. You will need to register your apiary with the Florida Department of Agriculture (FDACS) — it's a simple process with a small annual fee.
How long does approval take?
If you file by March 1, your county Property Appraiser will evaluate your application and typically notify you by the time TRIM (Truth in Millage) notices go out, usually in August. If denied, you can appeal to the Value Adjustment Board. Once approved, the classification stays in effect until your agricultural use ends.
Ready to See Your Savings?
Use the calculator above to get a free, instant estimate for your Florida property
Free • Instant • No spam
Florida Beekeeping Agricultural Classification Guide
What is Florida agricultural classification? Under Florida Statute 193.461, landowners can have their property assessed at its agricultural productivity value instead of market value if it's being used for bona fide agricultural purposes — which explicitly includes beekeeping. This typically reduces the taxable value of the land by 90–99%, resulting in substantial property tax savings for Florida landowners.
No minimum acreage. One of Florida's biggest advantages is that state law prohibits counties from requiring a minimum number of acres for agricultural classification. Whether you have 2 acres or 200, you may qualify — as long as you can demonstrate genuine agricultural use. This makes Florida one of the most accessible states for beekeeping-based property tax savings.
How many beehives do I need? While Florida law doesn't specify an exact number, most county Property Appraisers look for 4–6 hives on smaller properties, with roughly 1 additional hive per 5 acres beyond that. Our calculator estimates the appropriate number based on your county's typical requirements.
Florida's climate advantage. Florida's subtropical climate allows year-round beekeeping with multiple nectar flows — citrus in spring, gallberry and palmetto in summer, and goldenrod in fall. Florida hives typically produce 60–100 lbs of honey per year, nearly double what many northern states see. At $20/lb for local raw honey, that's meaningful income on top of your tax savings.
All 67 Florida counties. Our calculator covers every Florida county, from Miami-Dade and Broward in the southeast to Escambia and Santa Rosa in the Panhandle. Each county has its own Property Appraiser and millage rates, and we factor in your county's specific data to give you the most accurate estimate possible.