Best Management Practices for the Operation of Apiaries in order to Limit Operator Liability

This legislation provides that a beekeeper shall not be liable for any personal injury or property damage that occurs in connection with his keeping and maintaining of bees, bee equipment, queen breeding equipment, apiaries, or appliances if he operates his apiary in a reasonable manner, in compliance with local zoning restrictions, and follows best management practices provided by regulation of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The legislation authorizes the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services to adopt regulations that must include best management practices for the operation of apiaries and prescribes that the limitation of liability not take effect until such regulation is adopted.