Apiary inspection plays a vital role in Florida agriculture as inspectors work to prevent the introduction and establishment of honey bee pests and diseases. A healthy and secure Florida honey bee industry is valuable to all.
Florida's honey industry is consistently ranked among the top five in the nation with an annual production of 17 million pounds of honey worth $27 million. In addition, the Florida honey bee industry benefits our state's fruit and vegetable industry by providing an estimated $65 million in increased production numbers created by managed pollination. There are over 100 varieties of popular fruits and vegetables that use pollination to ensure fruitful crops.
Florida apiary inspectors certify the movement of honey bee colonies throughout the state and across Florida state lines. These colonies are monitored for diseases, honey bee pests and unwanted bee species. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has the most comprehensive state program (e.g., number of inspectors and traps) to prevent the accidental introduction of exotic and invasive pests.
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General Information and Best Management Practices
- Apiary Inspector Directory
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Diseases, Pests and Unwanted Species
- Africanized Honey Bees (FDACS)
- Africanized Honey Bee (National Agricultural Pest Information System)
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- Small Hive Beetle
- USDA ARS Disease and Pest Information
- Varroa Mite (National Agricultural Pest Information System)
