(1) All honeybees, except bees in combless packages, and used beekeeping equipment shipped or moved into this state shall be accompanied by a certificate of inspection issued by the state of origin.
(2)(a) The certificate shall certify that the apiaries owned or operated by the beekeeper or his or her agents or representatives have been inspected annually in the state of origin at a time when the bees are actively rearing brood, and that the honeybees meet the entry requirements of the department concerning honeybee pests and unwanted races of honeybees.

Terms Used In Florida Statutes 586.11

  • Affidavit: A written statement of facts confirmed by the oath of the party making it, before a notary or officer having authority to administer oaths.
  • Beekeeping equipment: means honeybee hives, frames, supers, pallets, queen excluders, and other equipment which is used in the cultivation of honeybees and the harvesting of products produced by honeybees. See Florida Statutes 586.02
  • Department: means the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services of the state or its authorized representative. See Florida Statutes 586.02
  • Honey: means the natural food product resulting from the harvest of nectar or honeydew by honeybees and the natural activities of the honeybees in processing nectar or honeydew. See Florida Statutes 586.02
(b) The certificate described in paragraph (a) shall not be valid to allow honeybees and used beekeeping equipment to be shipped or moved into this state unless the certificate is issued by a state which has standards of inspection which are adequate to ensure the health and safety of Florida honeybees and which are at least equal to the standards established by the department.
(3) Bees in combless packages must be accompanied by a certificate of inspection from the state of origin and an affidavit that no honey is used in the feed.
(4) It shall be the duty of the sheriffs and officers of the Florida Highway Patrol to enforce the provisions relating to the movement of bees and used beekeeping equipment into the state, as well as such movement within the state.