Florida Bee Population Growing Amid Diminishing Numbers Nationwide

More than 40 percent of United States honey bee colonies died in the past year, according to a survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Bee Informed Partnership.

But Florida experts see a problem with the national numbers.

Local beekeeper Chappie McChesney believes survey data drew disproportionately from commercial beekeepers. Florida’s bee population is growing. The state’s warm climate allows for a nearly year-round beekeeping season, said David Westervelt, Florida Department of Agriculture apiary inspection assistant chief.