Spring 2026 UF/IFAS Bee College

Join the UF/IFAS Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory at the 2026 University of Florida BEE COLLEGE in Gainesville, Florida, for one or two days of all things honey bees! Those new to beekeeping can follow the beginner track, while more experienced beekeepers can participate in hands-on training in the apiary, classes on honey bee research, and other advanced topics in beekeeping.

"Early Bee" Discounted tickets are available through Friday, January 23, 2026 at 5 p.m. EST.

Additionally, a discount (10% off) is available for 1- & 2-day tickets to active duty military members, retired veterans, first responders, Florida State Beekeepers Association (FSBA) members, active members of the UF/IFAS Master Beekeeper, Master Gardener, Master Naturalist Programs, 4-H Members, and anyone under 18 years of age. E-mail [email protected] for the promo code to use at checkout.

Late registrations begin February 20, 2026, and will incur additional fees. Late registrations cannot be discounted.

Florida Bee Clubs/Associations can purchase a 2-day ticket at a discounted rate ($175) to raffle off to your club's members. Only one discounted ticket is allowed per club. Follow the steps below:

1. As a club, purchase the $175 bee club ticket. When completing this registration, enter your bee club’s name, not the purchaser’s name.
2. Hold your raffle and e-mail [email protected] with the winner's name and e-mail address.
3. The winner will receive instructions on how to register for their free ticket.

Bee-related vendors may be on site at Bee College throughout the event. If you are interested in becoming a Bee College vendor, please contact us at [email protected]!

There are multiple options for hotels near the UF/IFAS Honey Bee Lab, including many near the intersection of I-75 and Archer Road, which is less than a ten minute drive from the lab. Since this time of year can be busy for hotel accommodations, we also recommend you look for lodging in Ocala, Alachua, and High Springs.

We will be emailing a draft agenda to attendees after the close of regular registration, with our final schedules provided in our attendee welcome packets at Bee College. To view a sample agenda, you may visit this past Bee College schedule.

Mingle with other Bee College attendees as well as faculty and staff from the UF/IFAS Honey Bee Lab! During the event, Honey Show participants will be honored for their award-winning entries. "Social Bee" attendees will have the chance to win bee-related door prize items as well as dine on culinary delights, so make plans to join us after day 1 (Friday) of Bee College!

All Bee College participants are encouraged to participate in the 2026 Bee College Honey Show. Entry is free! This is an opportunity to have your honey, candles, lotions/balms, baked goods, mead, bee-themed art, and more critiqued by certified judges. This is a great way to learn how to improve the hive products that you produce. Rules and other details can be found on our website HERE. To view our video on preparing entries, visit Preparing Entries for a Honey Show.

Join us in Gainesville for this exciting event! This program is perfect for honey enthusiasts looking to enhance their knowledge and skills. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced beekeeper, this comprehensive program is appropriate for any level of beekeeping experience!

During this event, you'll learn about the science of honey judging, from the basics to advanced techniques. Our expert instructors will cover topics such as

• food safety and hygiene,
• proper harvesting, processing, and handling,
• honey show logistics and administration, and
• proper judging etiquette, ethics, and techniques.

Don't miss this opportunity to start on the path to becoming a certified honey judge, or to continue with your training and certification journey! Winning awards for your honey and other "products from the hive" is a source of pride and accomplishment that may increase recognition and value among friends, peers, colleagues, and even customers!

[This training will be held previous to our Bee College event on Thursday, March 19, 2026. This is a separate registration for a separate course administered by our partners at AHSTC at the same location.]

For information about Honey Judge Training, visit the.

Participants cancelling/withdrawing within 40 days prior to the start of the program are liable for fees in accordance with the following schedule:

31-40 days prior to the program's start date (February 8 -17): 50% of program fee

21-30 days prior to the program's start date (February 18 - 27): 75% of program fee

0-20 days prior to the program's start date (February 28 - March 20): 100% of program fee

We count the day UF HBREL receives the written e-mail notification as the date of cancellation/withdrawal.

The University of Florida Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory (UF HBREL) will not refund airfare or other costs (including lodging reservations) incurred as a result of cancellations/withdrawals. Participants should keep this in mind if purchasing non-refundable tickets and should consider purchasing cancellation insurance to reduce risk.

The University of Florida Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory reserves the right to cancel a program. Under such circumstances, program fees are refunded based on aforementioned refund policy. UF HBREL reserves the right to make changes, modifications, or substitutions to any of our programs.

• Registration will be 8 a.m. on both days. Doors to the buildings will not be open prior to 8 a.m.
• Bee veils and other protective equipment will be provided for all in-hive courses. However, you are encouraged to bring personal veils, suits, etc.
• Light refreshments will be available for attendees at registration in the mornings, as well as drink refreshments throughout both days.
• Logistical information for the workshop will be e-mailed to participants closer to the workshop days.

E-mail for any comments/questions.

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