Summer 2025 UF/IFAS Bee College

Join the UF/IFAS Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory at the 2025 University of Florida BEE COLLEGE in Seminole, 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, June 27, 2025 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 aG9uZXliZWUgfCBpZmFzICEgdWZsICEgZWR1 for the promo code to use at checkout.

Late registrations begin July 25, 2025, and will incur additional fees. Late registrations cannot be discounted.

Florida Bee Clubs/Associations can purchase a 2-day ticket at a discounted rate ($160) to raffle off to your club's members. Only one discounted ticket is allowed per club. Contact us for the discounted code. Follow the steps below:

1. As a club, purchase the $160 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 aG9uZXliZWUgfCBpZmFzICEgdWZsICEgZWR1 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 aG9uZXliZWUgfCBpZmFzICEgdWZsICEgZWR1!

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 on Friday, August 22nd! More details on the event are coming soon.

All Bee College participants are encouraged to participate in the 2025 Summer 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.

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 (July 13 - July 22): You are liable for 50% of program fee

21-30 days prior to the program's start date (July 23 - August 1): You are liable for 75% of program fee

0-20 days prior to the program's start date (August 2 - August 22): You are liable for 100% of program fee (zero refund)

We count the day UF/IFAS 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/IFAS 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.

Also check out other Workshops in Seminole, Arts events in Seminole.