Here are some important items to consider when starting beekeeping:

Beehive: You will need a beehive to house your bees. There are different types of beehives available, such as Langstroth hives and top-bar hives. Choose one that is appropriate for your needs and location.

Bees: You will need a colony of bees to start your hive. You can obtain bees by purchasing a nucleus colony (nuc) or a package of bees from a reputable supplier.

Protective gear: To protect yourself while handling the bees, you will need a suit, veil, gloves, and boots.

Smoker: A smoker is a tool used to calm the bees and make them less aggressive while you are working with them.

Hive tools: Hive tools are essential for opening and closing the hive, removing honeycomb, and performing other tasks.

Feeder: You may need to provide supplementary feed for your bees during times of nectar scarcity or in the winter months.

Reference materials: It is helpful to have access to books or other reference materials that can provide guidance on beekeeping techniques and best practices.

It's also important to familiarize yourself with local regulations and obtain any necessary permits before starting a hive. Finally, it's a good idea to join a local beekeeping group or seek out a mentor to help you get started and provide ongoing support.

University of Florida Honey Bee Research and Extension Lab

Florida Department of Agiculture