In New Jersey it is free. I've yet to do so but look forward to my first inspection. I would love someone who actually knows soemthing about bees to give me "two thumbs up." Although I have kept a variety of animals my whole life, it would be reasuring to know that i am doing it correctly. For those of you who are more experienced or have a hands on mentor, you can't understand how not knowing, or being unsure at what you are seeing and what it means is unnerving. I am avery goal oriented person and always want to be exceptional at whatever I am doing, while still maintaining my sanity. I am extremely wary of governmental intrusion but accept and understand the need for inspections to prevent the spread of diseases and non-indigenous flora and fauna. Our country is inundated w/ these non-native flora and fauna, not just in beekeeping. The list of nuisance species throughout our country is mindboggling. Zebra mussels, kudzu, starlings, honey suckle, loosestrife, to name a very few.