Ulee Jackson, a reclusive beekeeper in Florida's panhandle, is struggling to maintain his family’s tradition of making tupelo honey while caring for his two granddaughters, Casey and Penny. Ulee's son, Jimmy, is serving time in prison, and his daughter-in-law, Helen, has abandoned the family due to her drug addiction. Ulee's life is further complicated when Jimmy pleads with him to help Helen, who has gotten herself into trouble with dangerous people. Ulee reluctantly steps in, despite his discomfort, to protect his fractured family and fulfill his duties as both a father and grandfather.

As Ulee tries to shield his granddaughters from the turmoil, he receives unexpected support from Connie Hope, a kind-hearted nurse living next door. Connie’s compassion helps ease the burden on Ulee's shoulders, and she becomes an integral part of the family’s effort to heal. Through a combination of resilience and the kindness of others, Ulee's tough exterior begins to soften. As he tries to balance the demands of his apiary business and his responsibilities to his family, Ulee slowly starts to confront and address the underlying issues that have kept them entangled in pain and conflict for so long.