Florida Cottage Food Laws: Complete Guide for Home Bakers
Quick Facts
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Law Name | Florida Statute Chapter 500 — Cottage Food Operations |
| Statute Reference | Fla. Stat. § 500.80 |
| Last Legislative Update | 2025 |
| Annual Sales Limit | $250,000 |
| Licensing Required | No |
| Labeling Required | Yes |
| Kitchen Inspections | Only upon complaint |
| Selling Venues | Farmers markets, roadside, online, events (not retail) |
| Shipping | Allowed in-state and out-of-state |
Welcome to the world of Florida cottage food operations! If you're passionate about baking and selling food right from your home, understanding these friendly guidelines will empower you to start your journey without needing a commercial license. Let's explore what's important.
Recent Changes & Pending Legislation
In 2025, Florida updated its cottage food laws to increase the annual sales limit to $250,000. This change offers more room to grow your business from home. Make sure you're aware of any pending legislation that might affect your plans.
What You Can Sell
Here's a list of foods you can sell under the cottage food laws in Florida. Remember, these are typically foods that do not require refrigeration:
- Baked Goods: Loaf bread, rolls, biscuits, cakes, pastries, cookies
- Sweets: Candies and confections
- Preserved Goods: High-acid jams, jellies, and preserves
- Others: Honey, fruit pies, dry herbs, homemade pasta, granola, nuts, vinegars, nut butter, extracts
What You Cannot Sell
Unfortunately, not all treats are allowed. Here's what you need to steer clear of:
- Sauces: Salsa, barbecue sauces, ketchups
- Canned Goods: Fruits, vegetables, pickles
- Refrigerated Items: Dairy products, seafood, cream-based goods
- Meat Products: Jerky, meat-filled foods
- Other: Hemp/CBD products, elderberry syrup
Sales Limits
To keep things manageable, your annual sales limit is $250,000. Staying under this threshold means you can continue operating without a commercial license.
Where You Can Sell
You have plenty of options for selling your delicious creations:
- Farmers Markets and Roadside Stands
- Online Sales: Ship your products within and out of state
- Events: Festivals, fairs
Note: You cannot sell wholesale or on consignment.
Licensing & Registration
Good news! You're exempt from needing a license as long as you keep your sales under the limit. You can focus on your business without worrying about permit costs or paperwork.
Fees
There are no fees required to operate your cottage food business under these laws.
Kitchen Inspections
Routine inspections aren't necessary. However, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) can investigate if a complaint is filed.
Labeling Requirements
Labeling is crucial for your home-based products. Your labels must include:
- Your operation's name and address
- Product name
- Ingredients listed by weight
- Net weight/volume
- Allergen information
- Nutritional info if you make health claims
- Important Statement: “Made in a cottage food operation that is not subject to Florida’s food safety regulations.”
Sample Label:
Sweet Home Jams
123 Cottage Lane, Hometown, FL 00000
Strawberry Jam
Ingredients: Strawberries, Sugar, Pectin
Net wt. 8 oz
Contains: None
Made in a cottage food operation that is not subject to Florida’s food safety regulations.
Training & Certification
No training or certification is required, making it easy to dive into your cottage food venture.
Official Resources
FAQ
Can I sell my food products in retail stores?
- No, retail store sales are not allowed.
Do I need to worry about local zoning rules?
- While the state preempts local laws, you must comply with general home business rules like zoning and signage.
Is there a specific format for labels?
- While there's no specific format, ensure all required information is clearly presented on your labels.
Dive into your home baking business with confidence, knowing you have the tools to succeed while sticking to the guidelines of Florida's cottage food laws!