Florida Cottage Food Law at a Glance
Annual Sales Limit
$250,000
License Required?
No
Inspection Required?
No
Online Sales?
Yes (within FL)
Source: Florida Statute 500.80 · Last updated June 2026
What Is a Cottage Food Operation?
A cottage food operation is a home-based food business that produces and sells certain low-risk foods directly to consumers. In Florida, cottage food operations are governed by Florida Statute 500.80 and are exempt from the state's commercial food safety regulations — meaning no license, no permit, no commercial kitchen, and no state inspection.
Florida has one of the most permissive cottage food laws in the United States, allowing home-based food makers to earn up to $250,000 per year in gross revenue. The law is regulated by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).
This guide covers everything you need to know to start selling homemade food legally from your Florida home kitchen in 2026 — including exactly what foods are allowed, how to label them, and where you can sell.
The $250,000 Annual Sales Limit
Florida cottage food operations may earn up to $250,000 in gross annual revenue — one of the highest cottage food sales limits in the country. This cap was raised from $50,000 by the Home Sweet Home Act (HB 1467), which took effect on July 1, 2021.
Important: The $250,000 limit is based on gross revenue (total sales), not net profit. You must keep records and provide documentation to FDACS upon request.
If your sales exceed $250,000, you will need to transition to a licensed food establishment with a commercial kitchen and full FDACS inspection. Most cottage food makers operate well below this threshold — but it's good to know you have significant room to grow.
Allowed Foods (Complete List)
Florida cottage food law allows the sale of non-potentially-hazardous foods — items that do not require refrigeration or time/temperature control for safety. Here is the complete list:
Rule of thumb: If it can sit on your kitchen counter at room temperature without spoiling, it is likely allowed. When in doubt, check with FDACS.
What You Cannot Sell
Any food that requires refrigeration or is considered potentially hazardous is not allowed under the cottage food law:
Note: You also cannot sell cottage food wholesale to restaurants or stores. All sales must be direct to the end consumer.
Labeling Requirements
Every cottage food product sold in Florida must have a label with the following seven elements:
- 1
Business name and address
Your cottage food operation name and physical home address.
- 2
Product name
The common or descriptive name of the food (e.g., "Chocolate Chip Cookies").
- 3
Ingredients list
All ingredients listed in descending order by weight.
- 4
Net weight or volume
The net quantity of the product (e.g., "Net Wt. 8 oz").
- 5
Allergen disclosures
Must declare the presence of major allergens: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame.
- 6
Nutrition facts (conditional)
Required only if you make a nutritional claim (e.g., "low-fat" or "sugar-free").
- 7
Cottage food disclaimer
Required Disclaimer (10-point type minimum, contrasting color):
“Made in a cottage food operation that is not subject to Florida's food safety regulations.”
Need help with labels? Use our free Florida Cottage Food Label Generator to create compliant labels in minutes.
Where You Can Sell Cottage Food in Florida
All sales must be direct to the end consumer. No wholesale or resale is permitted. You can sell:
From your home
Customers pick up directly from your kitchen.
Farmers markets & flea markets
One of the most popular sales channels for cottage food makers.
Roadside stands & craft fairs
Set up a booth at local events.
Online sales (within Florida)
Added by the 2021 Home Sweet Home Act. You can take orders online and deliver.
Mail order & delivery
Ship via USPS or commercial carrier — but only within Florida.
No interstate sales. You cannot ship cottage food outside of Florida. Interstate commerce falls under federal FDA regulation and is not covered by the cottage food exemption.
Do You Need a License?
No state license or permit is required from FDACS.
No commercial kitchen is required — you work from your home kitchen.
No state inspection of your home kitchen.
No food safety training is legally required (but recommended).
Local governments cannot prohibit cottage food operations or require a cottage-food-specific local license (per the 2021 amendment).
Note: Some counties may still require a standard local business tax receipt (occupational license). Check with your county's tax collector. This is a general business requirement, not specific to cottage food.
How to Start a Cottage Food Business in Florida
Starting a cottage food business in Florida is straightforward. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Choose your products
Pick from the allowed foods list above. Start with 2-3 items you make well.
Perfect your recipes
Test recipes with friends and family. Consider taking a food safety course for confidence (not legally required).
Create compliant labels
Include all 7 required elements. Use our free label generator to get started.
Price your products
Factor in ingredients, packaging, time, and local market rates. Aim for at least 3x your ingredient cost.
Set up your sales channel
Start at local farmers markets, take orders through social media, or list your business online.
Get your name out there
Create a Facebook page, join local food groups, and list your business in directories like Florida Cottage Foods.
Track your sales
Keep records of all revenue. You'll need this for tax purposes and to stay under the $250,000 limit.
Ready to start?
Get listed in the Florida Cottage Foods directory and connect with local customers.
Florida Cottage Food Law History
Florida enacts its first cottage food law with a $15,000 annual sales limit.
Sales limit raised to $50,000. Additional food categories added.
The Home Sweet Home Act (HB 1467) takes effect July 1. Sales limit jumps to $250,000. Online sales and mail/delivery within Florida are now permitted. Local governments can no longer prohibit cottage food operations.
No new legislative changes. The 2021 law remains in effect as written.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to sell cottage food in Florida?
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No. Florida cottage food operations do not require a state license, permit, registration, or inspection from FDACS. You do not need a commercial kitchen. You may need a standard local business tax receipt depending on your county.
What is the cottage food sales limit in Florida?
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Florida cottage food operations can earn up to $250,000 in gross annual revenue. This is one of the highest limits in the United States, raised from $50,000 by the Home Sweet Home Act in 2021.
What foods can I sell under the Florida cottage food law?
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You can sell non-potentially-hazardous foods that do not require refrigeration: breads, cookies, cakes (no cream/custard fillings), fruit pies, jams, jellies, honey, dried fruit, candies, granola, trail mix, dried pasta, nut butters, popcorn, dry herbs/spices, and vinegar.
Can I sell cottage food online in Florida?
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Yes. Since the 2021 Home Sweet Home Act, Florida cottage food makers can sell online and deliver via mail or commercial carrier — but only within Florida. Interstate sales are not permitted.
Do I need food safety training?
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No. Florida Statute 500.80 does not require food manager certification or a food handler card. However, food safety training is recommended for credibility, and some farmers markets may independently require it.
Can I sell cottage food at farmers markets?
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Yes. Cottage food can be sold at farmers markets, flea markets, roadside stands, craft fairs, and from your home — as long as sales are made directly to the end consumer.
Can I ship cottage food out of Florida?
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No. Florida cottage food may only be sold and shipped within the state. Interstate commerce falls under federal FDA regulation and is not covered by the cottage food exemption.
Can I sell pet treats under the cottage food law?
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Non-meat pet treats (like dog biscuits made from flour, peanut butter, etc.) are generally allowed. Pet treats containing meat, poultry, or animal by-products are not covered by the cottage food exemption.
Do I need insurance?
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Insurance is not legally required, but it is strongly recommended. General liability insurance and product liability insurance can protect you if a customer has an allergic reaction or other issue. Many policies start at $200-400/year.
Related Resources
FDACS Compliance Guide
Deep dive into rules, regulations, and staying compliant.
Product Labeling Guide
Examples and templates for compliant cottage food labels.
Pricing Strategy Guide
How to price your cottage food products for profit.
Free Label Generator
Create compliant labels in minutes — no design skills needed.
How to Sell From Home
Step-by-step guide to launching your home food business.
Browse Florida Cottage Food Makers
Discover 50+ home-based food businesses across Florida.