Your First 30 Days Checklist
A step-by-step action plan to launch your Florida cottage food business — from registration to your first sale.
Important Legal Disclaimer
This checklist is for general guidance only. Ensure you comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations before starting your cottage food business.
Welcome to Your Cottage Food Journey!
Starting a cottage food business can feel overwhelming, but this 30-day plan breaks it down into manageable steps. By the end of the month, you'll have everything in place to make your first sale.
Days 1-10
Planning & Preparation
Days 11-20
Setup & Creation
Days 21-30
Marketing & Launch
Days 1-10: Planning & Preparation
Understand Florida Cottage Food Laws
Before anything else, learn how to start a cottage food business in Florida and what the law allows.
- ✓ Read Florida Statute 500.80
- ✓ Review permitted vs prohibited foods
- ✓ Understand the $250,000 annual sales limit
- ✓ Know where you can sell (direct-to-consumer only)
- ✓ Learn labeling requirements
Choose Your Products & Test Recipes
- ✓ Pick 2-3 signature products to start with (don't overwhelm yourself!)
- ✓ Test and perfect your recipes
- ✓ Make sure products are cottage food compliant (no TCS foods)
- ✓ Get feedback from friends and family
- ✓ Document exact recipes and ingredient amounts
Pro Tip: Start simple. Master 2-3 products before expanding. Quality over quantity!
Calculate Costs & Set Prices
- ✓ Calculate ingredient costs per unit
- ✓ Factor in packaging, labels, overhead
- ✓ Value your time - calculate labor costs
- ✓ Research competitor pricing
- ✓ Set profitable prices using cost-plus formula
Choose a Business Name & Set Up Basics
- ✓ Brainstorm business names (make it memorable!)
- ✓ Check if name is available (Google it, check social media handles)
- ✓ Consider registering DBA if not using personal name
- ✓ Set up a business email (yourname@yourbusiness.com or Gmail)
- ✓ Check local zoning laws and HOA rules
- ✓ Consider business liability insurance (optional but recommended)
Design Product Labels
- ✓ Include all 6 required label elements
- ✓ Add the required cottage food statement
- ✓ Design labels with your branding (Canva is great for beginners)
- ✓ Order label stickers or print at home on Avery labels
- ✓ Print test labels and apply to sample packaging
Days 11-20: Setup & Creation
Order Packaging & Supplies
- ✓ Order packaging (boxes, bags, jars, containers)
- ✓ Get label stickers printed
- ✓ Stock up on ingredients for first batch
- ✓ Purchase any needed baking equipment
- ✓ Get business cards printed (optional but helpful)
Budget Tip: Start small. Order packaging for 50-100 units to test before committing to bulk orders.
Set Up Social Media Accounts
- ✓ Create Instagram business account
- ✓ Set up Facebook business page
- ✓ Write compelling bio with clear description of what you sell
- ✓ Add contact info and link to ordering/website
- ✓ Take 10-15 product photos for content library
- ✓ Create first 3 posts (don't post yet - schedule for launch week)
Research Sales Venues
- ✓ Find local farmers markets in your area
- ✓ Contact market managers about vendor requirements and fees
- ✓ Apply to 2-3 markets that fit your schedule
- ✓ Research local events, festivals, craft fairs
- ✓ Plan your selling strategy (markets, online ordering, both?)
Create Your First Product Batch
- ✓ Make your first official product batch
- ✓ Package everything professionally with labels
- ✓ Take lots of photos for social media and marketing
- ✓ Time yourself - track how long production takes
- ✓ Note any improvements needed in recipe or process
Photo Op: This is your first official batch - document it! Behind-the-scenes content is gold on social media.
Set Up Payment & Ordering Systems
- ✓ Get a Square, Venmo, or PayPal account for digital payments
- ✓ Have cash box/change ready for in-person sales
- ✓ Decide on ordering process (DM, email, online form, etc.)
- ✓ Create simple order tracking system (spreadsheet works!)
- ✓ Write order confirmation/pickup instructions template
Days 21-30: Marketing & Launch
Join Florida Cottage Foods Directory
- ✓ Create free account on Florida Cottage Foods
- ✓ Complete your maker profile with photos and description
- ✓ List your products with beautiful photos
- ✓ Add your market schedule and ordering info
- ✓ Share your profile link on social media
Launch Social Media & Build Buzz
- ✓ Post your first 3 pieces of content
- ✓ Announce your grand opening/launch
- ✓ Share your story - why you started this business
- ✓ Invite friends/family to follow and share
- ✓ Join local Facebook groups and introduce yourself (follow group rules)
- ✓ Use local hashtags to get discovered
Soft Launch: Friends & Family Sales
- ✓ Offer products to friends, family, coworkers first
- ✓ Get honest feedback on products, pricing, packaging
- ✓ Practice your sales pitch and order fulfillment
- ✓ Ask for reviews and testimonials
- ✓ Request permission to share customer photos
- ✓ Make any needed adjustments before public launch
Feedback is Gold: Ask specific questions: Is the sweetness level right? Is the portion size good? Is the price fair?
Prepare for Your First Market/Public Sale
- ✓ Confirm your first market date or set up first pre-order window
- ✓ Prepare market booth setup (table, tablecloth, signage, cash box)
- ✓ Create pricing signs and product displays
- ✓ Print business cards and order forms
- ✓ Plan inventory - how much to bring
- ✓ Prep answers to common questions
🎉 Official Launch!
- ✓ Make final product batch for first public sale
- ✓ Announce your market/ordering availability on social media
- ✓ Show up prepared, confident, and ready to sell
- ✓ Take photos throughout the day
- ✓ Track all sales and customer feedback
- ✓ CELEBRATE! You're officially a cottage food business owner! 🎊
After Your First Sale:
- • Post a thank-you message to customers on social media
- • Review what sold well and what didn't
- • Note improvements for next time
- • Schedule your next market or order window
- • Keep the momentum going - consistency is key!
Ongoing: Build Your Business
After your first 30 days, maintain momentum with these weekly habits:
Weekly
- • Post 3-4 times on social media
- • Attend 1-2 markets or fulfill orders
- • Engage with customers and followers
- • Track expenses and sales
- • Make product batches as needed
Monthly
- • Review finances and adjust pricing if needed
- • Try one new product or flavor
- • Assess what's working and what's not
- • Restock supplies and packaging
- • Set goals for the next month
Quick Reference: Key Resources
Legal & Compliance
Business Tools
Support
🛒 Recommended Starter Supplies
Get your cottage food business off to a strong start with these essential supplies:
Stand Mixer
5-quart capacity, perfect for batches
Food Storage Containers
Air-tight, BPA-free, various sizes
Weatherproof Label Sheets
100 sheets, oil/water resistant
Square Card Reader
Accept credit cards at markets
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. These are recommendations based on what successful cottage food makers use.
Starter Equipment & Ingredient Picks
King Arthur Baking
Trusted flours, baking mixes & pro-grade ingredients
Shop ingredientsKitchenAid Artisan 5-Qt Stand Mixer
325W, 10 speeds, perfect for large batches
$379.99Etekcity Digital Kitchen Scale
11lb capacity, 1g precision, 130k+ reviews
$16.99DYMO LabelWriter 450 Turbo
Fast thermal label printer for professional labels
$169.99Clear Cellophane Cookie Bags 4x6"
Self-sealing bags, 200 count for bakery items
$10.99* These are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Get your business set up
The services most Florida makers put in place in their first month.
Business liability insurance
General & product liability for food & market vendors, from ~$30/mo. Many markets require proof of coverage.
Compare insurance quotesForm your LLC
Register your cottage food business as an LLC to separate personal & business liability.
Start your LLCSquare — take card payments
Accept cards at markets & pickups with a free reader. No monthly fee.
Get a free card readerBusiness bank account
Keep business money separate — free small-business checking with no minimums.
Open a free accountSome links are from partners who may pay us a commission — at no extra cost to you. We only list services makers actually use. Learn more.
You've Got This! 💪
Starting a cottage food business is exciting! Follow this plan, stay consistent, and don't be afraid to ask for help or make adjustments along the way. Remember: every successful cottage food maker started exactly where you are now.