Florida Cottage Foods provides general educational information and directory listings only. We are not a law firm, government agency, or food safety authority. Makers are responsible for verifying current rules with FDACS and applicable local and state requirements.
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Citrus County is home to cottage food makers selling homemade baked goods, jams, honey, and more directly to customers in Inverness, Crystal River, Homosassa. Under Florida Statute 500.80, these makers can sell non-potentially hazardous foods from their home kitchens with no commercial license required.
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Selling cottage food itself needs no local food license — Florida Statute 500.80 preempts it. What may apply are general home-based-business rules. Always confirm current details with the county before you start.
Citrus County requires a Local Business Tax Receipt to legally operate any business in the county (issued by the Citrus County Tax Collector on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners). Fees vary by nature of the business (number of employees, equipment, seating capacity are factors); email businesstax@citrustc.us for a specific classification fee. Cottage food operations still need the general county BTR even though F.S. 500.80 exempts them from a state food permit.
Renewal: September 30 (renewable July 1–September 30 without penalty)
Apply / detailsNot verified — Citrus County home occupations are regulated under the county Land Development Code / zoning rather than a stand-alone permit at the Tax Collector; F.S. 559.955 exempts many home-based businesses from local Certificate of Use. Confirm home-occupation requirements with Citrus County Development Services and the Citrus County Tax Collector.
Standard residential home-occupation zoning applies (business incidental to residence). F.S. 500.80 preempts local regulation of the cottage food operation itself. Confirm any zoning conditions with Citrus County.
The City of Inverness (352-726-3401) and City of Crystal River (352-795-4216) each issue their own Business Tax Receipts. Citrus County honors city-issued BTRs, but the cities will NOT accept a county BTR — if you do business physically within those city limits you need the city BTR too. Homosassa, Beverly Hills, and Lecanto are unincorporated (county BTR only).
State law (F.S. 500.80): no state permit/inspection, $250,000 cap, preempts local food licenses. Codified taxation rules in Citrus County Code of Ordinances Ch. 94 (Municode).
⚠️ HOA or deed restrictions can still bar a home food business even where the county allows it — check yours.
Compiled 2026-08-03 from county tax collectors, FDACS, and Florida Statutes 500.80 / 205 / 559.955. Educational information only — not legal advice. Verify current requirements with Citrus County before selling.
No state license is required. Under Florida Statute 500.80, cottage food operations need no state permit, inspection, or registration to sell approved non-hazardous homemade foods, up to $250,000 in gross sales per year. However, Citrus County generally requires a local Business Tax Receipt to operate a home-based business.
Citrus County requires a Local Business Tax Receipt to legally operate any business in the county (issued by the Citrus County Tax Collector on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners). Fees vary by nature of the business (number of employees, equipment, seating capacity are factors); email businesstax@citrustc.us for a specific classification fee. Cottage food operations still need the general county BTR even though F.S. 500.80 exempts them from a state food permit.
The City of Inverness (352-726-3401) and City of Crystal River (352-795-4216) each issue their own Business Tax Receipts. Citrus County honors city-issued BTRs, but the cities will NOT accept a county BTR — if you do business physically within those city limits you need the city BTR too. Homosassa, Beverly Hills, and Lecanto are unincorporated (county BTR only).
Not verified — Citrus County home occupations are regulated under the county Land Development Code / zoning rather than a stand-alone permit at the Tax Collector; F.S. 559.955 exempts many home-based businesses from local Certificate of Use. Confirm home-occupation requirements with Citrus County Development Services and the Citrus County Tax Collector. Standard residential home-occupation zoning applies (business incidental to residence). F.S. 500.80 preempts local regulation of the cottage food operation itself. Confirm any zoning conditions with Citrus County.
Citrus County Tax Collector: 352-341-6500 — https://www.citrustc.us/. For health questions, contact Florida Department of Health in Citrus County: 352-527-0068. Always confirm current requirements directly with the county before selling.
Cottage food needs no state license — but many farmers markets require proof of liability insurance, and forming an LLC keeps your personal and business finances separate.
General & product liability for food & market vendors, from ~$30/mo. Many markets require proof of coverage.
Get a free insurance quoteRegister your cottage food business as an LLC to separate personal & business liability.
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List Your Business - It's FreeCitrus County is part of Florida's growing cottage food community. Under Florida Statute 500.80, home-based food producers can sell non-potentially hazardous foods directly to consumers without needing a commercial kitchen, food establishment license, or state inspection.
Popular cottage food products in Citrus County include baked goods like cookies, cakes, and breads, as well as jams, honey, granola, candies, and dried herbs. All products must be properly labeled with ingredients, allergens, net weight, and the required cottage food disclaimer.
Whether you're in Inverness or Crystal River, you can find homemade products or start your own cottage food business. Browse our guides and free tools to get started, or browse all makers across Florida.