Home Bakers & Cottage Food Makers in Escambia County, Florida
Escambia County is home to cottage food makers selling homemade baked goods, jams, honey, and more directly to customers in Pensacola, Century. Under Florida Statute 500.80, these makers can sell non-potentially hazardous foods from their home kitchens with no commercial license required.
Cities in Escambia County:
Showing 4 makers in Escambia County
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cookie cutter
cookie cutter - Cottage food from Pensacola, Florida
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Chelle’s Baked Creations
Chelle’s Baked Creations - Cottage food from Pensacola, Florida
Welcome to Chelle’s Baked Creations! We're a cottage food operation based in Pensacola, Escambia County. Contact us to learn more about our products!
Indulgence Bakehouse
Made-from-scratch sourdough, custom cakes & cookies
Home cottage bakery in Pensacola serving made-from-scratch sourdough breads, custom cakes, and cookies, with online pre-ordering.
Chey's Whisk & Wonder
Chey's Whisk & Wonder - Cottage food from Pensacola, Florida
Welcome to Chey's Whisk & Wonder! We're a cottage food operation based in Pensacola, Escambia County. Contact us to learn more about our products!
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Farmers Markets in Escambia County
Recurring markets where Escambia County cottage food makers sell directly to customers. Schedules shift seasonally — tap a market for directions and verify hours before you go.
See all Florida farmers markets →Local Requirements in Escambia County
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.
Local Business Tax Receipt
Any person doing business in Escambia County — including a one-person or home-based business — needs an Escambia County Business Tax Receipt unless exempt. One BTR is required per business location and per business category. County BTR fee is $26.25 annually; initial applications processed April 1–June 30 are $13.13 (valid through Sept 30).
Renewal: September 30 (renewable July–September each year)
Apply / detailsHome Occupation & Zoning
Qualifying home-based businesses are protected under F.S. 559.955 and generally exempt from a Certificate of Use. Confirm zoning with Escambia County Development Services if inside unincorporated county.
State home-based business baseline (F.S. 559.955); city zoning may apply within Pensacola/Century.
Inside city limits?
The City of Pensacola and the Town of Century levy their own municipal business taxes; a separate city BTR is required if operating inside those city limits. Confirm current city fee with City of Pensacola / Town of Century.
Notes
Tax Collector Scott Lunsford. BTExpress lets applicants apply, print, or edit a receipt online.
⚠️ 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 Escambia County before selling.
Cottage Food FAQ — Escambia County
Do I need a license to sell cottage food in Escambia County, Florida?+
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, Escambia County generally requires a local Business Tax Receipt to operate a home-based business.
Do I need a business tax receipt in Escambia County?+
Any person doing business in Escambia County — including a one-person or home-based business — needs an Escambia County Business Tax Receipt unless exempt. One BTR is required per business location and per business category. County BTR fee is $26.25 annually; initial applications processed April 1–June 30 are $13.13 (valid through Sept 30).
Do I also need a city business tax receipt in Escambia County?+
The City of Pensacola and the Town of Century levy their own municipal business taxes; a separate city BTR is required if operating inside those city limits. Confirm current city fee with City of Pensacola / Town of Century.
Can I run a cottage food business from my home in Escambia County?+
Qualifying home-based businesses are protected under F.S. 559.955 and generally exempt from a Certificate of Use. Confirm zoning with Escambia County Development Services if inside unincorporated county. State home-based business baseline (F.S. 559.955); city zoning may apply within Pensacola/Century.
Who do I contact about cottage food rules in Escambia County?+
Scott Lunsford — Escambia County Tax Collector: 850-438-6500 — https://escambiataxcollector.com/. For health questions, contact Florida Department of Health in Escambia County: 850-595-6500. Always confirm current requirements directly with the county before selling.
Setting up your Escambia County cottage food business?
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.
Business liability insurance
General & product liability for food & market vendors, from ~$30/mo. Many markets require proof of coverage.
Get a free insurance quoteForm your LLC
Register your cottage food business as an LLC to separate personal & business liability.
Start your LLCSome 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.
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List Your Business - It's FreeAbout Cottage Food in Escambia County
Escambia 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 Escambia 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 Pensacola or Century, 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.