Home Bakers & Cottage Food Makers in Highlands County, Florida
Highlands County is home to cottage food makers selling homemade baked goods, jams, honey, and more directly to customers in Sebring, Avon Park, Lake Placid. Under Florida Statute 500.80, these makers can sell non-potentially hazardous foods from their home kitchens with no commercial license required.
Cities in Highlands County:
Showing 6 makers in Highlands County
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Bucky’s Bread Barn
Bucky’s Bread Barn - Cottage food from Lake placid, Florida
Everything sourdough, breads, bagels, cookies, Versace buns, scones, cream, pies.
Tricia’s Treats
Tricia’s Treats - Cottage food from Lake Placid, Florida
Custom cakes and a variety of custom treats
Cookie Lady Confections
Cookie Lady Confections - Cottage food from Sebting, Florida
Cookies, cables, mini cakes, cake slices, gourmet popcorn, dessert cups ect
Heartland Cottage Kitchen
Heartland Cottage Kitchen - Cottage food from Sebring, Florida
Breads, sweet loafs, cookies, pies, pastries
Sunflour Sourdough Micro Bakery
Sunflour Sourdough Micro Bakery - Cottage food from Lake Placid, Florida
I bake a variety of Sourdough Bread Loafs, from classic to many savory inclusions and Soft Sandwich Loafs. The flour is organic, unbleached with freshly milled whole wheat to enhance flavor and nutrition. If you would like to learn how to make Sourdough, I offer classes.
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Farmers Markets in Highlands County
Recurring markets where Highlands 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 Highlands 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
All businesses operating in Highlands County must obtain a county Local Business Tax Receipt (LBTR) through the Highlands County Tax Collector (Eric T. Zwayer), 540 S. Commerce Ave., Sebring. Home-based businesses included. Exact fee not verified — confirm with Highlands County Tax Collector at (863) 402-6685.
Renewal: September 30 annually (Florida statutory standard, F.S. 205.033)
Apply / detailsHome Occupation & Zoning
No separate county home-occupation permit verified. Home-based businesses are protected under F.S. 559.955. Confirm any local home-occupation standards with Highlands County Development Services.
State law (F.S. 559.955) limits local zoning restrictions on home-based businesses; specific local zoning not independently verified.
Inside city limits?
Businesses inside the city limits of Sebring, Avon Park, or Lake Placid may need an additional city business tax receipt. The City of Avon Park issues its own BTR (online and printable application).
Notes
F.S. 500.80 preempts local cottage-food licensing; no county food license required. Fee and exact application method not verified via an official fetched page — confirm with Highlands County Tax Collector.
⚠️ 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 Highlands County before selling.
Cottage Food FAQ — Highlands County
Do I need a license to sell cottage food in Highlands 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, Highlands County generally requires a local Business Tax Receipt to operate a home-based business.
Do I need a business tax receipt in Highlands County?+
All businesses operating in Highlands County must obtain a county Local Business Tax Receipt (LBTR) through the Highlands County Tax Collector (Eric T. Zwayer), 540 S. Commerce Ave., Sebring. Home-based businesses included. Exact fee not verified — confirm with Highlands County Tax Collector at (863) 402-6685.
Do I also need a city business tax receipt in Highlands County?+
Businesses inside the city limits of Sebring, Avon Park, or Lake Placid may need an additional city business tax receipt. The City of Avon Park issues its own BTR (online and printable application).
Can I run a cottage food business from my home in Highlands County?+
No separate county home-occupation permit verified. Home-based businesses are protected under F.S. 559.955. Confirm any local home-occupation standards with Highlands County Development Services. State law (F.S. 559.955) limits local zoning restrictions on home-based businesses; specific local zoning not independently verified.
Who do I contact about cottage food rules in Highlands County?+
Highlands County Tax Collector (Eric T. Zwayer): (863) 402-6685 — https://www.hctaxcollector.com/. For health questions, contact Florida Department of Health in Highlands County: (863) 386-6040. Always confirm current requirements directly with the county before selling.
Setting up your Highlands 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.
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List Your Business - It's FreeAbout Cottage Food in Highlands County
Highlands 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 Highlands 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 Sebring or Avon Park, 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.