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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Indian River County is home to cottage food makers selling homemade baked goods, jams, honey, and more directly to customers in Vero Beach, Sebastian, Fellsmere. 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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Recurring markets where Indian River County cottage food makers sell directly to customers. Schedules shift seasonally — tap a market for directions and verify hours before you go.
Vero Beach Farmers Market
Vero Beach Saturday
Humiston Park, Ocean Drive
Farmers' Market Oceanside
Vero Beach
Fellsmere Fresh Farmers' Market
Fellsmere
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 is $40.00/year for businesses in the unincorporated county. Tax year runs Oct 1 - Sep 30; new businesses must pay before operating and are pro-rated Jan-Sep. Tax Collector: Carole Jean Jordan, CFC, (772) 226-1343.
Renewal: September 30 annually (tax year Oct 1 - Sep 30)
Apply / detailsUnincorporated home-based businesses must also obtain a Home Occupation Permit from Code Enforcement, Dept. of Community Development, 1801 27th St - Bldg A, Vero Beach, FL 32960, (772) 226-1249. Applications cannot be processed online. Allowable uses/limits are in County Code Ch. 912.05(6). Note: F.S. 559.955 (Home-Based Business Act) limits local licensing of home businesses, so confirm current enforceability with the county.
Home occupations in residentially zoned property are regulated under County Code Ch. 912.05(6); F.S. 559.955 requires home-based businesses be treated as a residential (not commercial) use for zoning.
The $40 county receipt covers only the unincorporated area. Incorporated municipalities (Vero Beach, Sebastian, Fellsmere, Indian River Shores) may levy their own city business tax — confirm with the specific city.
F.S. 500.80 preempts local cottage-food licensing; no county food license is required. This county is notable for still requiring a separate Home Occupation Permit for home businesses.
⚠️ 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 Indian River 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, Indian River County generally requires a local Business Tax Receipt to operate a home-based business.
Local Business Tax is $40.00/year for businesses in the unincorporated county. Tax year runs Oct 1 - Sep 30; new businesses must pay before operating and are pro-rated Jan-Sep. Tax Collector: Carole Jean Jordan, CFC, (772) 226-1343.
The $40 county receipt covers only the unincorporated area. Incorporated municipalities (Vero Beach, Sebastian, Fellsmere, Indian River Shores) may levy their own city business tax — confirm with the specific city.
Unincorporated home-based businesses must also obtain a Home Occupation Permit from Code Enforcement, Dept. of Community Development, 1801 27th St - Bldg A, Vero Beach, FL 32960, (772) 226-1249. Applications cannot be processed online. Allowable uses/limits are in County Code Ch. 912.05(6). Note: F.S. 559.955 (Home-Based Business Act) limits local licensing of home businesses, so confirm current enforceability with the county. Home occupations in residentially zoned property are regulated under County Code Ch. 912.05(6); F.S. 559.955 requires home-based businesses be treated as a residential (not commercial) use for zoning.
Carole Jean Jordan, CFC - Indian River County Tax Collector: 772-226-1343 — https://irctax.com/. For health questions, contact Florida Department of Health in Indian River County: 772-794-7400. 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 FreeIndian River 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 Indian River 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 Vero Beach or Sebastian, 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.