Home Bakers & Cottage Food Makers in Leon County, Florida
Leon County is home to cottage food makers selling homemade baked goods, jams, honey, and more directly to customers in Tallahassee. Under Florida Statute 500.80, these makers can sell non-potentially hazardous foods from their home kitchens with no commercial license required.
Cities in Leon County:
Showing 2 makers in Leon County
View all Florida makers →
Bluebonnet Dough Works
Naturally leavened sourdough breads & baked goods
Cottage operation micro-bakery in Tallahassee specializing in naturally leavened sourdough breads using traditional fermentation methods.
Braylit Home Baked
From-scratch cookie bombs, brownies, scones & cinnamon rolls
Cottage bakery founded in 2023 making from-scratch cookie bombs, brownies, scones, cinnamon rolls, and bread. Pops up at Tallahassee's Downtown Market, Bannerman Markets, and Southwood, and runs a self-serve bake stand.
Want homemade food in Leon County near you?
Tap in — we'll notify you when a maker offers it, and it tells makers there's demand in your area.
Farmers Markets in Leon County
Recurring markets where Leon County cottage food makers sell directly to customers. Schedules shift seasonally — tap a market for directions and verify hours before you go.
Tallahassee Farmers Market
Tallahassee Saturday (seasonal)
Downtown Farmers' and Produce Market
Tallahassee
Eastside Farmers' Market
Tallahassee
Frenchtown Heritage Market Place
Tallahassee
Lake Ella Growers' Market
Tallahassee
Local Requirements in Leon 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
Leon County does NOT require a local business tax receipt. The County Commission repealed its Local Business Tax Receipt ordinance (Chapter 11, Article IV) via Ordinance No. 2009-31, and the City of Tallahassee repealed its business license tax effective FY2017-18. Tallahassee/Leon is the first community in Florida to repeal all local business taxes, so a home-based cottage food operation owes no county or city BTR.
Renewal: Not applicable (no BTR)
Apply / detailsHome Occupation & Zoning
No BTR required. Home-based businesses are protected statewide by F.S. 559.955 (Home-Based Business Act), which limits local licensing/permit requirements and generally exempts them from a Certificate of Use. Confirm any residential zoning/home-occupation standards with Leon County Development Support & Environmental Management if operating in unincorporated areas.
Standard residential home-occupation limits (no substantial change to residential character, limited traffic/signage) may apply under county/city land development code; F.S. 559.955 caps how far local rules can go. Not independently verified — confirm with Leon County/City of Tallahassee Growth Management.
Inside city limits?
City of Tallahassee (the only incorporated municipality in Leon County) repealed its business license tax effective FY2017-18; no city BTR required.
Notes
F.S. 500.80 preempts any local cottage-food license. Because both county and city business taxes were repealed, Leon County is one of the least burdensome FL counties for a home-based cottage food operation.
⚠️ 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 Leon County before selling.
Cottage Food FAQ — Leon County
Do I need a license to sell cottage food in Leon 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. And Leon County does not require a county Business Tax Receipt.
Do I need a business tax receipt in Leon County?+
Leon County does NOT require a local business tax receipt. The County Commission repealed its Local Business Tax Receipt ordinance (Chapter 11, Article IV) via Ordinance No. 2009-31, and the City of Tallahassee repealed its business license tax effective FY2017-18. Tallahassee/Leon is the first community in Florida to repeal all local business taxes, so a home-based cottage food operation owes no county or city BTR.
Do I also need a city business tax receipt in Leon County?+
City of Tallahassee (the only incorporated municipality in Leon County) repealed its business license tax effective FY2017-18; no city BTR required.
Can I run a cottage food business from my home in Leon County?+
No BTR required. Home-based businesses are protected statewide by F.S. 559.955 (Home-Based Business Act), which limits local licensing/permit requirements and generally exempts them from a Certificate of Use. Confirm any residential zoning/home-occupation standards with Leon County Development Support & Environmental Management if operating in unincorporated areas. Standard residential home-occupation limits (no substantial change to residential character, limited traffic/signage) may apply under county/city land development code; F.S. 559.955 caps how far local rules can go. Not independently verified — confirm with Leon County/City of Tallahassee Growth Management.
Who do I contact about cottage food rules in Leon County?+
Leon County Tax Collector: Not verified — confirm with Leon County Tax Collector — https://www.leontaxcollector.net/. For health questions, contact Florida Department of Health in Leon County: 850-404-6300. Always confirm current requirements directly with the county before selling.
Setting up your Leon 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.
Explore More
Understand Florida cottage food regulations
Labeling RequirementsWhat your cottage food labels must include
Free Label GeneratorCreate compliant labels in minutes
Recipe Cost CalculatorCalculate costs and set profitable prices
Sell Food From HomeComplete guide to getting started
Your First 30 DaysStep-by-step plan to launch your business
Nearby Counties
Are you a cottage food maker in Leon County?
Join our directory and connect with local customers looking for homemade goods
List Your Business - It's FreeAbout Cottage Food in Leon County
Leon 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 Leon 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 Tallahassee, 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.