Home Bakers & Cottage Food Makers in Manatee County, Florida
Manatee County is home to cottage food makers selling homemade baked goods, jams, honey, and more directly to customers in Bradenton, Palmetto, Anna Maria. Under Florida Statute 500.80, these makers can sell non-potentially hazardous foods from their home kitchens with no commercial license required.
Cities in Manatee County:
Showing 2 makers in Manatee County
View all Florida makers →
Good Noms Suncoast Baking
Good Noms Suncoast Baking - Cottage food from Palmetto, Florida
Cookies and quick breads
Kylie's Kakes
Kylie's Kakes - Cottage food from Palmetto, Florida
Welcome to Kylie's Kakes! We're a cottage food operation based in Palmetto, Manatee County. Contact us to learn more about our products!
Want homemade food in Manatee 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 Manatee County
Recurring markets where Manatee County cottage food makers sell directly to customers. Schedules shift seasonally — tap a market for directions and verify hours before you go.
Bradenton Farmers Market
Bradenton Saturday (seasonal)
Old Main Street
Sunripe Certified Brands - Palmetto Farm Stand
Palmetto
Local Requirements in Manatee 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
Unincorporated Manatee County does NOT require a Local Business Tax Receipt (formerly 'occupational license') — the county issues none. A home-based cottage food operation in unincorporated Manatee owes no county BTR. However, businesses inside certain city limits do need a city BTR (see city note).
Renewal: Not applicable at county level (no county BTR). City BTRs typically renew by September 30 — confirm with the city.
Apply / detailsHome Occupation & Zoning
No county home-occupation permit for unincorporated Manatee; F.S. 559.955 protects home-based businesses and generally exempts them from a Certificate of Use. Cities may impose their own home-occupation standards within statutory limits.
Unincorporated Manatee applies residential home-occupation standards under its Land Development Code, but F.S. 559.955 caps what can be required. Verify specifics with Manatee County Building & Development Services.
Inside city limits?
Businesses located within city/town limits must obtain a municipal BTR. City of Bradenton requires one (Local Business Tax desk 941-932-9425 / 941-714-7105); Town of Longboat Key requires one (Town Clerk 941-316-1999); City of Palmetto also issues a Local Business Tax Receipt. Confirm home-based fees directly with the applicable city.
Notes
F.S. 500.80 preempts any local cottage-food license. Key point: no BTR in unincorporated Manatee, but Bradenton, Palmetto, and Longboat Key each require their own city BTR.
⚠️ 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 Manatee County before selling.
Cottage Food FAQ — Manatee County
Do I need a license to sell cottage food in Manatee 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 Manatee County does not require a county Business Tax Receipt.
Do I need a business tax receipt in Manatee County?+
Unincorporated Manatee County does NOT require a Local Business Tax Receipt (formerly 'occupational license') — the county issues none. A home-based cottage food operation in unincorporated Manatee owes no county BTR. However, businesses inside certain city limits do need a city BTR (see city note).
Do I also need a city business tax receipt in Manatee County?+
Businesses located within city/town limits must obtain a municipal BTR. City of Bradenton requires one (Local Business Tax desk 941-932-9425 / 941-714-7105); Town of Longboat Key requires one (Town Clerk 941-316-1999); City of Palmetto also issues a Local Business Tax Receipt. Confirm home-based fees directly with the applicable city.
Can I run a cottage food business from my home in Manatee County?+
No county home-occupation permit for unincorporated Manatee; F.S. 559.955 protects home-based businesses and generally exempts them from a Certificate of Use. Cities may impose their own home-occupation standards within statutory limits. Unincorporated Manatee applies residential home-occupation standards under its Land Development Code, but F.S. 559.955 caps what can be required. Verify specifics with Manatee County Building & Development Services.
Who do I contact about cottage food rules in Manatee County?+
Manatee County Tax Collector (Ken Burton, Jr.): 941-741-4800 — https://www.taxcollector.com/. For health questions, contact Florida Department of Health in Manatee County: 941-748-0747. Always confirm current requirements directly with the county before selling.
Setting up your Manatee 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 Manatee County?
Join our directory and connect with local customers looking for homemade goods
List Your Business - It's FreeAbout Cottage Food in Manatee County
Manatee 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 Manatee 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 Bradenton or Palmetto, 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.