Home Bakers & Cottage Food Makers in Marion County, Florida
Marion County is home to cottage food makers selling homemade baked goods, jams, honey, and more directly to customers in Ocala, Belleview, Dunnellon. Under Florida Statute 500.80, these makers can sell non-potentially hazardous foods from their home kitchens with no commercial license required.
Cities in Marion County:
Showing 3 makers in Marion County
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Laura’s Sweet Crumb Cottage
Laura’s Sweet Crumb Cottage - Cottage food from Summerfield, Florida
Sourdough Breads & Treats
Love Handles Home Bakery
"Where every bite is a hug from mom!" ... with hugs x cookies, Scarlett Tyler
Visit our Porch Fridge Bakery 1720 Spring Lake Rd, Fruitland Park, FL Open 7 days a week 9 AM to Sundown Restocks every Saturday morning. Join our text list for early access to pop • up locations, menus, and event updates. Text “EVENT” to 407-953-0395
Handmade & Home Baked by Patsy
Bread, cakes, cupcakes & cookies for 55+ communities
Cottage food business operating under Florida Cottage Food Law, serving Marion, Sumter, and Lake Counties including 55+ communities like On Top of The World and The Villages. Weekly pre-orders close Fridays, with Tuesday pickup and Wednesday deliveries.
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Farmers Markets in Marion County
Recurring markets where Marion County cottage food makers sell directly to customers. Schedules shift seasonally — tap a market for directions and verify hours before you go.
Ocala Downtown Market
Ocala Saturday
""Health Happens"" Farmers' Market
Ocala
Circle Square Commons Farmers Market
Ocala
Local Requirements in Marion 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
Marion County has NO county-level business tax. The Board of County Commissioners repealed the Occupational License (Local Business Tax) ordinance effective October 1, 2006, so unincorporated Marion County cottage food operators do not need a county BTR. Businesses inside city limits must still get a CITY business tax receipt. Cottage food licensing itself is preempted to the state under F.S. 500.80.
Renewal: N/A for county (repealed). City BTRs generally due by Sept 30 / Oct 1 (e.g. Dunnellon expires Sept 30).
Apply / detailsHome Occupation & Zoning
Florida Statute 559.955 preempts most home-based-business regulation to the state: a home-based business may operate in any residentially-zoned area and cannot be licensed or restricted differently from other businesses. A separate county home-occupation permit / Certificate of Use is generally not required for a compliant home-based cottage food operation.
Home-based businesses protected under F.S. 559.955 (must not create parking/traffic/noise/nuisance beyond residential norms). Confirm parcel-specific zoning with Marion County Growth Services if unsure.
Inside city limits?
Ocala, Belleview and Dunnellon each levy their own business tax receipt. Dunnellon fee is $63.30/year ($31.65 half-year), due Oct 1, expires Sept 30. Belleview lists an $11.55 home-business tax receipt. Verify current city fees directly.
Notes
Unique among Florida counties in having repealed its county business tax entirely (2006). The main practical local step for a Marion cottage food operator is a CITY BTR only if operating inside Ocala, Belleview or Dunnellon. Marion tax collector main office phone: Not verified — confirm with Marion County Tax Collector.
⚠️ HOA or deed restrictions can still bar a home food business even where the county allows it — check yours.
Marion County Tax Collector (George Albright)
Not verified — confirm with Marion County Tax Collector
Visit siteCompiled 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 Marion County before selling.
Cottage Food FAQ — Marion County
Do I need a license to sell cottage food in Marion 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 Marion County does not require a county Business Tax Receipt.
Do I need a business tax receipt in Marion County?+
Marion County has NO county-level business tax. The Board of County Commissioners repealed the Occupational License (Local Business Tax) ordinance effective October 1, 2006, so unincorporated Marion County cottage food operators do not need a county BTR. Businesses inside city limits must still get a CITY business tax receipt. Cottage food licensing itself is preempted to the state under F.S. 500.80.
Do I also need a city business tax receipt in Marion County?+
Ocala, Belleview and Dunnellon each levy their own business tax receipt. Dunnellon fee is $63.30/year ($31.65 half-year), due Oct 1, expires Sept 30. Belleview lists an $11.55 home-business tax receipt. Verify current city fees directly.
Can I run a cottage food business from my home in Marion County?+
Florida Statute 559.955 preempts most home-based-business regulation to the state: a home-based business may operate in any residentially-zoned area and cannot be licensed or restricted differently from other businesses. A separate county home-occupation permit / Certificate of Use is generally not required for a compliant home-based cottage food operation. Home-based businesses protected under F.S. 559.955 (must not create parking/traffic/noise/nuisance beyond residential norms). Confirm parcel-specific zoning with Marion County Growth Services if unsure.
Who do I contact about cottage food rules in Marion County?+
Marion County Tax Collector (George Albright): Not verified — confirm with Marion County Tax Collector — https://www.mariontax.com/. For health questions, contact Florida Department of Health in Marion County: 352-629-0137. Always confirm current requirements directly with the county before selling.
Setting up your Marion 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 Marion County
Marion 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 Marion 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 Ocala or Belleview, 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.