Home Bakers & Cottage Food Makers in Monroe County, Florida
Monroe County is home to cottage food makers selling homemade baked goods, jams, honey, and more directly to customers in Key West, Marathon, Key Largo. Under Florida Statute 500.80, these makers can sell non-potentially hazardous foods from their home kitchens with no commercial license required.
Cities in Monroe County:
Showing 2 makers in Monroe County
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Bread by Jess
Naturally leavened sourdough & bagels, Key Largo to Marathon
Cottage-law home baker in Key Largo making naturally leavened sourdough loaves and bagels baked to order (48-hour notice), with weekly bread days, farmers market appearances, and community pickups serving Key Largo to Marathon.
Bastt Bakery
Banana breads, cookies & treats in the Florida Keys
Home-based bakery in Islamorada in the Florida Keys operating under Florida Cottage Food Law, making banana breads, cookies, and other baked treats to order.
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Local Requirements in Monroe 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
Monroe County requires a Local Business Tax Receipt for any business operating within the county, including home-based occupations. The fee varies by nature of the business (variables include employees, equipment, seating capacity). Businesses regulated by the state/county must show proof of compliance with the initial application. Cottage food licensing itself is preempted to the state under F.S. 500.80.
Renewal: September 30 (renewals mailed with Sept 30 due date; renewed annually July–September; delinquent Oct 1).
Apply / detailsHome Occupation & Zoning
F.S. 559.955 preempts most home-based-business regulation to the state; a compliant home-based cottage food operation may operate in residentially-zoned areas without a separate Certificate of Use. Verify local zoning fit with Monroe County Planning if unsure.
Home-based businesses protected under F.S. 559.955; must not create nuisance/parking/traffic beyond residential norms.
Inside city limits?
Businesses inside a municipality (Key West, Marathon, Islamorada, Key Colony Beach, Layton) also need that city's business tax receipt in addition to the county receipt. Confirm with the specific municipality.
Notes
Monroe County Tax Collector phone: 305-295-5021 (business services). Fee is not flat — request a quote for your specific 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 Monroe County before selling.
Cottage Food FAQ — Monroe County
Do I need a license to sell cottage food in Monroe 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, Monroe County generally requires a local Business Tax Receipt to operate a home-based business.
Do I need a business tax receipt in Monroe County?+
Monroe County requires a Local Business Tax Receipt for any business operating within the county, including home-based occupations. The fee varies by nature of the business (variables include employees, equipment, seating capacity). Businesses regulated by the state/county must show proof of compliance with the initial application. Cottage food licensing itself is preempted to the state under F.S. 500.80.
Do I also need a city business tax receipt in Monroe County?+
Businesses inside a municipality (Key West, Marathon, Islamorada, Key Colony Beach, Layton) also need that city's business tax receipt in addition to the county receipt. Confirm with the specific municipality.
Can I run a cottage food business from my home in Monroe County?+
F.S. 559.955 preempts most home-based-business regulation to the state; a compliant home-based cottage food operation may operate in residentially-zoned areas without a separate Certificate of Use. Verify local zoning fit with Monroe County Planning if unsure. Home-based businesses protected under F.S. 559.955; must not create nuisance/parking/traffic beyond residential norms.
Who do I contact about cottage food rules in Monroe County?+
Monroe County Tax Collector (Sam C. Steele): 305-295-5021 — https://monroetaxcollector.com/. For health questions, contact Florida Department of Health in Monroe County: 305-293-7500. Always confirm current requirements directly with the county before selling.
Setting up your Monroe 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 Monroe County
Monroe 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 Monroe 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 Key West or Marathon, 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.