Home Bakers & Cottage Food Makers in St. Johns County, Florida
St. Johns County is home to cottage food makers selling homemade baked goods, jams, honey, and more directly to customers in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra Beach. Under Florida Statute 500.80, these makers can sell non-potentially hazardous foods from their home kitchens with no commercial license required.
Cities in St. Johns County:
Showing 1 maker in St. Johns County
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Farmers Markets in St. Johns County
Recurring markets where St. Johns County cottage food makers sell directly to customers. Schedules shift seasonally — tap a market for directions and verify hours before you go.
See all Florida farmers markets →Local Requirements in St. Johns 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
All businesses in St. Johns County, including home offices, must obtain a county Business Tax Receipt through the St. Johns County Tax Collector. Receipt cost ranges from $18 to $30 depending on the business type. Home offices complete only page one of the application. Paid annually for the fiscal year Oct 1–Sept 30.
Renewal: September 30 (fiscal year Oct 1 – Sept 30)
Apply / detailsHome Occupation & Zoning
Home offices/home-based businesses must first obtain WRITTEN zoning approval from St. Johns County Planning & Zoning ($22 fee) even for a home business; then only page one of the BTR application is required.
Zoning approval ($22) required from St. Johns County Planning & Zoning before the Tax Collector will issue a BTR.
Inside city limits?
Businesses within the City of St. Augustine or City of St. Augustine Beach may also need a municipal business license/receipt in addition to the county receipt.
Notes
Per F.S. 500.80, cottage food operations are exempt from state/local food permits. Under F.S. 559.955, many home-based businesses are exempt from a local Certificate of Use, but St. Johns County still requires zoning sign-off before issuing the BTR. Verify HOA restrictions.
⚠️ 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 St. Johns County before selling.
Cottage Food FAQ — St. Johns County
Do I need a license to sell cottage food in St. Johns 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, St. Johns County generally requires a local Business Tax Receipt to operate a home-based business.
Do I need a business tax receipt in St. Johns County?+
All businesses in St. Johns County, including home offices, must obtain a county Business Tax Receipt through the St. Johns County Tax Collector. Receipt cost ranges from $18 to $30 depending on the business type. Home offices complete only page one of the application. Paid annually for the fiscal year Oct 1–Sept 30.
Do I also need a city business tax receipt in St. Johns County?+
Businesses within the City of St. Augustine or City of St. Augustine Beach may also need a municipal business license/receipt in addition to the county receipt.
Can I run a cottage food business from my home in St. Johns County?+
Home offices/home-based businesses must first obtain WRITTEN zoning approval from St. Johns County Planning & Zoning ($22 fee) even for a home business; then only page one of the BTR application is required. Zoning approval ($22) required from St. Johns County Planning & Zoning before the Tax Collector will issue a BTR.
Who do I contact about cottage food rules in St. Johns County?+
St. Johns County Tax Collector: 904-209-2250 — https://sjctax.us. For health questions, contact Florida Department of Health in St. Johns County: 904-506-6081. Always confirm current requirements directly with the county before selling.
Setting up your St. Johns 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 St. Johns County
St. Johns 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 St. Johns 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 St. Augustine or Ponte Vedra Beach, 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.