Florida Cottage Foods provides general educational information and directory listings only. We are not a law firm, government agency, or food safety authority. Makers are responsible for verifying current rules with FDACS and applicable local and state requirements.
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Washington County is home to cottage food makers selling homemade baked goods, jams, honey, and more directly to customers in Chipley, Vernon. Under Florida Statute 500.80, these makers can sell non-potentially hazardous foods from their home kitchens with no commercial license required.
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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.
Washington County requires a Local Business Tax Receipt issued through the Washington County Tax Collector (Ken Naker). Exact county BTR dollar fee and application details are Not verified — confirm with Washington County Tax Collector. Cottage food itself is preempted from local food licensing by F.S. 500.80.
Renewal: September 30 annually (state baseline F.S. 205.053)
Apply / detailsNot verified — home-occupation/zoning review is typically handled by the county Building/Planning department; confirm with Washington County Planning.
F.S. 559.955 home-based-business protections apply. Local home-occupation standards Not verified — confirm with Washington County Planning/Building Department.
If located inside Chipley, Vernon, Caryville, Ebro, or Wausau (incorporated municipalities), that city's business tax receipt may also apply. City fees/requirements Not verified — confirm with the specific city.
F.S. 559.955 exempts many home-based businesses from a local Certificate of Use; F.S. 500.80 preempts local cottage food licensing. Smallest of the four counties; least published online detail — most BTR specifics require direct confirmation with the Tax Collector. Two phone numbers surfaced (850-638-6275 via FDACS listing; 850-638-6284 via the tax collector site) — verify current number.
⚠️ HOA or deed restrictions can still bar a home food business even where the county allows it — check yours.
Not verified — confirm with Washington County Health Department
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 Washington County before selling.
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, Washington County generally requires a local Business Tax Receipt to operate a home-based business.
Washington County requires a Local Business Tax Receipt issued through the Washington County Tax Collector (Ken Naker). Exact county BTR dollar fee and application details are Not verified — confirm with Washington County Tax Collector. Cottage food itself is preempted from local food licensing by F.S. 500.80.
If located inside Chipley, Vernon, Caryville, Ebro, or Wausau (incorporated municipalities), that city's business tax receipt may also apply. City fees/requirements Not verified — confirm with the specific city.
Not verified — home-occupation/zoning review is typically handled by the county Building/Planning department; confirm with Washington County Planning. F.S. 559.955 home-based-business protections apply. Local home-occupation standards Not verified — confirm with Washington County Planning/Building Department.
Washington County Tax Collector (Ken Naker): 850-638-6275 — https://www.washingtoncountytaxcollector.com/. For health questions, contact Florida Department of Health in Washington County: Not verified — confirm with Washington County Health Department. Always confirm current requirements directly with the county before selling.
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.
General & product liability for food & market vendors, from ~$30/mo. Many markets require proof of coverage.
Get a free insurance quoteRegister your cottage food business as an LLC to separate personal & business liability.
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List Your Business - It's FreeWashington 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 Washington 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 Chipley or Vernon, 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.