Plan your cottage food business around Florida's most profitable seasons and holidays. Know what to sell, when to start preparing, and how much you can earn.
Florida cottage food makers who plan around seasonal demand report earning 60-70% of their annual revenue during just 3-4 peak seasons. The holiday season alone can generate $5,000 - $20,000+ in sales.
Choose 3-4 peak seasons that match your products and schedule. You don't need to do them all.
Each guide includes a prep timeline. Marketing should start 4-6 weeks before the holiday.
Holiday and seasonal products command premium pricing. Don't undercharge — customers expect to pay more for special-occasion treats.
Prep starts January · Peak: January - February 14
Love is in the air — and so is demand for beautifully packaged sweet treats. Premium pricing is expected and profit margins soar on Valentine's themed goods.
$2,000 - $8,000
Prep starts February · Peak: March - April
Pastel-themed treats, Easter basket fillers, and spring farmers market favorites. A great season for decorated cookies and themed packaging.
$1,500 - $6,000
Prep starts March · Peak: April - May
Gift-ready baked goods and elegant packaging drive sales. Bundle products into "Mom Deserves It" gift sets for higher average order value.
$1,000 - $5,000
Prep starts May · Peak: May - August
Florida's long summer means extended selling at farmers markets, community events, and Fourth of July celebrations. Focus on shelf-stable and heat-resistant products.
$2,000 - $7,000
Prep starts July · Peak: July - September
Parents want convenient, homemade snacks for school lunches. Multi-packs and subscription-style weekly orders are popular during this season.
$1,000 - $4,000
Prep starts September · Peak: September - October
Spooky-themed cookies, fall flavors like pumpkin spice, and harvest festival booth sales. One of the most fun and creative seasons to sell.
$2,000 - $6,000
Prep starts October · Peak: October - November
Pre-order pies and rolls are massive sellers. Many cottage food makers earn a significant portion of their annual revenue in the two weeks before Thanksgiving.
$2,500 - $8,000
Prep starts October · Peak: October - December
The BIGGEST season for cottage food makers. Gift boxes, corporate orders, holiday markets, and premium pricing make this the most lucrative time of year.
$5,000 - $20,000+
| Month | What to Do | Upcoming Season |
|---|---|---|
| January | Produce & deliver Valentine's orders, test recipes | Valentine's Day |
| February | Valentine's delivery, start Easter prep & marketing | Easter & Spring |
| March | Easter production, begin Mother's Day marketing | Mother's Day |
| April | Mother's Day orders, spring farmers market season | Mother's Day |
| May | Summer product development, 4th of July marketing | Summer & 4th of July |
| June | Summer markets, patriotic product production | Summer & 4th of July |
| July | 4th of July sales, plan Back to School products | Back to School |
| August | Back to School sales, slow period - plan Q4 | Back to School |
| September | Halloween product dev, fall market prep, holiday planning begins | Halloween & Fall |
| October | Halloween sales, Thanksgiving orders open, Christmas marketing starts | Thanksgiving + Holiday |
| November | Thanksgiving production, Christmas pre-orders, holiday markets | Thanksgiving + Christmas |
| December | Peak production! Christmas delivery, holiday markets, corporate orders | Christmas & Holiday |
Post on Instagram and local Facebook groups well before the holiday. Build anticipation with product photos and "coming soon" announcements.
Take orders in advance so you only produce what you've already sold. This eliminates leftover inventory and guarantees your income.
Bundling products increases your average order value by 40-60%. A cookie box sells for much more than individual cookies.
Customers expect to pay 30-50% more for holiday and seasonal products. Beautiful packaging and themed designs justify the higher price point.
Collect email addresses or phone numbers. Text or email your past buyers first when a new season arrives — they're your most likely customers.
Join hundreds of Florida makers selling homemade food from their kitchens. No commercial kitchen required, no health inspections, and you can earn up to $250,000/year under Florida's cottage food law.