Florida Cottage Food Law 2026
Last reviewed:
No License Needed
Limit: $250,000 / Year
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
CottageFoodLicense.com is an informational platform, not a law firm. The information provided by our AI Checker, templates, and guides does not constitute legal advice. Cottage food laws change frequently. You must verify all information with your local health department before selling products.
Allowed
- ✓Loaf breads, rolls, biscuits
- ✓Cakes, pastries, cookies (no cream/custard/meat fillings)
- ✓Candies and confections (fudge, brittle, hard candy, toffee, chocolate-covered nuts)
- ✓Honey
- ✓Jams, jellies, fruit preserves, fruit butters (high-sugar/high-acid)
- ✓Dried/dehydrated fruits, vegetables, herbs, seasonings
- ✓Dry baking, cake, cookie, soup, and drink mixes
- ✓Granola, cereals, trail mixes
- ✓Dried (not fresh) pasta
- ✓Popcorn, popcorn balls, cotton candy
- ✓Nut mixes and nut butters
- ✓Vinegars and flavored vinegars
- ✓Home-ground flour
Prohibited
- ✕Meat, poultry, seafood, jerky
- ✕Fresh dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt, butter)
- ✕Cheesecakes, cream-cheese frostings, custards, flan
- ✕Pumpkin and sweet potato pies
- ✕Low-acid canned goods (canned vegetables, soups)
- ✕Acidified canned goods (salsa, hot sauce, BBQ sauce, ketchup, mustard, pickles)
- ✕Fermented foods (kombucha, sauerkraut, kimchi)
- ✕Focaccia or breads filled/topped with cheese, meat, or fresh vegetables
- ✕Baked goods garnished with fresh fruit/vegetables
- ✕Garlic-in-oil mixtures
- ✕Fresh eggs
- ✕Any TCS (time/temperature-controlled-for-safety) food
- ✕Cannabis-infused products
Labeling Protocols
01Cottage food operation name and address
02Product name
03Ingredients listed in descending order of predominance by weight
04Net weight or net volume
05Allergen disclosure per federal labeling requirements
06Verbatim statement (≥10-point type, contrasting color): 'Made in a cottage food operation that is not subject to Florida's food safety regulations.' (Fla. Stat. § 500.80(4)(a))
FAQs
Do I need a permit or license?
No. Under Fla. Stat. § 500.80, cottage food operations are exempt from FDACS permitting and inspection. No fee, no registration, no home kitchen inspection.
What is the annual sales cap?
$250,000 in gross annual sales of cottage food products (raised from $50,000 by HB 663, the 2021 Home Sweet Home Act). FDACS may request written documentation to verify sales.
Can I sell wholesale to stores or restaurants?
No. Fla. Stat. § 500.80(5)(d) prohibits cottage food operations from selling, offering for sale, or delivering products at wholesale or for resale. Sales must be direct to the end consumer.
Can I ship or sell online?
Yes — within Florida. The 2021 amendments allow internet sales, mail order, and delivery by USPS or commercial carrier, but only for in-state delivery. Out-of-state shipping triggers federal FDA jurisdiction and is not authorized.
What must my label say?
Business name and address; product name; ingredients in descending weight order; net weight/volume; allergens; and this verbatim disclaimer in at least 10-point type with clear contrast: 'Made in a cottage food operation that is not subject to Florida's food safety regulations.'
What Comes Next
After You Verify Compliance: Your Next 4 Steps
Some links below are affiliate links — we earn a small commission at no cost to you. We only recommend services we'd suggest to a friend. Full disclosure.
- 01
Liability Shield
Form an LLC
Separating your personal finances from your cottage food business protects your home and savings if a customer ever brings a claim. Both providers below file in all 50 states and handle registered agent service for Florida.
- 02
Protect Your Kitchen
Get Product Liability Insurance
A single allergy incident or contamination claim can erase years of profit. FLIP (Food Liability Insurance Program) is built specifically for cottage food operators — flat-rate annual policies with farmers market and online sales coverage included.
- 03
Recommended in Florida
Complete Food Safety Training
Florida does not mandate food safety training, but completing one builds buyer trust and protects you if a labeling or handling question ever arises. Learn2Serve's online course takes a few hours.
- 04
Production Ready
Set Up Your Kitchen and Labels
The right thermometers, storage containers, scale, and label printer turn a home kitchen into a compliant production space. Our Week 11 equipment guide walks through what we use and the Florida-specific labeling fields you'll need.
Official Sources
Verify current requirements directly with the state: