Registration
- Required
- No
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StatePermissive
Florida cottage food rules
Review sales limits, online sales, registration, labeling, venues, shipping, foods, and source notes for this jurisdiction.
Sales limit
None
Online sales
Yes
Registration
Not required
Training
Not required
Current law details
Start with the summary, then verify locally.
One of the most permissive cottage food laws nationally. $250,000 annual sales cap (one of highest in nation). No license, training, or inspections required. Allows online sales and interstate shipping. State preemption prevents local restrictions. Direct-to-consumer sales only (no wholesale). Residential kitchen only with one stove/oven limit.
Setup requirements
Registration, training, and labeling details.
These are the common operating requirements sellers check before launching or changing sales channels.
Training
- Required
- No
Labeling
"Made in a cottage food operation that is not subject to Florida's food safety regulations."
- Name and physical address of cottage food operation
- Product name
- Ingredients list (descending order by weight)
- Net weight or net volume
- Allergen information (per federal labeling requirements)
Sales channels
Allowed venues and fulfillment methods.
Confirm how customers are allowed to buy, receive, or pick up products before opening a sales channel.
Sales venues
Home sales
Allowed
Farmers markets
Allowed
Roadside stands
Allowed
Events
Allowed
Retail stores
Not allowed
Restaurants
Not allowed
Online
Allowed
Direct-to-consumer sales only. Allowed: residence, farmers markets, flea markets, roadside stands (only if no other permitted food items present), special events/venues, direct delivery, online sales/mail order. Prohibited: wholesale to retailers, grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, any third-party reseller, consignment sales, commercial food establishments. Cannot mix cottage foods with non-cottage food items requiring permits.
Shipping and delivery
- In-state
- Allowed
- Out-of-state
- Allowed
- Commercial carriers
- Allowed
- Third-party delivery
- Allowed
Interstate shipping allowed via USPS, UPS, FedEx, and other commercial carriers. Can ship across state lines. Can deliver to specific event venues. Exceptionally permissive - most states restrict or prohibit interstate shipping.
Product categories
Allowed food categories.
Allowed and limited categories are only a planning aid. Check official guidance before selling a specific recipe.
Baked goods
Allowed
Candy and confections
Allowed
Jams and jellies
Allowed
Acidified foods
Not allowed
Canned goods
Not allowed
Dried goods
Allowed
Perishables
Not allowed
Meat products
Not allowed
Dairy products
Not allowed
Low-risk, non-potentially hazardous foods only. Allowed: breads, rolls, biscuits, cakes, pastries, cookies (no refrigeration), fruit pies, candies/confections, popcorn, jams/jellies/preserves (acid fruits only), honey, nut butters, dried fruits, dry herbs/seasonings, homemade pasta, cereals, trail mixes, granola, nuts, vinegar. Prohibited: buttercream frosting, cream cheese frostings, dairy products, cheese, salsas, barbecue sauces, hot sauces, chutneys, high-moisture condiments, products requiring refrigeration, cream fillings, meat/seafood, fresh produce.
Updates and cautions
Check these notes before making changes.
Recent updates and warnings are included to help you spot issues that may need extra verification.
Recent legislative updates
CS/HB 663 - Home Sweet Home Act
Effective: July 1, 2021
Increased sales cap from $50,000 to $250,000, legalized mail delivery and interstate shipping, allowed business partners/multiple persons in operation, established state preemption over local regulations
Important warnings
- Must verify compliance with $250,000 annual gross sales cap - FDACS can request written documentation at any time
- Exceeding $250,000 cap voids cottage food exemption and requires commercial permitting
- One stove/oven limitation strictly enforced - may only have ONE stove OR one oven (exception: one double oven for residential use)
- No commercial-grade equipment allowed - must use standard residential appliances
- Production must occur in primary residence only - not secondary homes or commercial kitchens
- Cannot sell wholesale - no sales to retailers, grocery stores, restaurants, or any third-party resellers
- Cannot mix cottage food sales with other food items requiring permits at same venue
- Products must be prepackaged - cannot sell loose/unpackaged items
- Products must be stored on cottage food operation premises only
- Acid fruits limitation for jams/jellies - only high-acid fruits allowed
- FDACS may inspect upon receipt of complaint - refusal to permit inspection is grounds for disciplinary action
- Not exempt from state/federal taxes - must comply with sales tax, income tax, and business registration requirements
- Local governments may still regulate traffic, parking, noise, signage, and hours (general home business concerns)
- Individual venues (farmers markets, festivals) may impose additional requirements beyond state law
- Boiled peanuts and sorghum syrup operate under separate exemption outside cottage food law
Research sources
Sources used for this summary.
Last updated: 2026-05-07. Use these sources as a starting point for current verification.
- Florida Statute 500.80 - Cottage Food Operations
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS)
- University of Florida IFAS Extension Publication FS425
- Institute for Justice - Selling Homemade Food in Florida
- Forrager.com - Florida Cottage Food Law
Important legal disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Cottage food rules change frequently and vary by local jurisdiction. Always verify current regulations with your state and local health departments before starting your business.
Next step
Turn Florida rules into a clear ordering experience.
Use Cottage CMS to publish products, pickup windows, forms, disclosures, and order workflows after you verify the current local requirements.