Florida Cottage Food Compliance Checker
Instantly check if your homemade food is legal to sell in Florida. Free analysis based on 2025 Regulations.
In This Guide:
- • Compliance Checker – Is my recipe legal?
- • Approved Foods – What you can sell.
- • Prohibited Foods – What you cannot sell.
- • The Laws – $250k limit, where to sell, and labels.
- • Startup Checklist – 10 steps to launch in Florida.
- • FAQ – Common questions answered.
Florida Cottage Food Compliance Checker
Updated for 2025 Rules • Florida Statute 500.80
How It Works
Describe Your Product
Tell us what you want to make and the ingredients you'll use
Analysis
Our AI reviews Florida Statute 500.80 and FDACS guidelines to check compliance.
Get Your Report
Receive an instant Approved/Rejected verdict, legal reasoning, and ingredient safety audit.
Approved Cottage Foods in Florida
These products are permitted under Florida Statute 500.80 and can be sold without a food establishment license:
🍞 Baked Goods (Non-Refrigerated)
- • Loaf breads, rolls, and biscuits
- • Fruit pies, pastries, and cookies
- • Cakes without cream cheese frosting
- • Brownies and bars
- • Muffins and scones
🍯 Preserves & Sweets
- • Jams and jellies (high-acid fruits only)
- • Honey (raw or processed)
- • Candies and confections
- • Chocolate-covered items
- • Caramel corn and popcorn
🍝 Dry Goods
- • Homemade pasta (dried)
- • Granola and trail mix
- • Popcorn (plain or flavored)
- • Roasted coffee beans
- • Dry herbs and spice blends
🥜 Nuts & Snacks
- • Roasted nuts (seasoned or candied)
- • Nut brittles and pralines
- • Rice cereal treats
- • Energy balls (no refrigeration)
- • Biscotti and crackers
Note: All approved products must not require refrigeration for safety and must be properly labeled.
Prohibited Foods Under Florida Cottage Food Law
These items are NOT permitted for sale as cottage foods and require a commercial food license:
🥫 "Wet" Foods & Condiments
- • Salsa and pico de gallo
- • Barbecue sauce and hot sauce
- • Ketchup and mustard
- • Pickles and pickled vegetables
- • Garlic in oil or herb-infused oils
- • Fresh or dried tomato sauces
🧊 Refrigerated Bakery & Dairy Items
- • Cream cheese frosting or icings
- • Cheesecakes and tiramisu
- • Custard pies and flan
- • Pumpkin pie and sweet potato pie
- • Buttercream with dairy
- • Meringue pies requiring refrigeration
🥩 Meat, Dairy & Animal Products
- • Beef jerky and dried meats
- • Pet treats (including dog biscuits)
- • Cheese and butter
- • Ice cream and frozen desserts
- • Fresh pasta (must be dried)
- • Egg-based items requiring refrigeration
🌿 Specialty & Regulated Items
- • Hemp or CBD-infused products
- • Kombucha and fermented beverages
- • Fresh juices and smoothies
- • Canned goods (home-canned items)
- • Alcohol-infused products
- • Wild-harvested mushrooms
⚠️ Why These Are Prohibited: Items requiring refrigeration, acidification, or pressure canning pose food safety risks and require commercial kitchen facilities, inspections, and specialized licenses.
Florida Cottage Food Labeling Requirements
Every cottage food product sold in Florida must include a label with the following information:
Name and Address of the Cottage Food Operation
Your full business name and physical address where the food was prepared (no P.O. boxes).
Common or Usual Name of the Product
Clearly identify what the food is (e.g., "Chocolate Chip Cookies," "Strawberry Jam").
Ingredients List (Descending Order by Weight)
List all ingredients from most to least. Include sub-ingredients for compound items (e.g., "butter [cream, salt]").
Allergen Information
Declare if your product contains any of the major allergens:
Mandatory Disclaimer Statement
"Made in a cottage food operation that is not subject to Florida's food safety regulations."
⚠️ This exact statement must appear on every label.
💡 Pro Tip: Use printed labels, stickers, or stamp directly on packaging. Handwritten labels are acceptable if legible.
The 10-Step Florida Cottage Food Startup Checklist
You can confidently start selling homemade food in Florida by following these steps:
Confirm Product Eligibility
Use our Compliance Checker to confirm your recipe is non-TCS (shelf-stable) and allowed under Florida Statute 500.80.
Choose a Business Name
Search the Florida Sunbiz database to make sure your business name isn't already in use.
Register a Fictitious Name (DBA)
If you're not operating under your personal legal name, file a "Doing Business As" name with the Florida Department of State.
Obtain an EIN (If Needed)
An EIN from the IRS is free and optional for sole proprietors, but required if you hire employees, form an LLC/corporation, or your bank requests one.
Check Local Zoning Rules
Some cities or counties require a Home Occupation Permit or Business Tax Receipt. A quick call to your local office can confirm.
Secure Liability Insurance (Recommended)
Florida doesn't require insurance, but cottage food or home-based business liability coverage is strongly recommended to protect personal assets.
Set Up Your Home Kitchen
Organize your kitchen for safe, efficient production. No state inspection or commercial kitchen is required for cottage food operations.
Design Compliant Food Labels
Every package must include:
- • Product name
- • Full ingredient list (by weight)
- • Major food allergens (Top 9)
- • Net weight or volume
- • Your name and city/state
"Made in a cottage food operation that is not subject to Florida's food safety regulations."
Track Your Sales
Keep records of gross annual sales to ensure you stay under Florida's $250,000 cottage food limit.
Start Selling Directly to Consumers
Sell at farmers' markets, roadside stands, pop-ups, or online with direct local delivery or pickup.
🚀 Ready to Launch? This checklist covers the essentials. Always verify with local authorities for any additional requirements specific to your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a permit or license to sell cottage food in Florida?
A: No. Florida cottage food operations are license-exempt and not inspected by the FDACS. You do not need a food establishment license, health permit, or kitchen inspection to operate.
Q: Can I sell cottage food online in Florida?
A: Yes, you can sell via website, social media, and mail-order. However, products must be delivered directly to the consumer (no wholesale to stores or restaurants).
Q: Can I sell at farmers markets in Florida?
A: Yes, farmers markets and roadside stands are permitted sales venues for cottage food. You can also sell at community events, fairs, and from your home.
Q: What is the sales limit for cottage food operations in Florida?
A: You can earn up to $250,000 in gross annual sales under Florida's cottage food law. Once you exceed this amount, you must transition to a licensed commercial food establishment.
Q: Do I need to collect sales tax on cottage food sales?
A: Yes, most cottage food sales are subject to Florida sales tax. You must register with the Florida Department of Revenue and remit sales tax. Consult a tax professional for guidance.
Q: Can I sell cottage food products wholesale?
A: No. Florida cottage food law only permits direct sales to consumers. You cannot sell to grocery stores, restaurants, or other retail establishments.
Q: Can I make cottage food in my home kitchen?
A: Yes, cottage food operations are specifically designed for home-based production. You do not need a separate commercial kitchen or facility.
Q: Are there zoning restrictions for cottage food businesses?
A: Potentially. While the state allows cottage food operations, local municipalities may have zoning laws that restrict home-based businesses. Check with your county or city government.
📚 Official Resources
Always verify compliance with these authoritative sources before selling your products:
Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
Official cottage food guidance and regulations from the FDACS
Florida Statute 500.80 (Full Text)
The actual law governing cottage food operations in Florida
University of Florida IFAS Extension Guide
Comprehensive guide to cottage food operations (PDF)
Source: Information compiled from Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (2021/2025 Edition)