Florida cottage food law
Florida Cottage Food Law — 199 pages and 67 counties
Full Florida PDF (199 pages). This page stays free.
Last updated: · Research verified · Full guide in Cottage Pro ($15 one time) (199 pages)
Full Florida PDF (199 pages). This page stays free.
Print Florida labels for your first market
Print Florida labels for your first market
After the law page, this is the next thing most bakers need: a print-ready mockup with the Florida home-kitchen disclaimer, allergen line, and net-weight fields.
Made in a cottage food operation that is not subject to Florida's food safety regulations
The Crosodo 50-State Cottage Food Label Packet (287 pages) is included in Cottage Pro — 287 pages of per-state rules, official examples, and county extras. Open the combined packet. The Florida mockup above stays free.
- Product name, producer, and address (or allowed alternative)
- Ingredients by weight and major allergens
- Net weight / quantity
- Florida home-kitchen / “not inspected” disclaimer
Not legal advice. Verify wording with the state agency before a production print run.
What does the official Florida state handout say?
Florida Cottage Food Law — Official Guidance Summary
Official agency guidance changes without notice. The text below is reproduced for reference only — always confirm current rules on the agency website before relying on it.
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Serviceshttps://www.fdacs.gov/Business-Services/Food/Cottage-Foods
Florida's cottage food rules are set by Fla. Stat. §500.80. The summary below is drawn from Crosodo's verified statute research and official agency guidance. Always confirm current requirements on the state agency website before you sell.
Program basics
- Florida Statutes §500.80 (Cottage food operations), Title XXXIII, Chapter 500 (Food Products)
- 250000
- No
- No
- Upon-complaint
Allowed products and sales channels
- Florida uses a broad non-TCS standard — any food that does not require time/temperature control for safety is allowed. Common examples include baked goods, candies, jams, jellies, dried goods, roasted nuts, and similar shelf-stable items.
- Foods that require temperature control for safety (TCS foods) are prohibited, including items with meat, dairy requiring refrigeration, custard-filled pastries, raw sprouts, and similar potentially hazardous items. Cottage food products may not be sold at wholesale.
- Florida prohibits wholesale sales but allows online, mail-order, and in-person sales including delivery to consumers; state law preempts local restrictions on cottage food operations.
Labeling
- Labels must include the name and address of the cottage food operation, product name, ingredients in descending order by weight, net weight or volume, allergen information per federal requirements, and the statement 'Made in a cottage food operation that is not subject to Florida's food safety regulations' in at least 10-point contrasting type.
Statute excerpt
- 500.80 Cottage food operations.— (1)(a) A cottage food operation must comply with the applicable requirements of this chapter but is exempt from the permitting requirements of s. 500.12 if the cottage food operation complies with this section and has annual gross sales of cottage food products that do not exceed $250,000.
- (b) For purposes of this subsection, a cottage food operation's annual gross sales include all sales of cottage food products at any location, regardless of the types of products sold or the number of persons involved in the operation. A cottage food operation must provide the department, upon request, with written documentation to verify the operation's annual gross sales.
- (2) A cottage food operation may sell, offer for sale, and accept payment for cottage food products over the Internet or by mail order. Such products may be delivered in person directly to the consumer, to a specific event venue, or by United States Postal Service or commercial mail delivery service. A cottage food operation may not sell, offer for sale, or deliver cottage food products at wholesale. (6) The regulation of cottage food operations is preempted to the state.
- A local law, ordinance, or regulation may not prohibit a cottage food operation or regulate the preparation, processing, storage, or sale of cottage food products by a cottage food operation; however, a cottage food operation must comply with the conditions for the operation of a home-based business under s. 559.955.
Official sources
- State agency cottage food page: https://www.fdacs.gov/Business-Services/Food/Cottage-Foods
- Statute: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0500-0599/0500/Sections/0500.80.html
Summarized from official Florida cottage food statute research and agency guidance. Agency rules change — verify on the official site before relying on this information.
Cottage Pro — $15 one time
This page is the free Florida statute. Cottage Pro is the apply checklist and workspace.
Pick your Florida county
The Cottage Baker's Field Guide (PDF)
A 6-page reference covering all 51 jurisdictions with methodology and tier explainers — same data as this directory, ready to print and tape to your wall.
Download the PDFFree email alerts
Florida Cottage Food Updates
New bills, rule changes and local news for home bakers in Florida. Every story links to its source.
What does the Great tier mean for Florida?
Tier: Great. No or very high sales cap, broad product list, multiple sales channels including retail and online. Most home bakers can run a meaningful operation here.
Florida cottage food law — quick summary
Florida cottage food law in 2026: summary
Last verified against the official sources linked on each line.
- Florida cottage food operations don't need a license or permit from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and aren't inspected by any state government entity.(source: FDACS, Cottage Food Operations (PDF))
- Annual gross sales of cottage food products can't exceed $250,000, counting all sales at any location.(source: Fla. Stat. 500.80, Cottage food operations)
- You can sell online or by mail order and deliver in person, to an event venue, or by USPS or a commercial mail carrier. Wholesale is not allowed.(source: Fla. Stat. 500.80, Cottage food operations)
- Local governments can't prohibit or regulate cottage food operations, but you still must meet Florida's home-based business conditions in s. 559.955.(source: Fla. Stat. 500.80, Cottage food operations)
What changed in the 2026 Florida cottage food law?
Florida cottage food rules, topic by topic
What you can sell in Florida
- Cottage food products may not be time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods, meaning the finished product can't need time or temperature control to limit pathogen growth or toxin formation.(source: FDACS, Cottage Food Operations (PDF))
- Products must be prepackaged with the required label, and you can only sell products you store on the premises of the cottage food operation.(source: Fla. Stat. 500.80, Cottage food operations)
Florida sales limit
- $250,000 in annual gross sales of cottage food products. Sales at every location count, regardless of product type or how many people are involved.(source: Fla. Stat. 500.80, Cottage food operations)
- FDACS can ask for written documentation to verify your annual gross sales.(source: Fla. Stat. 500.80, Cottage food operations)
Florida cottage food labeling
- Label elements: name and address of the operation; product name; ingredients in descending order by weight; net weight or volume; allergen information per federal rules; nutrition information if you make a nutrition claim.(source: Fla. Stat. 500.80, Cottage food operations)
- Required statement, at least 10-point type in a contrasting color: "Made in a cottage food operation that is not subject to Florida's food safety regulations."(source: Fla. Stat. 500.80, Cottage food operations)
- FDACS says labels must also follow 21 CFR Part 101 and be printed in English.(source: FDACS, Cottage Food Operations (PDF))
Permit or registration in Florida
- No FDACS license or permit is required for a cottage food operation that stays within s. 500.80 and the $250,000 limit.(source: FDACS, Cottage Food Operations (PDF))
- The cottage food exemption doesn't excuse you from state or federal tax laws or certificates.(source: Fla. Stat. 500.80, Cottage food operations)
County and city differences in Florida
- Cottage food regulation is preempted to the state: a local law may not prohibit a cottage food operation or regulate how cottage food is prepared, processed, stored, or sold.(source: Fla. Stat. 500.80, Cottage food operations)
- Local home-based business conditions still apply through s. 559.955, so check your city or county's home-business rules.(source: Fla. Stat. 500.80, Cottage food operations)
Last verified .
How do I start a cottage food business in Florida?
How to start in Florida
A practical path from “am I allowed?” to first sale. Not legal advice — confirm every step with Florida agencies and your local offices.
Confirm your products are allowed
Florida allows Florida uses a broad non-TCS standard — any food that does not require time/temperature control for safety is allowed. Common examples include baked goods, candies, jams, jellies, dried goods, roasted nuts, and similar shelf-stable items.. High-risk or refrigerated foods usually need a commercial kitchen — not a cottage exemption.
Choose sales channels you can actually use
Sales cap: $250,000. Indirect / wholesale-style sales: Limited (see notes). Farmers markets and direct-to-consumer pickup are the usual start. Check county and city rules before advertising porch pickup.
Clear local zoning, licenses, and tax IDs
State cottage food rules are the floor. Your city or county may still require a business license, home occupation approval, HOA permission, or sales tax registration. Do this before you print an address on Instagram.
Registration, training, and kitchen rules
State registration: No. Food handler / training: No. Kitchen inspection: Upon-complaint. Complete certificates the market or agency will ask for.
Build compliant labels
Use the Florida label requirements on this site (and the free template). Match disclaimer language to the statute or agency guide before you print a batch.
Soft-launch, then first paid sales
Keep a simple sales log from day one so you stay under any annual cap. Soft-launch with pre-orders before a full market day.
Verify with official sources
Re-check the state cottage food page and your local health / planning office before you invest in equipment or marketing. Rules change.
What usually goes on the package
- Product name (common or usual name of the food)
- Business or producer name
- Producer address (or address alternative your state allows)
- Ingredients in descending order by weight
- Major allergen disclosures (e.g. wheat, milk, eggs, soy, tree nuts, peanuts, fish, shellfish, sesame)
- Net weight or quantity
- Home-kitchen disclaimer: “Made in a cottage food operation that is not subject to Florida's food safety regulations”
This is a planning checklist compiled for home bakers. It is not legal, tax, or zoning advice.
What are the Florida sales cap, allowed products and registration rules?
250000
Florida uses a broad non-TCS standard — any food that does not require time/temperature control for safety is allowed. Common examples include baked goods, candies, jams, jellies, dried goods, roasted nuts, and similar shelf-stable items.
Registration: No. Food handler cert: No.
What does the Florida cottage food statute say?
Florida Statutes §500.80 (Cottage food operations), Title XXXIII, Chapter 500 (Food Products)
Verbatim excerpt500.80 Cottage food operations.— (1)(a) A cottage food operation must comply with the applicable requirements of this chapter but is exempt from the permitting requirements of s. 500.12 if the cottage food operation complies with this section and has annual gross sales of cottage food products that do not exceed $250,000. (b) For purposes of this subsection, a cottage food operation's annual gross sales include all sales of cottage food products at any location, regardless of the types of products sold or the number of persons involved in the operation. A cottage food operation must provide the department, upon request, with written documentation to verify the operation's annual gross sales. (2) A cottage food operation may sell, offer for sale, and accept payment for cottage food products over the Internet or by mail order. Such products may be delivered in person directly to the consumer, to a specific event venue, or by United States Postal Service or commercial mail delivery service. A cottage food operation may not sell, offer for sale, or deliver cottage food products at wholesale. (6) The regulation of cottage food operations is preempted to the state. A local law, ordinance, or regulation may not prohibit a cottage food operation or regulate the preparation, processing, storage, or sale of cottage food products by a cottage food operation; however, a cottage food operation must comply with the conditions for the operation of a home-based business under s. 559.955.
Source: leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0500-0599/0500/Sections/0500.80.html →
How does Florida compare with neighboring states?
Florida vs neighboring cottage food laws
Tier and sales-cap snapshot for Florida and nearby states. Click through for full rules, labeling, and county pages.
| State | Tier | Sales cap | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| FloridaYou are here | Great | 250000 | This page |
| Alabama | Good | None | Alabama law → |
| Georgia | Okay | None | Georgia law → |
Need a compliant product label for Florida? Open the Florida label mockup (free), or the Cottage Pro — 287-page label packet included.
Notes on Florida cottage food rules
Where can I verify Florida's rules?
Where to verify Florida's rules
Florida special guides
Which Florida counties are covered?
Florida Counties
67 counties tracked. Pick yours for the local zoning + health department links.
View all 67 counties →What are the city zoning rules in Florida?
City zoning rules in Florida
City zoning rules apply on top of the state cottage food law — home occupation, customer pickup, signage, and employees.
Was this page helpful?
Florida cottage food law — FAQ
Do I need a license or permit to sell homemade food in Florida?
No registration required
What foods can I sell under the Florida cottage food law?
Florida uses a broad non-TCS standard — any food that does not require time/temperature control for safety is allowed. Common examples include baked goods, candies, jams, jellies, dried goods, roasted nuts, and similar shelf-stable items.
Is there a sales cap for cottage food in Florida?
250000
How good is Florida's cottage food law?
Florida is a Great-tier cottage food state by Crosodo's rating criteria. No or very high sales cap, broad product list, multiple sales channels including retail and online. Most home bakers can run a meaningful operation here.
What must a Florida cottage food label say?
The name and address of the operation, the product name, ingredients in descending order by weight, net weight or volume, allergen information per federal rules, nutrition information if you make a nutrition claim, and, in at least 10-point type in a contrasting color: "Made in a cottage food operation that is not subject to Florida's food safety regulations."(source: Fla. Stat. 500.80, Cottage food operations)
Can I ship cottage food in Florida?
Yes. Florida law lets cottage food operations sell over the internet or by mail order and deliver by the U.S. Postal Service or a commercial mail delivery service. Wholesale sales are not allowed.(source: Fla. Stat. 500.80, Cottage food operations)
Can FDACS inspect my Florida home kitchen?
Only after a complaint. FDACS may investigate complaints and, only upon receipt of a complaint, enter and inspect the premises. Refusing entry is grounds for disciplinary action.(source: Fla. Stat. 500.80, Cottage food operations)
Keep exploring Florida
Keep exploring Florida
Labels, product checks, county zoning, and local discuss — so one state page becomes a full readiness plan.
Market-day tees from the Crosodo collection — for the craft, not the algorithm.
What do bakers ask about Florida?
What bakers ask about Florida
Seed threads for markets, zoning, and labels — join the channel or ask the directory.
Farmers market process in Florida?
Which markets welcome cottage bakers, what they charge, and label checks on day one.
Good label printers in Florida?
Local print shops or home setups that handle home-kitchen disclaimers cleanly.
Zoning experience in Florida counties?
Home occupation, pickup traffic, signage — what did your planning office actually require?
How I got legal in Florida
Registration portal tips, food handler cert, and the county step nobody publishes.
Florida label wording that passed review
Share real labels (blur personal info) and any county extras beyond the state minimum.
Crosodo tees for Florida bakers
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While you're deep in Florida rules — vintage-varsity tees for booth days and bake nights.
Can I list my bakes in the Crosodo classifieds?
Resources for cottage food and home bakers
Supplies, courses, insurance, farmers markets, kitchen rentals, and local services. To advertise here, visit crosodo.com/advertise. Browse all classifieds.
Ads are paid placements. Crosodo does not endorse listed vendors. Verify all product, service, course, insurance, and legal information independently.
Is this Florida page legal advice?
Cottage food laws are amended every year. This is a starting reference, not legal advice. Verify with Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and your local health department before relying on this data.
Official filing: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services →
How does the Crosodo ladder work here? State vs county rules and pets
Crosodo ladder · not a license · How the ladder works
- 0Bake for friends
Give it away: gifts, potlucks, the office tray.
$0
Taking money? → Step 1
- 1Sell from home
Sell shelf-stable bakes straight to the person who eats them.
Want store shelves? → Step 2
- 2Sell to stores
Sell to shops, cafés and resellers from an inspected kitchen.
Florida
- Selling to stores: check with Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Want a storefront? → Step 3
- 3Commercial bakery
Bake in a commercial kitchen. Sell from your own shop.
Florida
- Commercial kitchen permit: check with Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Renew permits every year
- Pets: do I need a door?
Florida · Step 1
Not verified yet
Check with Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Florida · Step 2 (home)
Not verified yet
Check with Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Pick your county for local rules → Crosodo is a research guide, not a government agency. Not legal advice.