Cottage Food Laws in Florida (2026)

Complete guide to Florida's cottage food laws: $250,000 per year annual limit, no registration required, and online sales allowed.

Florida has one of the highest cottage food sales limits in the country at $250,000/year. Very permissive — no permit, no inspection, no food handler cert.

Quick Facts for Florida

Annual Sales Limit

$250,000 per year

Registration/Permit

No license or permit required for cottage food in Florida.

Kitchen Inspection

No inspection required

Food Handler Certification

Not required

Online Sales

Yes — online ordering allowed

Legislation: Florida Statute 500.80

What You Can Sell in Florida

Allowed Products

  • Baked goods
  • Candy and confections
  • Fruit pies
  • Cakes and cupcakes
  • Breads and rolls
  • Cookies and brownies
  • Jams, jellies, and preserves
  • Dried fruits and nuts
  • Honey
  • Popcorn
  • Granola and trail mixes

Not Allowed

  • Anything requiring time/temperature control
  • Cream cheese or custard fillings
  • Meat and dairy products
  • Canned goods
  • Foods with cannabis/CBD

Where You Can Sell in Florida

Direct to consumer
Farmers markets
Flea markets
Roadside stands
Online (with delivery within Florida)

Labeling Requirements in Florida

Every product you sell must include these on the label:

1Producer name and address
2"Made in a Cottage Food Operation That Has Not Been Inspected by the Department of Agriculture"
3Common allergen warnings
4Ingredient list
5Net weight

How to Start a Cottage Food Business in Florida

1

Verify your products are allowed

Florida allows specific non-potentially-hazardous foods. See the allowed products list above. If your product isn't listed, check with Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).

2

Consider food safety training (optional)

Florida does not require food handler certification, but taking one builds customer trust and helps you follow best practices.

3

No registration needed — just start

Florida does not require registration, permits, or licenses for cottage food operations. You can start selling immediately.

4

Set up proper labeling

Florida requires specific label elements on every product. See the labeling requirements section above for the exact list.

5

Start selling

Begin selling at approved venues in Florida. Track your sales to stay within the $250,000 per year annual limit.

Need more help?

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Cottage food laws change frequently. This guide is for informational purposes only. Always verify current requirements with Florida's department of agriculture or health department before starting a cottage food business.