Florida Cottage Food Law: Labeling and Sales Guide
Cottage food regulations for Florida — sales limits, allowed and prohibited products, labeling requirements, and where you can sell direct-to-consumer.
Quick Answer
Florida has the highest cottage food sales limit in the United States: $250,000 annually, raised from $50,000 in 2021. Florida Statute 500.80 permits direct-to-consumer sales of certain shelf-stable foods from a private home without inspection or permit. Sales can occur at farmers markets, roadside stands, online for in-state delivery, in-person, and at fairs/festivals. No FDACS permit is required. Producers must complete food safety training (~$7-15) and include specific labeling: producer name, address, product name, ingredients, allergens, net weight, and a specific Florida disclaimer.
Florida Cottage Food Law: At a Glance
| Law / Program | Florida Cottage Food Operations |
| Enacted / Last Amended | 2011 (original); 2021 amendment raised limit from $50K to $250K |
| Annual Sales Limit | $250,000 annually (highest in the U.S.) |
| Statute Citation | Florida Statute 500.80 |
| Enforcing Agency | Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) |
Allowed Cottage Food Products
- ✓Loaves of bread, rolls, biscuits
- ✓Cakes (without cream or custard fillings)
- ✓Pastries, cookies, brownies, doughnuts
- ✓Candies and confections
- ✓Honey and pure maple syrup
- ✓Jams, jellies, preserves, and fruit butters
- ✓Dried fruit, herbs, vegetables
- ✓Dry baking mixes
- ✓Granola, cereals, trail mixes
- ✓Pasta (dry)
- ✓Roasted coffee, dried tea
- ✓Popcorn (plain, kettle, caramel — no cream-based coatings)
- ✓Vinegars and flavored vinegars
Products NOT Permitted Under Cottage Food
- ✗Meat, poultry, fish, or seafood products
- ✗Dairy products requiring refrigeration
- ✗Cream-filled or custard-filled baked goods
- ✗Low-acid canned vegetables (pickles must use proper acidification)
- ✗Cooked vegetable products
- ✗Pet food and pet treats (separately regulated)
- ✗Alcoholic beverages
Where You Can Sell
- •Direct sales at the producer's home or business address
- •Florida farmers markets and roadside stands
- •Florida fairs, festivals, and special events
- •Online sales for delivery within Florida
- •Mail-order delivery within Florida
- •NOT permitted: wholesale to retailers, restaurants, or institutions
- •NOT permitted: interstate shipping or out-of-state delivery
Florida Cottage Food Labeling Requirements
- 1Product name in plain English
- 2Producer's name and home address
- 3Ingredient list in descending order by weight
- 4Allergen disclosure per FALCPA + FASTER Act (9 major allergens)
- 5Net weight or volume
- 6Disclaimer: "Made in a cottage food operation that is not subject to Florida's food safety regulations."
- 7No "made in a home kitchen" wording is required (Florida's specific language differs from California and Texas)
Florida Cottage Food FAQs
Why did Florida raise the cottage food limit to $250,000?
Florida raised the limit in 2021 (Senate Bill 1042) in response to advocacy from cottage food entrepreneurs and farmers market communities, particularly during pandemic-related growth in home-based food businesses. The $250,000 limit is now the highest in the U.S. and gives Florida cottage food businesses significant growth runway before needing a commercial food permit.
Do I need a permit or inspection in Florida?
No FDACS permit or inspection is required for cottage food operations. You must complete a food safety training course (FDACS-approved, ~$7-15) and maintain records of sales and customer addresses for audit purposes. The state may inspect upon complaint but does not conduct routine inspections.
Can I sell my Florida cottage food at Publix or Whole Foods?
No. Florida cottage food law only permits direct-to-consumer sales. Selling to retail stores, restaurants, schools, or other institutions for resale is not permitted — that requires a commercial food manufacturer permit from FDACS plus full FDA-compliant labels.
Are there any local ordinances I need to worry about?
Yes — some Florida counties and cities have zoning ordinances that restrict commercial activity in residential neighborhoods. Before launching, check with your county and city government for home-business zoning rules. Some HOAs also prohibit commercial activity even if state and county laws permit it.
Can I sell my Florida cottage food online?
Yes — Florida permits online sales of cottage food for delivery within Florida. You can use Shopify, Square, Stripe, or your own website to take orders. Shipping must remain within Florida; interstate shipping requires full FDA compliance.
What happens if I exceed the $250,000 limit?
Exceeding the limit voids your cottage food status. You'll need to obtain a commercial food manufacturer permit from FDACS, operate from a commercial kitchen (or have FDACS-approved facility inspection), and switch to full FDA-compliant labels. Most growing cottage food businesses plan the commercial transition 6-12 months before approaching the limit.
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