Florida cottage food law

The rules at a glance

Cottage food operation

• Unattended honesty stand?

  Not addressed

  The law doesn't address unattended, self-serve or honor-system stands.

• Sign up with the state?

  No

  No food permit. The exemption covers sales within the limit.

  Source

  • Cottage food operators can produce and sell these products directly to consumers without obtaining a food permit from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer ServicesFlorida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Cottage Foods
  • A cottage food operation must comply with the applicable requirements of this chapter but is exempt from the permitting requirements of s. 500.12Florida Statutes s. 500.80, Cottage food operations

• Food safety class?

  Not addressed

  The cottage food law doesn't mention a food safety class.

• Kitchen inspection?

  Sometimes

  No routine checks. FDACS can inspect after a complaint.

  Source

  • Only upon receipt of a complaint, the department's authorized officer or employee may enter and inspect the premises of a cottage food operationFlorida Statutes s. 500.80, Cottage food operations

• Yearly sales limit

  $250,000 a year

  Gross sales, not profit, from all locations.

  Source

  • has annual gross sales of cottage food products that do not exceed $250,000Florida Statutes s. 500.80, Cottage food operations

• Foods that need a fridge?

  No

  Only shelf-stable foods. Nothing that needs time or temperature control.

  Source

  • "Cottage food product" means food that is not time or temperature controlled for safety or a potentially hazardous food as defined by department ruleFlorida Statutes s. 500.03, Definitions

• Take orders online?

  Yes

  Through your website or by mail order.

  Source

  • A cottage food operation may sell, offer for sale, and accept payment for cottage food products over the Internet or by mail orderFlorida Statutes s. 500.80, Cottage food operations
  • Cottage food operators may sell cottage food products on their website, by mail order, and direct to consumer (in person)Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Cottage Foods

• Ship or mail orders?

  Yes

  By USPS or a commercial delivery service.

  Source

  • 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 serviceFlorida Statutes s. 500.80, Cottage food operations

• Sell through shops?

  No

  Direct to consumers only. No wholesale sales.

  Source

  • A cottage food operation may not sell, offer for sale, or deliver cottage food products at wholesaleFlorida Statutes s. 500.80, Cottage food operations
  • Cottage food products cannot be sold wholesaleFlorida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Cottage Foods

What goes on the label