Florida — the rules
Selling Food From Home in Florida: Cottage Food Rules (2026)
Yes — you can legally sell food made in your home kitchen in Florida, under the Cottage Food Operations (Fla. Stat. 500.80). Sales are capped at $250,000/year. Here is exactly what that means.
Florida at a glance
| Home food sales | Allowed |
| Program | Cottage Food Operations (Fla. Stat. 500.80) |
| Annual sales cap | $250,000 |
| Sales channels | Direct to consumers (see details — many direct-only states still allow online orders with delivery) |
What foods are covered
Non-potentially-hazardous foods across 12 categories: breads, cakes, cookies (no cream/custard fillings), candies, honey, jams/jellies, nuts, pasta, cereals and similar low-risk items. Gross sales capped at $250,000/year (raised from $50,000 by HB 663 in 2021, which also preempted local bans). Sales must be direct to the end consumer but may be made in person, from the operation's website, and by mail order (shipping within Florida); wholesale and resale are prohibited.
Permits and registration
None - no license, permit, or inspection from FDACS or any state agency; no training requirement. Products must be packaged and labeled 'Made in a cottage food operation that is not subject to Florida's food safety regulations,' and FDACS may request sales records to verify the cap.
Going legal in Florida: the plate-seller checklist
- Read the primary source (linked below) — caps and food lists are specific and they change.
- Label honestly — most programs require your name, address or registration, and a made-in-a-home-kitchen disclosure on packaging.
- Get your free EIN at irs.gov and open a separate account for food money.
- Take payment at order time — prepaid orders with a weekly cutoff are how home sellers stay profitable AND within caps.
- Build the storefront — a menu page, order-ahead with cutoffs, your own business line. Our free guide covers the whole playbook.
Sources and verification
Verified 2026-07 against: www.fdacs.gov. Rules change — confirm with the primary source before acting; this guide is information, not legal advice.
Questions people ask
Is it legal to sell food from home in Florida?
Yes — under Cottage Food Operations (Fla. Stat. 500.80), with an annual sales cap of $250,000. Allowed foods and channels are specific; check the primary source.
How much can you sell under Florida's cottage food law?
$250,000 per year under the current rules.
Do you need a permit to sell food from home in Florida?
None - no license, permit, or inspection from FDACS or any state agency; no training requirement. Products must be packaged and labeled 'Made in a cottage food operation that is not subject to Florida's food safety regulations,' and FDACS may request sales records to verify the c