Can I sell cottage food online in Florida?

Yes. You can take orders online or by mail order and deliver in person or by mail.

Can I sell to stores or restaurants?

No. Florida does not allow cottage food to be sold wholesale.

Can I sell meals or cheesecake from home in Florida?

No. Foods that need refrigeration are not allowed under the cottage food law.

What must my label say?

"Made in a cottage food operation that is not subject to Florida's food safety regulations," in at least 10-point type, plus your name, address, product name, ingredients, net weight and allergens.

How to Sell Food From Home in Florida (2026)

Verified October 26, 2026 from official Florida sources.

The short answer: You do not need a license to sell cottage food from home in Florida. You can sell up to $250,000 a year of foods that are safe at room temperature, like baked goods, jams and candy, in person, online or by mail. Home-cooked meals are not allowed under Florida's cottage food law.

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Can I sell home-cooked meals in Florida?

No. Florida's cottage food law only covers foods that do not need refrigeration. Selling meals or other perishable foods requires a licensed food business, such as a commercial kitchen.

What foods can I sell?

Foods that do not need time or temperature control for safety, such as breads, cookies, cakes and pies without cream or custard fillings, candy, fruit jams and jellies, dried fruit, granola, popcorn and dry mixes. Foods that need refrigeration, like cheesecake, cream pies, meat or dairy dishes, are not allowed.

Do I need a license?

No. Florida law exempts cottage food operations from state permits as long as you follow the cottage food rules and stay under $250,000 in yearly sales. There is no state registration, fee or routine inspection. The state may inspect if it receives a complaint. Local governments cannot add their own cottage food rules, but your city or county home business rules still apply.

How much can I sell?

Up to $250,000 in gross sales per year.

Where and how you can sell

In person, at events and markets
Online and by mail order
Delivered by you, to an event, or by U.S. mail or a mail delivery service
Not allowed: selling wholesale to stores or restaurants

Shipping to other states is not covered by Florida's law, so check federal rules and the other state's rules first.

Label requirements

Every product needs a label with your name and address, the product name, ingredients in order by weight, net weight or volume, and any allergens. It must also include this statement in at least 10-point type, in a color that stands out:

Made in a cottage food operation that is not subject to Florida's food safety regulations.

How to get started

Check that every product is safe at room temperature (no refrigeration needed).
Check your city or county home business rules.
Make labels with the required statement.
Start selling and keep sales records under $250,000 a year.
Apply on Chef Next Door to reach customers near you.

Official sources

FAQ

Do I need a license to sell baked goods from home in Florida?: No, as long as you follow the cottage food rules and stay under $250,000 a year.
What is the cottage food sales limit in Florida?: $250,000 in gross sales per year.
Can I sell cottage food online in Florida?: Yes. You can take orders online or by mail order and deliver in person or by mail.
Can I sell to stores or restaurants?: No. Florida does not allow cottage food to be sold wholesale.
Can I sell meals or cheesecake from home in Florida?: No. Foods that need refrigeration are not allowed under the cottage food law.
What must my label say?: "Made in a cottage food operation that is not subject to Florida's food safety regulations," in at least 10-point type, plus your name, address, product name, ingredients, net weight and allergens.

Ready to sell in Florida?

Chef Next Door connects home cooks with neighbors who want homemade food. You set your menu, prices and hours, and keep 100% of your menu prices.