Florida’s cottage food law is designed to allow individuals to produce and sell certain non-potentially hazardous foods in their homes without obtaining a food service or retail license. The law went into effect on July 1, 2019 and applies to food products that are labeled and sold in the state of Florida. The law is intended to provide an opportunity for small-scale entrepreneurs to earn income from their home kitchen.
Under the law, cottage food producers may sell food products that do not require time and temperature control for safety. Cottage food producers are limited to selling only the products listed in the state regulations and must label each food product with the name of the product, ingredients, and name and address of the cottage food producer.
In order to operate a cottage food business in Florida, producers must register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). The registration fee is $50 and must be renewed every two years. Producers must follow the safety guidelines set by the FDACS and must only sell to consumers within the state of Florida.
Under the law, cottage food producers may not sell any food products that require time and temperature control for safety (TCS). Examples of TCS foods include dairy products, eggs, seafood, certain baked goods, and potentially hazardous foods. Cottage food producers are also prohibited from selling food products over the internet.
The law also prohibits cottage food producers from using any kind of advertising or labeling that is false or deceptive. The law requires cottage food producers to keep accurate records of their income and expenses and to submit those records to the FDACS upon request.
The law is intended to provide an opportunity for small-scale entrepreneurs to earn income from their home kitchen. It is important to note, however, that cottage food producers who make more than $15,000 a year in sales will be required to obtain a food service or retail license.
Understanding Florida’s Cottage Food Law
If you’re a Florida resident looking to sell home-made food products, you’ll want to be aware of the state’s cottage food law. The law was established to help hobbyists and small-scale food entrepreneurs reach customers while still providing the necessary health and safety guidelines.
The Florida cottage food law regulates the production and sale of certain types of non-potentially hazardous home-made foods. In general, such foods are those which are shelf-stable and do not require refrigeration or other special handling. Examples include breads, cookies, cakes, jams, jellies, dried herbs and spices, and certain candies and other confections.
Under the cottage food law, a business must obtain a permit from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). Once approved, a business may operate out of a home kitchen or other approved location. The FDACS also provides a list of approved vendors for cottage food products.
In addition to obtaining a permit, businesses must comply with other regulations. These may include obtaining the necessary local and state permits, meeting health and safety standards, and, in some cases, registering with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Businesses must also be aware of the rules and regulations governing labeling. Foods must be labeled correctly to provide information about ingredients and allergens, as well as the business’ name and address. Businesses must also ensure that the labels are not misleading or deceptive, and must adequately describe the product.
Businesses must also be aware of the tax requirements for cottage food businesses. The Florida Department of Revenue provides information on the taxes due when selling food products. In some cases, businesses may also be required to register for sales and use tax.
For more information, please visit the FDACS’ website or contact their consumer services division. They can provide further information on the cottage food law, as well as other regulations and requirements.
In conclusion, the cottage food law is an important law for businesses looking to sell home-made foods in Florida. It provides essential guidelines on obtaining a permit, meeting health and safety standards, and labeling products correctly. Businesses must also be aware of the state’s tax requirements when selling food products. Understanding the law and complying with the necessary regulations can help ensure the success of your business.
Benefits Of Florida’s Cottage Food Law
Florida’s cottage food law is a regulatory framework that allows individuals to sell homemade, non-potentially hazardous foods at local markets and other direct sales venues. The law was enacted in 2012 to promote the local food economy and provide opportunities for entrepreneurs to make money. It also helps protect consumers, as it requires cottage food producers to register with the state and be inspected periodically to ensure that their products are safe and of high quality.
The benefits of Florida’s cottage food law are numerous. It allows small-scale entrepreneurs to produce and sell food at local markets and other direct-sales outlets, without the need for large capital investments. This helps expand the availability of locally produced food, supports local farmers and food producers, and increases economic opportunities for rural communities.
The law also provides increased consumer protection. Any person producing or selling food under the cottage food law must register with the state and be inspected periodically. This ensures that any food sold under the law is safe for consumption. Additionally, the law requires that all cottage food producers clearly label their products with the name of the product, ingredients, and contact information.
Under the law, individuals can sell various types of food, including baked goods without cream or custard fillings, jams and jellies, fruit pies, roasted nuts, candy, and more. The maximum allowable sales are $50,000 annually, per cottage food producer. In addition, cottage food producers are not allowed to use the internet to sell their products.
In summary, Florida’s cottage food law provides numerous benefits to both entrepreneurs and consumers. It provides an opportunity for small-scale entrepreneurs to make money selling food, while also providing increased consumer protection. The law allows for a variety of foods to be produced and sold, with a maximum allowable sales of $50,000 annually. This law is a great resource for entrepreneurs looking to make a profit without large capital investments.
Florida’s cottage food law allows individuals to make and sell certain non-potentially hazardous foods from their own home kitchen.
The Florida Cottage Food Law covers non-potentially hazardous foods such as baked goods, jams, jellies, and other canned fruits and vegetables.
Florida’s cottage food law does not limit the amount of money that can be made from cottage foods, as long as the total sales do not exceed $50,000 per year.
No, you do not need a license to sell cottage foods in Florida.
No, you do not need to register your cottage food business in Florida.
No, you do not need insurance to sell cottage foods in Florida.
Yes, you must label your cottage food products with an ingredients list and a statement indicating it was made in a home kitchen.
Yes, you must follow all applicable health and safety regulations when producing and selling cottage foods in Florida.
Yes, you can sell cottage food products online, as long as the products are shipped directly to the customer.
Foods that require refrigeration and/or that are potentially hazardous, such as eggs, dairy, meat, fish, and cooked vegetables, are not allowed to be sold under the Florida cottage food law.