Florida's Cottage Food List: What You CAN & Can't Sell!

Operating a cottage food business in Florida presents a fantastic opportunity, but understanding the nuances is key. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) oversees the regulations, ensuring public safety. Compliance with the Florida Statutes, specifically Chapter 500, dictates what can be produced and sold from your home kitchen. The pivotal document for aspiring entrepreneurs is the cottage food list florida, which clearly outlines permitted items. Navigating food safety guidelines is crucial to avoid penalties and ensure your business thrives.

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Navigating Florida's Cottage Food List: A Simple Guide to Legal Sales

Understanding what you can and can't sell under Florida's cottage food law is crucial for home-based food businesses. This guide breaks down the "cottage food list florida" to help you stay compliant and thrive. We’ll cover eligible foods, restricted items, labeling requirements, and where you can legally sell your homemade goods.

What is Cottage Food in Florida?

Cottage food operations in Florida are small-scale food businesses run from a private home. These operations can produce and sell specific low-risk food items directly to consumers without needing a food permit from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). The core of compliance rests on understanding the cottage food list florida.

The "Can-Sell" List: Approved Cottage Foods in Florida

This section outlines the foods you can sell under the Florida cottage food law. Note that ingredients must be sourced responsibly and adhere to good manufacturing practices.

• Baked Goods:
  • Cakes (including cupcakes)
  • Cookies
  • Pies (that do NOT require refrigeration)
  • Breads
  • Muffins
• Candies:
  • Hard candies
  • Fudge
  • Caramels
• Jams, Jellies, and Preserves:
  • Must meet standard jelly/jam/preserve definitions using fruits and/or vegetables. Pectin is generally required.
• Honey:
  • Raw honey
  • Infused honey
• Syrups:
  • Maple syrup
  • Flavored syrups
• Dried Herbs and Spices:
  • Single-ingredient dried herbs (e.g., dried rosemary)
  • Spice blends
• Vinegar:
  • Infused vinegar
• Popcorn and Popcorn Balls
• Roasted Coffee Beans
• Nuts and Nut Mixes
• Pasta (Dry):
  • Must be dried.
• Other Approved Items:
  • Candy apples
  • Cotton candy
  • Waffle cones
  • Cereal bars

The "Can't-Sell" List: Prohibited Foods

Understanding what isn't allowed is just as important as knowing what is. The following items are generally prohibited under Florida's cottage food law because they require refrigeration or have a higher risk of foodborne illness.

• Meat and Poultry: All meat and poultry products are prohibited.
• Seafood: Any type of seafood is not allowed.
• Dairy Products: This includes milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream.
• Eggs: Shell eggs and products containing raw eggs are prohibited.
• Cream-Filled Pastries and Cakes: Items requiring refrigeration for food safety.
• Sauces Requiring Refrigeration: This includes things like homemade mayonnaise, aioli, or some BBQ sauces.
• Juices: Most fruit and vegetable juices are not permitted.
• Canned Goods (Low Acid): Examples include improperly canned vegetables, soups, and sauces. Improper canning techniques can lead to botulism.
• Foods That Require Temperature Control for Safety (TCS): Generally, any food that needs to be kept cold to prevent bacterial growth.
• Other items:
  • Garlic in oil mixtures
  • Sprouts
  • Kombucha

Important Labeling Requirements for Cottage Foods

Proper labeling is essential for cottage food operations in Florida. All products must include:

• Your Name and Address: The name and address of your cottage food operation.
• Food Name: The common name of the food product.
• Ingredients: A complete list of ingredients in descending order by weight.
• Net Weight or Volume: The amount of product in the package.
• Allergen Information: Disclosure of any major food allergens (e.g., milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish).
• "Made in a Cottage Food Operation That is Not Subject to Florida’s Food Safety Regulations": This statement must be prominently displayed on the label. The font must be at least 10-point font size.

Where Can You Sell Cottage Foods in Florida?

Florida cottage food operators can sell their products directly to consumers. This includes:

• From Your Home: Customers can come directly to your home to purchase your products.
• Farmers Markets: Selling at approved farmers' markets is permitted.
• Craft Fairs and Festivals: You can sell at temporary events like craft fairs and festivals.
• Roadside Stands: Selling from a roadside stand on your property is allowed.

Important Restrictions:

• No Wholesale: You cannot sell to restaurants, grocery stores, or other retailers for resale.
• No Online Sales Across State Lines: You cannot ship your products to customers outside of Florida. You can sell online, but only for pickup or delivery within Florida.
• Limited Gross Sales: Your annual gross sales cannot exceed \$250,000.

Additional Resources and Information

• Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Website: The FDACS website is the primary source for all official information regarding cottage food laws in Florida. Check their site for updates, regulations, and FAQs.
• Cottage Food Operations Handbook: FDACS provides a handbook outlining all the rules and regulations related to cottage food operations in Florida.

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