Yes, selling homemade food is legal in Florida under specific conditions, primarily governed by the Florida Cottage Food Law. As of 2024, the law permits the sale of non-perishable foods prepared in home kitchens without a commercial license, provided they meet labeling and sales restrictions. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) enforces these rules, with local county health departments overseeing compliance. Recent legislative discussions in 2026 may expand allowances for perishable items, but current regulations remain unchanged.
Key Regulations for Selling Homemade Food in Florida
- Permitted Foods: Only non-potentially hazardous foods (e.g., baked goods, jams, granola) are allowed. Perishable items like dairy, meat, or cut fruits require commercial facilities.
- Labeling Requirements: Products must include the producer’s name/address, ingredients, allergens, net weight, and the statement: “Made in a cottage food operation that is not subject to Florida’s food safety regulations.”
- Sales Restrictions: Cottage foods may be sold directly to consumers at farmers’ markets, online, or via home delivery. Wholesale distribution to stores or restaurants is prohibited unless the home kitchen complies with additional commercial standards.
Violations of these regulations may result in fines or mandatory facility inspections. Producers should consult FDACS’s Cottage Food Operations Guide for updates, as local ordinances (e.g., Miami-Dade County’s stricter rules) may impose additional constraints. Always verify compliance before scaling operations.