Many individuals living in Florida have taken the plunge to channel their culinary skills into a home-based food business to boost their income or pursue their passion. However, the question that arises is, can you sell food from home in Florida, and if so, what are the necessary steps to do so?
The answer is a resounding yes. Florida’s Cottage Food Law allows residents to produce and sell specific kinds of food items from their home kitchen. However, this is not a carte blanche permission slip. There are specific requirements and regulations that must be followed, and the process of obtaining your permit can be complicated. The importance of understanding the nuances and steps in this process can’t be overstated.
For those aiming to sell food from home in Florida, there are some critical factors that one needs to consider. Firstly, the business scope under the Florida Cottage Food Law is limited to specific food items that are considered ‘low risk’ in terms of food safety. These items include jams, jellies, bread, cakes, cookies, candies, honey, dried fruits, vinegar, popcorn, and similar products. The sales limit for these cottage food operations is $50,000 annually.
Before we explore how to secure a permit, be aware that the county zoning laws and the Homeowner’s Association (HOA) regulations might prevent you from setting up even a Cottage Food Law business in your residence. Therefore, it’s crucial to consider these factors before planning to sell food from home in Florida.
Once you are clear that your local zoning laws allow for a home business and you know the restrictions of the Cottage Food Law, securing a permit to legally sell food from home in Florida becomes your next target.
Permit Seeking Process:
In Florida, under the Cottage Food Law, you do not need to secure a permit or license from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. However, you are obligated to label your product correctly, including phrases such as “Made in a cottage food operation that is not subject to Florida’s food safety regulations.” The label must also list each ingredient in descending order of predominance, allergen information, net weight, and your name and address.
Though a permit or license is not necessary for Cottage Food Operations under state law, home bakers who want peace of mind can join the Florida Cottage Food Association. They offer a certification course for Cottage Food Operators that can enhance your reputation and ensure consumers of your commitment to safety and quality.
For individuals who plan on turning out food products not covered under the Cottage Food Operations, a whole different procedure applies to secure your permit.
First, an application for a food permit from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Division of Food Safety needs to be filled. The application includes sections about the owner’s details, the type of ownership, the kind of food establishment, and some other particulars about the proposed business.
Second, before granting a food permit, the Florida Department of Agriculture conducts a plan review to verify your setup meets all the requirement criteria. This review includes assessments on storage, equipment, processing, packaging, labeling, sanitation, safety measures, waste disposal, etc. The certified copy of the floor plan of the area, equipment specifications, and manufacturer’s instructions, menu or product list, food processing operations, etc., all need to be submitted.
Post the successful review; a pre-operational inspection is conducted for which separate fees apply.
The steps to sell food from home in Florida might seem overwhelming, but they are designed to ensure the safety of consumers and instill confidence in home-based food operations. With patience, persistence, and passion for providing quality food options, you can very well navigate these requirements and become a recognized at-home chef!