Florida Cottage Food Law fuels rise in home-based food businesses

Florida’s Cottage Food Law is driving a surge in home-based food businesses, particularly among bakers who utilize social media to reach customers. Under the Home Sweet Home Act, entrepreneurs can operate from unlicensed home kitchens to produce certain low-risk, shelf-stable foods, earning up to $250,000 annually without requiring a food permit, inspection, or specific training.

While the law facilitates growth through mail, internet, and farmers market sales, it carries strict limitations. Operators are prohibited from selling products that require refrigeration, such as those containing dairy frostings or cream fillings. To support this growing sector, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has launched an educational series to help entrepreneurs navigate regulations, labeling requirements, and local zoning compliance.