Cottage Food Operations: Clearwater vs St. Petersburg
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Clearwater, FL and St. Petersburg, FL?
Clearwater and St. Petersburg have similar restriction levels.
Clearwater, FL
Pinellas County
Florida Statute 500.80 preempts local regulation of cottage food operations, allowing Clearwater residents to make and sell certain non-potentially hazardous foods from home up to $250,000 in annual sales.
View full Clearwater rules →St. Petersburg, FL
Pinellas County
Cottage food operations in St. Petersburg are governed primarily by Florida Statute 500.80, which preempts most local rules but still requires compliance with Section 16.50.180 home-occupation standards.
View full St. Petersburg rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Clearwater | St. Petersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | F.S. 500.80 | - |
| Annual sales cap | $250,000 | - |
| Wholesale | Prohibited | Prohibited |
| Label required | Cottage food disclosure | - |
| Local rule | CDC Section 3-920 still applies | Sec. 16.50.180 still applies |
| State statute | - | Fla. Stat. 500.80 |
| Sales cap | - | $250,000/year |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Clearwater FAQ
Do I need a Clearwater permit to sell cottage food?
No separate cottage food permit is required, because Florida Statute 500.80 preempts local cottage food regulation. You still need a city Business Tax Receipt and must follow home occupation standards.
Can I sell cottage food online from my Clearwater home?
Yes. Florida law allows cottage food operations to sell over the internet and ship via mail or commercial carriers, as long as products are properly labeled and sold direct to consumers.
St. Petersburg FAQ
Do I need a permit to sell baked goods from my St. Petersburg home?
No state food permit is required if you qualify under Florida Statute 500.80, but you must still get a City Business Tax Receipt and comply with home-occupation rules in Section 16.50.180.
Can I ship my cottage food products from St. Petersburg?
Yes. Florida Statute 500.80 allows shipment by mail or commercial carrier directly to consumers. Wholesale to retailers is not allowed.
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