Cottage food operations in Hillsborough County are protected by FL 500.80, which preempts local regulation and allows sales of non-hazardous homemade foods up to 250,000 dollars per year without a food license. Direct and online sales to Florida consumers are allowed. Local home occupation signage and traffic rules still apply.
Florida Statute 500.80 allows sales of non-potentially hazardous items such as baked goods, jams, honey, dried pasta, and candies from home kitchens. Products must be labeled with producer name, address, ingredients, allergens, and the cottage food disclaimer. Hillsborough County cannot require a permit for the cottage food activity itself but the home occupation certificate and BTR still apply to the residential business operation. FDACS provides cottage food guidance.
Improper labeling: FDACS warning and potential cease-sale. Selling prohibited items such as meat or dairy: misdemeanor under FL 500.04. Operating without home occupation certificate: county citation.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Hillsborough County.
See how other cities in Hillsborough County handle cottage food operations.
See how Brandon's cottage food operations rules stack up against other locations.
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