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Columbia County, GA Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

State license
Not required (HB 398)
Revenue cap
None
Effective
July 1, 2025
Sales
Direct and retail outlets
Regulator
GA Dept. of Agriculture

Summary

Georgia's HB 398 removed the state cottage food license and the sales cap, so you can bake and sell non-hazardous foods from a Columbia County home kitchen with no state permit. Direct and retail sales are both allowed now.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Columbia County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Cottage food operators no longer need to obtain a license with the Georgia Department of Agriculture ("GDA") or pay a licensing fee to the state.

Source: Georgia Code (O.C.G.A.)View official code

Full Breakdown

Cottage food in Columbia County is governed by Georgia law, not the county. Under House Bill 398, effective July 1, 2025, cottage food operators no longer need a Georgia Department of Agriculture license or fee, and there is no revenue cap. You may produce non-potentially-hazardous, shelf-stable foods, such as breads, cakes, cookies, candies, and jams, at home and sell them directly to consumers or to retail food sales establishments like grocery stores, restaurants, and convenience stores. Products carry the required residential-production and allergen label. HB 398 bars the county from regulating cottage food except an opt-out of third-party vendor sales; local business licensing and zoning still apply.

Violations & Fines

Selling potentially hazardous foods that need refrigeration falls outside the cottage food exemption and pulls the operation under full Georgia food service permitting. The Department of Agriculture still investigates consumer complaints, foodborne illness reports, and public health emergencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to sell homemade baked goods in Columbia County?
No. After Georgia's HB 398, cottage food operators no longer need a state license and there is no sales cap. You still need proper labeling and any county business license.
Can I sell my cottage foods to a local store or restaurant?
Yes. HB 398 now lets cottage food operators sell to retail outlets like grocery stores, restaurants, and convenience stores, on top of selling directly to consumers.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Columbia County

Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsSignage RulesHeavy RestrictionsCustomer Traffic RestrictionsSome RestrictionsHome DaycareSome RestrictionsZoning & Home Occupation PermitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/NeuterSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Smoke DetectorsSome Restrictions

All Columbia County rules

Compare Columbia County to another location·View the Georgia home business overview

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