Homestead, FL Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)
Key Facts
- Sales Cap
- $250,000 annually
- State Law
- FL Statute 500.80
- License
- Not required for cottage foods
- Labeling
- Required with specific statements
- Wholesale
- Prohibited: direct to consumer only
Summary
Florida's Cottage Food Law (FL Statute Section 500.80) allows Homestead residents to produce and sell certain homemade foods from their home kitchens with annual sales up to $250,000 without a food establishment license. Products must be non-potentially hazardous foods. Labeling requirements apply.
500.80 Cottage food operations. — (1)(a) A cottage food operation must comply with the applicable requirements of this chapter but is exempt from the permitting requirements of s. 500.12 if the cottage food operation complies with this section and has annual gross sales of cottage food products that do not exceed $250,000. (b) For purposes of this subsection, a cottage food operation's annual gross sales include all sales of cottage food products at any location, regardless of the types of products sold or the number of persons involved in the operation. A cottage food operation must provide the department, upon request, with written documentation to verify the operation's annual gross sales. (2) A cottage food operation may sell, offer for sale, and accept payment for cottage food products over the Internet or by mail order. Such products may be delivered in person directly to the consumer, to a specific event venue, or by United States Postal Service or commercial mail delivery service. A cottage food operation may not sell, offer for sale, or deliver cottage food products at wholesale. (3) A cottage food operation may only sell cottage food products which are prepackaged with a label affixed that contains the following information: (a) The name and address of the cottage food operation. (b) The name of the cottage food product. (c) The ingredients of the cottage food product, in descending order of predominance by weight. (d) The net weight or net volume of the cottage food product. (e) Allergen information as specified by federal labeling requirements. [...] (g) The following statement printed in at least 10-point type in a color that provides a clear contrast to the background of the label: "Made in a cottage food operation that is not subject to Florida's food safety regulations." [...] (6) The regulation of cottage food operations is preempted to the state. A local law, ordinance, or regulation may not prohibit a cottage food operation or regulate the preparation, processing, storage, or sale of cottage food products by a cottage food operation; however, a cottage food operation must comply with the conditions for the operation of a home-based business under s. 559.955.
Full Breakdown
Florida's Cottage Food Law under FL Statute Section 500.80 permits home-based food production without a food establishment license or commercial kitchen. Homestead residents can produce and sell non-potentially hazardous foods including baked goods, candies, jams, dried fruits, granola, and similar items that do not require refrigeration. The annual sales cap is $250,000. Products must be labeled with the cottage food operation's name and address, a list of ingredients (including allergens), the statement 'Made in a cottage food operation that is not subject to Florida's food safety regulations,' and the net weight. Sales can be made directly to consumers at farmers' markets, flea markets, roadside stands, and online with delivery. Wholesale sales to stores and restaurants are not permitted. A city business tax receipt is still required for the business. Miami-Dade County health department does not inspect cottage food kitchens. Homestead's agricultural community and farmers' market scene provide good venues for cottage food sales.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding sales limits, selling prohibited products, or failing to label properly can result in FDACS enforcement. Selling potentially hazardous foods without a license carries fines and cease-and-desist orders. Contact FDACS for cottage food questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell baked goods from my Homestead home?
Do I need a food license for cottage food in Homestead?
Can I sell cottage food at Homestead farmers' markets?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Homestead
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Homestead to another location·View the Florida home business overview
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Cottage Food Operations in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Miami-Dade County handle cottage food operations.