A Little Bit of Sunshine Cookies
David replied to the topic Raw Honey in the forum Florida 10 years, 11 months ago
Yes, all the rules that are on Florida’s page. Also contact your planning division to make sure your region doesn’t have any other requirements. And Miami-Dade county is currently not allowing cottage food operations, in case you live there.
David replied to the topic Sales Tax in the forum Florida 10 years, 11 months ago
April, I just want to further clarify my response. I still think that you are exempt from all taxes, but since I wrote this answer, I have learned that in some states, only state taxes are exempt, and local (city and/or county) taxes still apply to cottage food sales. To be sure for your region, you should contact your County Tax Collector or…[Read more]
David replied to the topic Raw Honey in the forum Florida 10 years, 11 months ago
Yes, in Florida it can.
Joy Johnson Ouellette posted an update in the group Florida 10 years, 11 months ago
I make jams and preserves, but I also make soaps and other bath products which I plan to sell at a local market under appropriate licensure for Florida. I was wanting to sell my jams and perserves under the Cottage Food Law as a side product. We also do dry roasted coffee, but as I understand it, we cannot sell or give away samples of brewed…[Read more]
Joy Johnson Ouellette joined the group Florida 10 years, 11 months ago
David replied to the topic Reselling baked goods in the forum Florida 10 years, 11 months ago
The cottage food law is intended for people who prepare food in their home, and it would not apply to you. If you are only trying to resell commercial, prepackaged foods, I think you can just get a sellers permit and don’t need to become a cottage food operation. I’d recommend you talk to your health department and see what they say. The label you…[Read more]
Shani Prine posted an update in the group Florida 10 years, 11 months ago
I want to start a cupcake & cookie business next year. I live in the city of North Port in Sarasota County. The baking side is a no brainer and I have read the CFL FAQ sheet so many times I almost have it memorized. I need help with the business side of things for my area. Where do I start? Any wisdom shared would be greatly appreciated. THANK YOU!
Shani Prine joined the group Florida 10 years, 11 months ago
Debbie posted an update in the group Florida 10 years, 11 months ago
I am trying to find where I would apply for a FL license to produce and sell cottage foods
Debbie joined the group Florida 10 years, 11 months ago
David replied to the topic Fruit Based Products in the forum Florida 10 years, 11 months ago
I think this would be allowed, but you might still want to confirm by calling the dept at 850-245-5520.
David replied to the topic weight labeling in the forum Florida 10 years, 11 months ago
If your packages have different weights, then yes, you need to weigh each one. You can write the weight on the package by hand. I’ve also see sellers print out labels with the same weight on each of them, and then they add enough of the item to reach it (for instance, 3 oz of fudge). For cookies, if you use a portion scoop, the weight of each…[Read more]
Dr David A French, thermal process authority posted an update in the group New York 10 years, 11 months ago
I am a thermal process authority specializing in the needs of small-scale food entrepreneurs across the US. I also try to keep abreast of what’s happening with small-scale food processing. 866-539-2771 or dave@aardvarkassoc.com.
Dr David A French, thermal process authority joined the group New York 10 years, 11 months ago
David replied to the topic question about delivering home made goods in the forum New York 10 years, 12 months ago
No, delivery is not allowed. The sale must take place at a farmers market, food stand on a farm, or other ag-related event.
David replied to the topic license to sell raw health bar in the forum Florida 11 years ago
The cottage food law won’t work for you… you need a commercial license and you need to make your bars in a commercial kitchen. You can talk to your health dept about how to get started.
David replied to the topic Fruit Jams containing peppers in the forum Florida 11 years ago
No, pepper jelly would not be allowed in Florida. Actually, when it mentions jams, jellies, and preserves it is only referring to those made from fruit. Any kind of canned vegetables are not allowed, as you can see in the second question of the FAQ.
Thanks, David!
I thought there might be leeway because it is fruit jam (just fruit jam that also includes a vegetable). I understand why, given that not everyone is smart about canning low-acid foods, but it’s too bad.
Yeah I agree that they have to restrict the law because some people wouldn’t be careful, but I suppose that is the definition of “potentially” hazardous. The truth is that basically every state makes an exception and disallows pepper jellies, so Florida’s probably not going to be adding it anytime soon.
Catherine C joined the group Florida 11 years ago
Julie D posted an update in the group Florida 11 years ago
If I only TEACH cake decorating out of my house, and I am not selling the actual cakes, cupcakes, etc., for others to consume, as they are used for instruction… is that still under the cottage food laws, since it is not exactly a CFO? Does anyone know, what category this business would fall under, and if it is also allowed from home, in Lee…[Read more]
I’m actually not sure if this would be allowed from your home kitchen. You could call up the ag dept, which manages the cottage food law, but I think this kind of business would fall under the health dept. It may be okay if you’re not having your clients eat what your making… hopefully at that point it could be considered an art class and maybe…[Read more]
David replied to the topic Paying income tax in the forum Florida 11 years ago
Lots of good info Julie. In addition to that, I think you will be considered a self-employed independent contractor when tax time rolls around. At least in CA, you need to pay estimated taxes every quarter for your business, and you can get penalized if you don’t. Aside from estimated taxes, I don’t think you have much you need to do now, other…[Read more]
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You should call your planning division and see if there are any requirements for your area. You may need to get a business license, for instance. You should be classified as a sole proprietorship and if you feel you need to protect your business or assets, consider getting insurance.