DumbleJum
@dumblejum
active 4 days ago
David replied to the topic Fruit Based Products in the forum Florida 10 years, 9 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, 9 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]
-
David replied to the topic license to sell raw health bar in the forum Florida 10 years, 10 months 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 10 years, 10 months 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.
-
Catherine C joined the group Florida 10 years, 10 months ago
-
Julie D posted an update in the group Florida 10 years, 10 months 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 10 years, 10 months 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]
-
David replied to the topic Homemade Lip balm isn't food, so would I need a license to sell it? in the forum Florida 10 years, 10 months ago
I wish I could help you more. All I know for sure is that this wouldn’t be allowed under the cottage food law, but you already know that. I believe that you can run this kind of business from home, but I am not an expert in any way about creating personal care products. You might need to get a home occupation permit and seller’s permit, and I…[Read more]
-
Julie D posted an update in the group Florida 10 years, 10 months ago
Does anyone know if CFO’s are allowed in Lee County, and in the city of Cape Coral. Where do you go to look, or who do you call, to verify this information. Thanks!
-
You can call the planning division to verify. I assume they allow CFOs as I haven’t heard otherwise.
-
Julie D replied to the topic Paying income tax in the forum Florida 10 years, 10 months ago
I am not a legal or tax authority, but I have dealt with some of this myself.
*** First: sales tax, and federal income tax, are two different issues.
I am not sure what the exact amount is, it used to be $400 for the year, and your income would need to exceed the amount they have set, before you are required to file and pay federal income…[Read more]
-
Amanda Roman started the topic Paying income tax in the forum Florida 10 years, 10 months ago
If you operate under the cottage food law, how do you pay income tax or do you not have to pay because you’re not making much profit and it didn’t require sales tax? People have told me that under a certain amount of money, you’re considered too low of income to need to pay. Is that true? I can’t seem to find any information about it.
-
Amanda Roman started the topic Homemade Lip balm isn't food, so would I need a license to sell it? in the forum Florida 10 years, 10 months ago
My cousin just told me about the cottage law today, so I researched it. She is going to make cupcakes. Is there a different law about selling homemade lip balm I’ve made? Would that require a business license because its not food? I use food grade oils and beeswax to make it.
-
Amanda Roman joined the group Florida 10 years, 10 months ago
-
David replied to the topic Cooking/Serving food for free… in the forum Florida 10 years, 10 months ago
John, I know it’s hard to find this info, but it’s not that crazy! (you’re not the first person to ask about this on here)
Generally speaking, unless you fall under a special exemption (which it sounds like you wouldn’t given the circumstances you’re describing), then you need a license to even give away your goodies. It doesn’t really matter if…[Read more]
-
Ken joined the group Florida 10 years, 11 months ago
-
David replied to the topic What is allowed to sell in the forum Florida 10 years, 11 months ago
Custards are not allowed. There should be a number of farmers markets that allow cottage food operations. They may require a business license, but not a food processor license from the health department.
-
Heather Itaintezbeinme Baskin joined the group Florida 10 years, 11 months ago
-
Carole posted an update in the group Florida 10 years, 11 months ago
I had noticed on an earlier post that nut butters were ok under Cottage Law, is this true as I called the Florida Agriculture Department and they said no? I am bit confused as jams and jellies as well nuts/seeds are on the list?
-
I am not sure what post you’re referring to, but nut butters are not allowed in Florida as far as I know. There is a “nut butters” category that would go on the list if they were allowed… it is separate from jams and jellies.
-
Carole joined the group Florida 10 years, 11 months ago
-
David replied to the topic Home parties in the forum Florida 10 years, 11 months ago
Yes, as long as the sales are face-to-face, and you are selling items that are on the list of allowed foods, you should be fine.
- Load More
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.