Emma

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]

Yes, in Florida it can.

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]

I think this would be allowed, but you might still want to confirm by calling the dept at 850-245-5520.

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]

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.

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.

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]

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]

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]