Oil_Natkritta
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 start up in the forum California 11 years ago
Technically, yes you do.
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.
Catherine C joined the group Florida 11 years ago
Kelly started the topic Volunteer seeking CFO in the forum California 11 years ago
Greetings!
I am an artist (oil painter) currently living in Kansas, but wanting to relocate to California for a better cultural atmosphere and work opportunities.
Because it aligns with my “do-it-yourself” sensibilities and stance against Big Corporate, I am interested in volunteering my services to a Cottage Food producer who needs the help. I…[Read more]Kelly joined the group California 11 years ago
David replied to the topic Bake sale at a school in the forum California 11 years ago
Jan, unfortunately Santa Clara county seems to be the most restrictive county in the state. They are very strict, at least regarding the cottage food laws.
In short, this cottage food law would not apply to you. Not that it would matter anyway… Santa Clara’s cottage food permit fees are very expensive.
Fortunately, there is an exemption for…[Read more]
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]
David replied to the topic Homemade Lip balm isn't food, so would I need a license to sell it? in the forum Florida 11 years 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 11 years 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!
Julie D replied to the topic Paying income tax in the forum Florida 11 years 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 11 years 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 11 years 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 11 years ago
David replied to the topic Cooking/Serving food for free… in the forum Florida 11 years 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]
David replied to the topic How to ship baked goods in the forum California 11 years, 1 month ago
If you run a cottage food operation, then you can legally only make food from your home kitchen. To make your product in a commercial kitchen, you need to be operating under a different license (which would also allow you to ship out-of-state).
The reason you can’t find anything about out-of-state sales is because those are not allowed under the…[Read more]
Ken joined the group Florida 11 years, 1 month ago
David replied to the topic What is allowed to sell in the forum Florida 11 years, 1 month 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.
David replied to the topic Do I need a Cottage Permit If… in the forum California 11 years, 1 month ago
Crystal, I can tell you that a cottage food permit is for those only preparing food in their home kitchen. Since you are not doing this, then the law won’t apply to you. As for what’s the best way for you to sell your pre-made goods, I really have no idea. I am totally unfamiliar with the process for using your home as a sales venue outside of the…[Read more]
I don’t know where Crystal resides but our local office of Environmental Health has been a wealth of information for me regarding the ins and outs of what has been required concerning permitting.
Thanks for responding. In order for Crystal to see your post, you need to add it to the forum itself. This is just my activity feed. Thanks.
Oh ok, thanks for letting me know. I’m still trying to navigate this site.
- 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.