Tattoochick

Angela, I haven’t heard of an update. My response to Aimee above is still as much as I know. If you talk to the ag dept and can post an update, that would be much appreciated!

It should be fairly simple to sell unopened and commercially-prepackaged items, as long as they do not need to be refrigerated, but you may need some sort of permit from the ag dept to do so. You should not need to use a commercial kitchen to do this.

Kelly, you can do everything you asked about. Just make sure that you collect payment from a customer in-person.

Taylor, you can find business in any way you want, including using Facebook in a variety of ways. You can sell cakes as long as you follow all of the rules for Florida’s cottage food law: http://forrager.com/law/florida/

Ed, as far as I know, you would need to use a commercial kitchen to do this. I know it seems impractical but it is the same process that other companies that produce fermented foods use.

Juan, I still haven’t heard about any changes in Miami Dade’s policy, but you should contact their health dept to ask if they allow CFOs now. It would be the same with the other counties you mentioned, but I will say that you must use the laws of whichever county your primary residence is in. You can’t just use any county’s law, unless you move there.

Most states do not allow hot sauces, but it depends on your state.

Although it may be common for New Yorkers to sell homemade food on Etsy, it is nevertheless illegal. Also, cordials wouldn’t be allowed under the cottage food law for in-person sales. You will need to use a commercial kitchen to produce the cordials. http://forrager.com/faq/#commercial

Vanessa, the food safety certificate that Sonia was referring to is probably a food manager certificate. However, CFOs in Florida aren’t required to get food safety training. If you’d like basic training, you can look up a food handler training course.

You don’t need a license from the ag dept, but you may need other licenses to start your business. You will have to check with local officials for the process of starting a business in your area. http://forrager.com/faq/#starting