Tracy Mason

1. No, other than producing in a commercial kitchen.
2. Fermented foods are indeed very safe, but that doesn’t seem to have affected their perception.
3. You could consider proposing a bill to amend (or more likely create anew) the cottage food law. http://forrager.com/2015/05/lobbying-amending-cottage-food-law/

The law only allows for baked and canned goods, not raw ingredients like flours. So based on that, I assume that they wouldn’t be allowed, but you should still contact the ag dept to confirm.

No, that would not be allowed. You cannot sell liquids under this law, and even something as simple as water would require a different permit. I believe you need to produce your ice cream in a commercial kitchen. http://forrager.com/faq/#commercial

I don’t know if rice krispy treats are allowed (probably), but you can definitely use a recipe from a cookbook.

I think you will once again need to rent or build a commercial kitchen. Cut, fresh fruit is not allowed under the cottage food law, and you can’t sell interstate. I also don’t think you can ship products under the cottage food law.

1. No — it wouldn’t be allowed on two accounts: the cream and the cream cheese.
2. I think you can, but not under this law. I’m not sure if you need more than a sellers permit.
3. Yes, and many counties require that they be prepackaged. I have seen a number of CFOs do open samples, but I’m not sure if they’re doing so legally.
4. Probably not. If…[Read more]

It isn’t legal to charge people to eat at your home, nor will it likely be allowed anytime in the near future, despite the numerous new websites that promote hosted dinners.

Yes, you need to get them inspected if you use a private well or septic tank.

I’m not sure what the rules are for restaurants. But since you are already inspected and use a commercial kitchen, I’d assume that you already have most or all of what you need. You should contact whoever comes to inspect your facility.

Food trucks operate under different laws from a home-based business. I believe a food truck is considered a food establishment, and food establishments cannot sell food that is prepared in a home. You should contact the ag dept to clarify this info.

Yes, all meats in any form are definitely prohibited. You need to use a commercial kitchen. http://forrager.com/faq/#commercial

In Florida, an inspection can only happen if a customer has a health concern/complaint. I have never heard of that happening to any CFO across the states… at the very least, it’s exceedingly rare.

Kamila, I recommend you call the ag dept at 850-245-5520