Cottage Food Business Guide — Can You Sell Food From Home?
Most states have laws that allow selling certain homemade foods without a commercial kitchen. But "cottage food" doesn't mean "no rules." Here's what you need to know.
✅ In most states — yes, with limits
✅ What cottage food laws allow
Selling certain "non-hazardous" foods made in your home kitchen — without a commercial kitchen license or health permit.
Think: baked goods, jams, honey, candy, granola, dried herbs. Foods that don't need refrigeration to stay safe.
❌ What they usually don't allow
Foods that require refrigeration — meat, dairy products, cream-filled pastries, anything that could make someone sick if not properly refrigerated.
Also: wholesale to restaurants, resale through grocery stores (in most states), or selling directly to businesses.
⚠️ Every state is different
Some states let you sell online and ship. Some say farmers markets only. Some have sales caps. Some require labeling. A few states have no cottage food law at all.
Always check your specific state's current rules — not what you read on a blog.
What most states require for cottage food sellers
1
Check your state's cottage food law
Search: "[your state] cottage food law." Look for the official state agriculture or health department website. This tells you what you can sell, where you can sell it, and any caps or requirements.
2
Get a local business license
Even if your state doesn't require a cottage food permit, your city or county may still require a general business license. This is common and often overlooked.
3
Label your products correctly
Most states require a label that says something like: "Made in a home kitchen not inspected by the state or local health department." The exact wording varies by state.
4
Know your sales limits
Many states cap cottage food sales at $25,000–$75,000/year. Some have no cap. Once you exceed the cap, you need to move to a licensed commercial kitchen.
5
Know where you can sell
Some states: farmers markets and direct-to-consumer sales only. Some: you can also sell online and ship within the state. Some: you can sell from your home. Check your state's specific rules before you sell anywhere.
State-by-state quick reference (major states)
California (Homemade Food Operations Act)
Sales up to $75,000/year allowed. Can sell at farmers markets, online, and direct from home. Class A license (no inspection) or Class B (allows indirect sales). Registration required.
Texas
Sales up to $50,000/year. Direct sales only (no internet or mail). Includes a wide variety of foods. No registration required for most cottage food sales.
Florida
Direct sales only. No sales cap. Can sell at farmers markets, roadside stands, home delivery. Must have proper labeling.
New York
Recent law expanded cottage food. Sales up to $50,000/year. Farmers markets and direct-to-consumer. Registration with the Department of Agriculture required.
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Check your city's rules too
Even if your state allows cottage food sales, your city may have additional restrictions — things like client visits, signage, or limits on the volume of deliveries. City approval doesn't automatically come with state approval.
Quick answers
Etsy allows cottage food listings in most states. However, many states' cottage food laws prohibit shipping food across state lines. Selling online within your state may be allowed — selling to out-of-state buyers may not be.
Some states require it for cottage food sellers. Others don't. Check your specific state's cottage food rules.
Usually no. Cottage food laws generally require direct-to-consumer sales only. Selling to restaurants or through retail stores typically requires a commercial kitchen and a full food manufacturing license.
You'll need to move your production to a licensed commercial kitchen. This triggers full food service licensing requirements — health permits, commercial kitchen certification, etc.
⚠️ Not legal advice. Rules vary by location and change frequently. Always verify with your city, county, or state office before taking any action.
⚠️ Heads up: This site explains business licensing in plain English. Not legal advice. Rules change. Always verify with your actual city or state office. Affiliate disclosure.