Plenty of farmers are selling their products on their farms to increase their customers. Many of these products require a food permit that the farmer must obtain before selling. On the other hand, there are several products that farmers can sell without a permit by following the cottage food law.
What is the Cottage Food Law?
The cottage food law of Florida allows unlicensed operators (People without a food permit) to sell certain food products with a low risk of foodborne diseases. Cottage food operators can sell these food products directly to consumers (online, by mail order, or in person) as long as their sales do not exceed $250,000 annually. These products must be prepared in the cottage food operator’s kitchen. Although cottage food operators do not need a permit, they need to comply with everything written in the cottage food laws. For more information about the cottage food law click here.
What Products are Considered Under the Cottage Food Law?
The following is a list of the products that can be sold under the Florida Cottage Food Law:
- Loaf breads, rolls, and biscuits.
- Cakes, pastries, and cookies that do not require refrigeration.
UF/IFAS Agents teaching at Southwest Florida Small Farmers Network Meeting 2021 at Rosy Tomorrows Heritage Farm, Fort Myers. Photo by Jessica Ryals - Candies and confections
- Honey
- Jams, jellies, and preserves (only from acid-fruits only).
- Fruit pies and dried fruits.
- Dry herbs, seasoning, and mixtures.
- Homemade pasta.
- Cereals, trail mixes, and granola.
- Coated or uncoated nuts.
- Vinegar and flavored vinegars.
- Popcorn and popcorn balls.
- Nut butters.
Small Farm Equipment
For a small farm, having the right equipment is important for efficiency and profitability. The right tools can significantly reduce labor time, enhance farm productivity, ensure that crops are planted, and in some cases harvested, efficiently. Knowing what kinds of equipment to invest in and how to maintain them can also help small farms stay competitive.
Southwest Florida Small Farmers Network (SWFSFN)
The Southwest Florida Small Farmers Network (SWFSFN) is a group composed of UF/IFAS agents from the Southwest Region that connects growers to a resource network focused on diversified and sustainable farming systems. We help established farmers and new or beginner farmers from the counties of Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pasco, Polk, Pinellas, and Sarasota with any production, marketing, and management needs they may have with their agricultural commodities and help them solve problems to improve any aspects of their farms and product quality. For more information about the SWFSFN click here.
2024 Fall Southwest Florida Small Farmer Network Meeting
On Thursday, September 26 from 9:00 am – 12:30 pm, the SWFSN will be hosting a meeting at Stalk and Vine on 39 (14923 South County Road 39 Lithia, FL 33547) located in Hillsborough County. This meeting will focus on production methods, small-farm equipment, and marketing strategies for small-scale farms. There will be a presentation on the Cottage Food Law, then representatives from other agencies will give an overview of their roles and how they can work with small-scale farmers. UF/IFAS Extension will be hosting lunch. This is a great networking opportunity to get to know representatives from local agencies as well as other farmers in the area! For Registration and more details about the meeting click here.
For more information about the Florida Cottage Food Laws access the following “Ask IFAS” publication:
For information about Florida Small Farms click here.
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