Many farmers sell products directly from their farms to reach more customers. Some of these items require a food permit, but others can be sold without one under Florida’s Cottage Food Law.

What is the Cottage Food Law?
Florida’s Cottage Food Law allows individuals to sell low-risk food products without a permit, provided they follow specific guidelines. These products must be made in a home kitchen and sold directly to consumers (in person, online, or by mail), with annual sales not exceeding $250,000. Compliance with all law requirements is mandatory. For more information on Cottage Food Laws, click here.

Approved Cottage Food Products Include:

• Breads, rolls, and biscuits
• Cakes, cookies, and pastries (non-refrigerated)
• Candies and confections
• Honey
• Fruit-based jams, jellies, and preserves
• Fruit pies and dried fruits
• Dry herbs, spices, and blends
• Homemade pasta
• Cereal, granola, and trail mix
• Coated/uncoated nuts
• Vinegars and flavored vinegars
• Popcorn and popcorn balls
• Nut butters

Irrigation and Water Best Management Practices (BMPs)

Water management is a major concern in farming, as poor irrigation and runoff practices can lead to pollution, nutrient loss, and reduced crop quality. To address this, Florida farmers are encouraged to implement water Best Management Practices (BMPs), which are scientifically-backed methods designed to protect water quality and reduce nonpoint source pollution. These BMPs, promoted by agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), offer benefits such as cost-sharing opportunities, improved farm efficiency, and compliance with water quality standards laws. Examples of water BMPs include irrigation and nutrient management, erosion control, stormwater planning, integrated pest management, and proper waste handling to safeguard both farm productivity and surrounding ecosystems. For more information about water BMPs, click here.

Farm Equipment

For small farms, having the appropriate equipment is essential to improving efficiency and ensuring long-term profitability. The right tools can significantly reduce labor requirements, enhance overall productivity, and streamline key processes such as planting, and in some cases, harvesting. Additionally, understanding which equipment to invest in and how to properly maintain it, plays a critical role in helping small farms remain competitive in a demanding agricultural market.

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.

2025 Spring Southwest Florida Small Farmer Network Meeting

On Wednesday, May 21 from 8:30 am – 1:00 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 and water BMPs, 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: Cottage Food in Florida

For more information about water BMPs, access the following “Ask IFAS” publication: Drip Irrigation: The BMP Era—An Integrated Approach to Water and Fertilizer Management for Vegetables Grown with Plasticulture

For information about Florida Small Farms click here.

University Of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

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