How to Start a Home Bakery in Florida

Florida has one of the most welcoming cottage food laws in the country — no permit, no registration, and a $250,000 sales cap. If you can bake, you can start a home bakery. Here's the step-by-step.

Starting a home bakery in Florida, step by step

  1. 1. Understand the cottage food law

    Florida Statute §500.80 lets you sell non-hazardous baked goods directly to consumers from your home kitchen — no permit, registration, or inspection — up to $250,000 in gross annual sales.

  2. 2. Confirm there's nothing to file

    Unlike many states, Florida requires no application or registration to begin. You can start as soon as you're ready, as long as you sell directly to consumers.

  3. 3. Decide what to bake

    Stick to shelf-stable items: cookies, breads, bars, fruit pies, candy, jams, and dry mixes. Anything that needs refrigeration isn't allowed.

  4. 4. Label every product correctly

    Florida labels need your operation's name and address, the product name, ingredients in descending order by weight, net weight, allergen info, and the required cottage-food disclaimer in at least 10-point type.

  5. 5. Price for profit

    Cover ingredients, your time, packaging, and platform fees — then check what comparable local bakers charge. Don't underprice; specialty homemade goods command a premium.

  6. 6. Find your first customers

    Start with the people who already love your baking, then list on Ovendrop so local buyers searching for homemade goods can find and order from you for pickup.

What you'll need to get started

Florida's barrier to entry is about as low as it gets: a home kitchen, ingredients, basic packaging, and compliant labels. No rent, no lease, no permit, no inspection.

Your biggest early decisions are what to specialize in and how to price it — the steps above cover both.

List your home bakery and start taking local pickup orders.

Ready to sell? Start your Ovendrop storefront

Next steps

Sell your baked goods online in FloridaFlorida cottage food lawHow Ovendrop works

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to start a home bakery in Florida?

Very little. Florida requires no permit, registration, or commercial kitchen, so your main costs are ingredients and packaging.

Do I need a permit to sell home-baked goods in Florida?

No. Florida's cottage food law (FS §500.80) requires no permit, registration, or inspection to sell non-hazardous baked goods directly to consumers.

Where can I sell my baked goods once I start?

Directly to consumers — at home, at markets and events, online for pickup, and even shipped within Florida. Listing on Ovendrop lets local buyers find and order from you for pickup.

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Cottage food laws change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your state's official resources before selling.