Do I need a permit to sell cottage food?

It depends on your state. Some states (Florida, Texas, Ohio) don't require any permit. Others (Washington, New Jersey, Illinois) require a kitchen inspection or registration. Check your state's page above for the exact rule.

Can I ship cottage food to other states?

Usually no. Cottage food laws are state-level exemptions and almost always require in-state direct sales. Interstate shipping moves you under federal FDA rules, which require a commercial facility.

What is the cottage food sales limit?

It varies widely. Florida's limit is $250,000/year, California allows up to $150,000 with a Class B permit, Colorado caps at $10,000 per product, and many states have no limit at all.

What foods are typically allowed?

Cookies, breads, muffins, pies (fruit-only), jams, jellies, granola, dry herb and spice blends, hard candies, chocolates, roasted coffee, and dried pasta are allowed in most states.

The complete state guide

Cottage Food Laws by State

Every US state's cottage food rules in one place — permits, sales limits, allowed foods, labeling, and where to verify with your state agency.

Cottage food laws let home cooks and bakers legally sell certain non-hazardous foods made in a home kitchen — without renting a commercial space. Every state writes its own rules, so the foods you can sell, how much you can earn, and what permits you need all depend on where you live.

This guide breaks down cottage food laws state-by-state so you can find your rules in under a minute, then move on to actually building your home food business.

What is a cottage food law?

A cottage food law is a state-level exemption that allows home producers to make certain shelf-stable foods in their home kitchen and sell them directly to consumers. The exemption typically skips the commercial-kitchen requirement and reduces inspections, but in exchange it limits which foods you can sell, how much you can earn, and how you can sell.

Most states allow baked goods, jams, candies, dry mixes, and roasted coffee
Most states prohibit meat, dairy, and anything that needs refrigeration
Annual sales limits range from $5,000 to unlimited depending on the state
Direct-to-consumer sales (in-state) are nearly always required

How to choose your state's rules

Pick your state below to see the law name, sales limit, permit requirements, labeling rules, and the official state resource where you can verify the latest details. Laws are updated every year, so always confirm with your state's Department of Health or Department of Agriculture before launching.

How FoodDropr fits in

Once you know your state allows you to sell from home, you still need a clean way to take orders, collect payment, and run pickup days. FoodDropr gives home food sellers a simple mobile storefront — customers preorder during your weekly drop window, you batch your prep, and they pick up on your scheduled day. It works the way cottage food businesses actually run.