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Common Questions
Starting a food business from home
Do I need a license to sell food from home?
It depends on your state. Many states — like Florida, Texas, and Ohio — require no license or permit for cottage food sales under a certain revenue threshold. Others require registration with your local health department. Select your state in the tool above to see the exact requirements.
What counts as a cottage food product?
Cottage food generally refers to non-potentially-hazardous foods made in a home kitchen — items that don't need refrigeration to stay safe. This includes baked goods, jams, candies, granola, honey, dried herbs, and more. Meat, dairy, and cream-filled pastries are typically excluded because they require refrigeration.
How much can I make selling food from home?
Revenue caps vary widely by state — from $25,000/year in some states up to $250,000/year in Florida and Colorado. A handful of states have no cap at all. Your earnings depend on your product, pricing, and sales volume. Use the Pricing Calculator on this site to model out your specific numbers.
Where can I sell my cottage food products?
Common sales channels include farmers markets, porch/home pickup, online orders with local delivery, roadside stands, and farm stands. Some states also allow sales at retail stores or through online platforms that facilitate in-person pickup. Shipping across state lines is generally not permitted under cottage food laws.
How accurate is the AI business plan?
The legal and pricing data come from our verified cottage food database, updated regularly. The 'First 5 Steps' section is generated by Claude (Anthropic's AI) based on your specific state, product, and selling preferences — it's personalized guidance, not a legal opinion. Always verify your state's current rules at your state's Department of Agriculture website before selling.
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