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State-by-State Cottage Food Laws

Navigate the complex landscape of cottage food regulations with our comprehensive state-by-state reference guide. Updated regularly to reflect the latest law changes.

Find Your State's Laws

Important Legal Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Cottage food laws change frequently. Always verify current regulations with your state and local health departments before starting your business.

Understanding Cottage Food Laws

Key factors that vary by state

💰

Income Limits

Range from $15,000 to $50,000+ annually, or unlimited in some states

🏪

Sales Locations

From home-only to farmers markets, retail stores, and online sales

🍞

Allowed Foods

Typically non-potentially hazardous foods like baked goods and preserves

📋

Requirements

Permits, training, labeling, and kitchen inspection requirements

Select Your State

Click on your state to view specific cottage food laws and requirements

Alabama

Income Limit:$20,000
Online Sales:Yes

Alaska

Income Limit:$25,000
Online Sales:Limited

Arizona

Income Limit:Unlimited
Online Sales:Yes

Arkansas

Income Limit:$8,000
Online Sales:No

California

Income Limit:$50,000
Online Sales:Yes

Colorado

Income Limit:$10,000
Online Sales:Yes

Connecticut

Income Limit:$25,000
Online Sales:Yes

Delaware

Income Limit:$27,500
Online Sales:Limited

Florida

Income Limit:$50,000
Online Sales:Yes

Georgia

Income Limit:$10,000
Online Sales:Limited

Hawaii

Income Limit:$35,000
Online Sales:No

Idaho

Income Limit:$30,000
Online Sales:Yes

Illinois

Income Limit:$25,000
Online Sales:Limited

Indiana

Income Limit:$50,000
Online Sales:Yes

Iowa

Income Limit:$25,000
Online Sales:Limited

Kansas

Income Limit:$20,000
Online Sales:Limited

Kentucky

Income Limit:$50,000
Online Sales:Yes

Louisiana

Income Limit:$20,000
Online Sales:Limited

Maine

Income Limit:$27,000
Online Sales:Yes

Maryland

Income Limit:$15,000
Online Sales:Limited

Massachusetts

Income Limit:$25,000
Online Sales:Limited

Michigan

Income Limit:$25,000
Online Sales:Yes

Minnesota

Income Limit:$18,000
Online Sales:Yes

Mississippi

Income Limit:$20,000
Online Sales:Limited

Missouri

Income Limit:$50,000
Online Sales:Limited

Montana

Income Limit:$50,000
Online Sales:Yes

Nebraska

Income Limit:$20,000
Online Sales:Limited

Nevada

Income Limit:$35,000
Online Sales:Limited

New Hampshire

Income Limit:$20,000
Online Sales:Limited

New Jersey

Income Limit:$50,000
Online Sales:No

New Mexico

Income Limit:$60,000
Online Sales:Yes

New York

Income Limit:$25,000
Online Sales:Limited

North Carolina

Income Limit:$35,000
Online Sales:Limited

North Dakota

Income Limit:$50,000
Online Sales:Yes

Ohio

Income Limit:$25,000
Online Sales:Yes

Oklahoma

Income Limit:$20,000
Online Sales:Yes

Oregon

Income Limit:$20,000
Online Sales:Yes

Pennsylvania

Income Limit:$50,000
Online Sales:No

Rhode Island

Income Limit:$25,000
Online Sales:Limited

South Carolina

Income Limit:$27,000
Online Sales:Limited

South Dakota

Income Limit:Unlimited
Online Sales:Yes

Tennessee

Income Limit:$50,000
Online Sales:Limited

Texas

Income Limit:$50,000
Online Sales:Yes

Utah

Income Limit:$15,000
Online Sales:Yes

Vermont

Income Limit:$125,000
Online Sales:Limited

Virginia

Income Limit:$25,000
Online Sales:Limited

Washington

Income Limit:$25,000
Online Sales:Limited

West Virginia

Income Limit:$25,000
Online Sales:Limited

Wisconsin

Income Limit:$50,000
Online Sales:Yes

Wyoming

Income Limit:$50,000
Online Sales:Yes
Permissive Laws
Moderate Restrictions
Restrictive Laws

Example: California Cottage Food Laws

One of the most permissive cottage food states

✅ What's Allowed

  • • Annual income up to $50,000
  • • Online sales and shipping within California
  • • Sales at farmers markets, festivals, and events
  • • Direct sales from home
  • • Sales to restaurants for resale
  • • Wide variety of non-potentially hazardous foods
  • • No special kitchen requirements for Class A

📋 Requirements

  • • Cottage Food Operator permit
  • • Food handler certification
  • • Proper labeling with required information
  • • Class B requires commercial kitchen
  • • Record keeping for income tracking
  • • Cannot make potentially hazardous foods
  • • No shipping outside of California

📞 California Resources

Official Information

  • • California Department of Public Health
  • • Local Environmental Health Department
  • • County-specific requirements may apply

Getting Started

  • • Complete food handler training
  • • Apply for cottage food permit
  • • Review labeling requirements

Common Requirements Across States

What most cottage food laws have in common

Allowed Foods

✓ Generally Allowed

  • • Baked goods (cookies, cakes, breads)
  • • Jams, jellies, preserves
  • • Granola and trail mixes
  • • Candies and confections
  • • Dried herbs and spices

✗ Generally Prohibited

  • • Fresh meat and poultry
  • • Dairy products
  • • Canned low-acid foods
  • • Foods requiring refrigeration

Labeling Requirements

  • • Product name and ingredients list
  • • Allergen information
  • • "Made in a home kitchen" statement
  • • Business name and address
  • • Net weight or quantity
  • • Date produced (some states)
  • • Permit number (if required)

General Restrictions

  • • Annual income limits
  • • Sales location restrictions
  • • No wholesale to out-of-state retailers
  • • Home kitchen storage requirements
  • • Record keeping obligations
  • • Insurance recommendations
  • • No employees in most states

Additional Resources

Where to find official information and support

Official Government Sources

  • • State Department of Agriculture
  • • State Health Department
  • • Local Environmental Health Dept
  • • County Extension Offices
  • • FDA Cottage Food Guidelines

Industry Organizations

  • • Specialty Food Association
  • • Institute of Food Technologists
  • • Local farmers market associations
  • • Small business development centers
  • • Cottage food advocacy groups

Professional Services

  • • Food safety consultants
  • • Small business attorneys
  • • Insurance agents familiar with food businesses
  • • Certified public accountants
  • • Food labeling specialists

Ready to Start Your Cottage Food Business?

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