You probably already know that the Florida Cottage Food Bill 7209 was signed by the Governor and passed on June 21st and the effective date is July 1, 2011.

The State of Florida now has a regulatory system for Cottage Food Operations that allows for the production of non potentially hazardous foods i.e. cakes, cookies, jams, jellies, breads, and dry mixes prepared in a personal residence using home kitchen appliances. Annual gross sales cannot exceed $15,000 and your products cannot be sold on the internet, mail order or wholesale, which includes such places as restaurants and retail outlets. There are food labeling requirements; and the Department of Agriculture has the authority to investigate home-based food operations if there is a legitimate complaint and enforce penalties for non compliance. Look, it's a start! Congrats Florida Bakers & Happy Baking!!!

Just an FYI! There are 3 states currently waiting on their Governors to sign and pass their state Cottage Food Laws. The states are Florida, Illinois and Texas (the bills are currently on the Governors' desk). The cottage food law in Washington state should go into effect in late July or early August (it was passed). Bakers are still trying to get support from legislators in California. Keeping your fingers crossed.

Happy Baking !

Denay

The governor signed the AZ Cottage Food Law on April 13th, and it is official. The law is tentatively scheduled to go into effect on July 20, 2011 and all rules and regulations should be posted on http://azleg.gov (bookmark & watch for updates).

Home-based baking is one of America's best-kept business secrets. This sleeper industry offers even novice bakers the opportunity to bake from home for profit using tried and true recipes and equipment already on hand. How to Start a Home-Based Bakery Business is the first book to cover every essential aspect of planning, starting, and running such a business successfully. Now available in bookstores nationwide and online at Amazon.com.

Hello -
I'm posting here again. :) Although I still check the email notifications I get from here, I don't get to visit the site as often as I'd like. Mainly due to the fact that when I get on the computer, it's to check email and Facebook, my blog and Twitter. My mother's computer crashed and she's been having to use mine. Not to mention we are moved now, to Costa Rica, from the U.S. I am posting here a couple of questions I have about starting a home-based bakery here.

We've been told that you can't find good baked goods here, and that the ones you find taste AWFUL. We've been here about three weeks (nearly) and my father doesn't have a job yet. We are going to be baking and selling our own baked goods (i.e. breads, cakes, cookies, and the like) for an income. We are looking for a house right now, preferably we want it on some land in a more rural setting than the city, where we can garden and maybe have some chickens and a cow for milk and eggs. (Milk is kind of expensive here, as is most dairy things.) This is what we're hoping anyway. We lived on 2-1/2 acres of land in the U.S. and moving to the city has been somewhat of an adjustment for us. Not to mention we have a large family. :)

So... what I would like to know is any tips and ideas you all might have for things we could sell here. I know there are endless things to bake - breads, cookies, cakes, pies, tarts and the like. If anyone on here has started something like a home-based bakery before I would love to know what you did. We are getting a logo for our products, and the needed info for pricing and such. I would appreciate all your help, if you would be so kind as to give it. :)

Shalom!
  -Rachel

I am currently seeking a seasoned home-based baker to participate in an upcoming webinar May-June-July-August 2010. The speaking points to be covered will be provided and you will be paid a stipend for your participation. If you would like to learn more please email me at denay@cooking with denay.com

" Michigan debates "cottage law" for homemade food sales visit:

http://www.sustainablefarmer.com/bblog/?p=174

Michigan State Representative working to allow  preparation of low risk foods. Tough economic times force governments to reexamine the rules and regulations regarding small home businesses as a way for citizens to earn income.