Cottage Food Laws by State
Whether home-baked or low-risk foods may be sold direct-to-consumer, the annual sales cap, and whether a permit, license, or food-safety training is required.
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| Allowed | Sales Cap | Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | $20,000/yr | Food handler card |
| Yes | $25,000/yr | No (label required) |
| Yes | No cap | Food handler training |
| Yes | No cap | No |
| Yes (Class A/B) | $75,000 (A) / $150,000 (B) | Yes (county registration) |
| Yes | $10,000/product | Food safety course |
| Yes | $25,000/yr | Yes (DCP registration) |
| Yes | $40,000/yr | Yes (DOH inspection) |
| Yes | $250,000/yr | No |
| Yes | No cap (license-based) | Yes (cottage food license) |
| Limited | Local farmers' markets | Varies |
| Yes | No cap | No |
| Yes | $36,000/yr (some), no cap (HF Act) | Food sanitation cert |
| Yes (Home-Based Vendor) | No cap | No |
| Yes | $35,000/yr (perishables) | Varies by product |
| Yes | No cap | No |
| Yes | $60,000/yr | Home-based processor reg |
| Yes | $30,000/yr | No (label required) |
| Yes (Food Sovereignty) | Local ordinance based | Varies (often none) |
| Yes | $25,000/yr | No |
| Yes (residential kitchen) | No cap | Yes (board of health) |
| Yes | $25,000/yr | No |
| Yes | $78,000/yr | Food safety training |
| Yes | $35,000/yr | No |
| Yes | No cap (Home Bakery) | No |
| Yes (Local Food Choice) | No cap | No (intra-state direct) |
| Yes | No cap | Food handler permit |
| Yes | $35,000/yr | Yes (registration) |
| Yes | $20,000/yr (no license) | License above $20k |
| Yes (since 2021) | $50,000/yr | Yes (DOH permit) |
| Yes | No cap | Food handler permit |
| Yes (Home Processor) | No cap | Yes (Ag & Markets) |
| Yes (Home Processor) | No cap | Yes (NCDA inspection) |
| Yes | No cap | No |
| Yes | No cap | No (label required) |
| Yes (Homemade Food Freedom) | $75,000/yr | Food safety training |
| Yes (Domestic Kitchen) | $20,000/yr | License required |
| Yes (Limited Food Estab.) | No cap | Yes (PDA registration) |
| Yes (Cottage Food) | No cap | Yes (DOH license) |
| Yes | No cap | No |
| Yes | No cap | No |
| Yes (Domestic Kitchen) | No cap | No |
| Yes | $50,000/yr | Food handler course |
| Yes (Home Consumption Permit) | No cap | Yes ($120 permit) |
| Yes (Home Caterer) | $6,500/yr (low risk) | Above cap = license |
| Yes | No cap (direct sales) | No |
| Yes | $25,000/yr | Yes (WSDA permit ~$230) |
| Yes | No cap | No |
| Yes (court ordered 2017) | No cap (baked goods) | No |
| Yes (Food Freedom Act) | No cap | No |
| Yes (Cottage Food Act) | $25,000/yr | Yes (DOH cert) |
Cottage food laws cover only 'non-potentially hazardous' foods (typically baked goods, jams, dry mixes). Meat, dairy, and canned low-acid foods almost always require a commercial kitchen. Wyoming, Maine, Utah, and others have broader 'food freedom' laws extending to a wider range of products.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.