Every state lets you cook and sell certain low-risk foods from your own kitchen — but the sales caps, food handler requirements, and registration steps are different everywhere. Here's the real, sourced answer for each state we cover.
"Cottage food" laws are state-level exemptions that let home cooks and bakers make and sell certain low-risk foods — baked goods, jams and jellies, candy, dry mixes, and similar shelf-stable items — without building out a licensed commercial kitchen. Every state writes its own version, and the differences are bigger than most people expect: some states cap your annual sales at $50,000, others go up to $250,000, and several have no cap at all. Some require a food handler card or a stricter food safety certification before you can start; others require nothing more than a label. This guide compares all 12 states we cover side by side, sourced directly from each state's own department of agriculture or health.
🏠 If you're deciding whether you personally need a food handler card for a home food business, read Do Home Bakers Need a Food Handler Card? for the general picture, then check your specific state below for the details.
| State | Sales Cap | Food Handler Card | Registration | Home Inspection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $88,878–$177,756/yr | Required | County (Class A/B) | Class B only |
| Texas | $150,000/yr | Required | No permit/fee | None |
| Florida | $250,000/yr | Not Required | None (exempt) | Complaint-only |
| New York | No Cap Stated | Not Required | Free (FSI-898c) | Complaint-only |
| Pennsylvania | None Stated | Not Required | Required, $35/yr | Required |
| Illinois | No Cap | CFPM required (not basic card) | Required, ≤$50/yr | Complaint-only |
| Ohio | No Cap | Not Required | Not Required | Not Required |
| Georgia | No Cap | Required (effectively) | Free ID Number | Not Required |
| North Carolina | No Cap | Mostly Not Required | Required | Required |
| Michigan | $50,000–$75,000/yr | Not Required | Not Required | Not Required |
| New Jersey | $50,000/yr | Food Protection Manager Cert Required | Required, $100/2yr | Complaint-only |
| Virginia | No cap (low-risk); $9,000/yr (acidified) | Not Required | None | Not Required |
Figures current as of August 2026 and sourced from each state's own agency page — see the individual state guide for citations and details. Sales caps and rules change; verify with your state before you start selling.
A cottage food law is a state exemption that lets people make and sell certain low-risk foods — baked goods, jams, candy, and similar shelf-stable items — from their own home kitchen without a full commercial food license. Every state runs its own version, with different sales caps, registration steps, and training requirements.
It depends entirely on the state. California, Texas, Georgia, and Illinois effectively require food safety training or certification for cottage food operators. Florida, New York, Ohio, North Carolina, Michigan, and Virginia do not. Check your specific state's page for the current rule before you start selling.
Many states cap gross annual cottage food sales, but the amount varies widely — from around $50,000 in Michigan and New Jersey up to $250,000 in Florida — and several states we cover, including New York, Ohio, Georgia, and North Carolina, have no stated cap at all.
Almost never without extra steps. Most state cottage food exemptions only cover sales within that state, and shipping food across state lines can trigger federal FDA oversight regardless of what your home state allows. Confirm with your state agency before shipping out of state.
Selling food outside your state's cottage food exemption, or want certification even where it's not required? Find approved food handler courses for your state.
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