Counting Down, 9 Days Until...

Yesterday was a historic day in the cake world, 

at least for us here in Florida! 

Governor Rick Scott signed the bill that allows (i.e. makes it LEGAL) for us to bake and sell cakes and other goodies from our homes effective July 1st! 

There are, of course, going to be requirements and restrictions. This is what we know so far, taken from the bill itself...

1. Annual gross sales of cottage food products can not exceed $15,000

2. A cottage food operation may not sell or offer for sale cottage food products over the Internet, by mail order, or at wholesale. (However, you can have a website to advertise and showcase your products.)

3. A cottage food operation may only sell cottage food products which are prepackaged with a label affixed that contains the following information:

(a) The name and address of the cottage food operation.
(b) The name of the cottage food product.
(c) The ingredients of the cottage food product, in descending order of predominance by weight.

(d) The net weight or net volume of the cottage food product.

(e) Allergen information as specified by federal labeling requirements.

(f) If any nutritional claim is made, appropriate nutritional information as specified by federal labeling requirements.
(g) The following statement printed in at least 10-point type in a color that provides a clear contrast to the background of the label: "Made in a cottage food operation that is not subject to Florida's food safety regulations."

4. A cottage food operation may only sell cottage food products that it stores on the premises of the cottage food operation.

5. This section does not exempt a cottage food operation from any state or federal tax law, rule, regulation, or certificate that applies to all cottage food operations.

6. A cottage food operation must comply with all applicable county and municipal laws and ordinances regulating the preparation, processing, storage, and sale of cottage food products by a cottage food operation or from a person's residence.

7.(a) The department may investigate any complaint which alleges that a cottage food operation has violated an applicable provision of this chapter or rule adopted under this chapter.

(b) Only upon receipt of a complaint, the department's authorized officer or employee may enter and inspect the premises of a cottage food operation to determine compliance with this chapter and department rules, as applicable. A cottage food operation's refusal to permit the department's authorized officer or employee entry to the premises or to conduct the inspection is grounds for disciplinary action pursuant to s. 500.121.

8. This section does not apply to a person operating under a food permit issued pursuant to s. 500.12.

*For any additional information, please contact the Department of Agriculture after the effective date.

This is amazing!!! It opens new doors for all of us, while allowing us to make a little (or a lot of) extra money, which is always good!

One of the added benefits of making a little extra dough (pun intended), is that you can take classes to learn advanced techniques and up your skill level. This knowledge puts you a step ahead with your customers and allows you to make extra money from them in return, making the classes pay for themselves! 

There are various classes throughout the country and Florida, but traveling can get costly. If you want to learn in the Jacksonville area, your only option is the SAGNFL classes, hosted by our President, Jane! She features a different class or two each month. For the full list of classes, check our our Class Schedule.

Good luck to everyone out there 

in their new, legal caking adventures!!!