Q and A

For those of you that may have questions about the Cottage Food Act that recently passed, I'll post another email from Barbara Schmal.

She says,

"First of all thank you so much for all the kind words.  I am glad I was able to help get the Cottage Food Act passed in Florida.  It appears there is still confusion what is allowed and what isn't allowed for you to do.  I copied the bill as it states on the Senate website.  Everything in RED Bold is what you need to follow.  Once the bill becomes effective in July, if you have any questions you will need to contact one of the following departments: Dept of Agriculture, Dept of Business and Professional Regulations and Dept of Health.

 

What it comes down to is.

 

1,  NO Licensing NO Inspections of our kitchens (unless there is a compliant).

2.  Gross Sales $15,000 annually.

3.  Proper Labeling and packaged.  (Again, use your judgment, if you can't box a wedding cake include this information in their contract.)

4. Cannot sell your goodies on the "Internet, Mail Order or Wholesale" (you can have a website to advertise and promote yourself but, cannot have a shopping cart) 
5. Labeling:

   

(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, 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 945 requirements. 

(f) If any nutritional claim is made, appropriate nutritional information as specified by federal labeling  requirements. 

(g)  This must be on your label

"Made in a cottage food operation that is not subject to Florida's food safety regulations."

The above is a quick reference for you and the attached document is more detailed.  I feel the state made it pretty simple.  There isn't anywhere in the bill that states you cannot sell at Flea Markets or Farmers Markets.  The state did not state that only certain types of foods can be made in a cottage food kitchen.  So I feel we are very lucky.  Some of you feel $15,000 isn't enough well, if you are making more than that then it maybe time for you to move up.  If you move into a commercial kitchen or rent a space than the above rules and regulations do not apply.  You have to follow the Food Establishment requirements and regulations.

I hope this helps."

 This may not answer all of your questions, but it will help you start out. 

Also, you can read the document she had attached here.