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VibeKitchen · Selling from home

Cottage food laws,state by state.

You can sell certain homemade foods in every state and DC, usually foods that keep at room temperature. Our summaries list 31 jurisdictions with no sales cap and 22 that require registration under the listed cottage food path. Confirm your menu and selling plans with the linked agency before taking orders.

. Each state shows when its rules were last checked.

What changes from state to state

Foods allowed

Some states list approved foods; others list exclusions. Check the food notes and agency link in your state’s section for your recipe, filling and storage needs.

Sales limit

Listed caps range from $10,000 to $250,000; 31 jurisdictions list no cap. The table shows whether each limit counts gross sales, net sales or sales per product.

License or registration

22 jurisdictions require registration under the listed cottage food path, with listed fees of $0–$355. Confirm the requirements for your menu with the agency.

How you can sell

46 jurisdictions allow online ordering under the listed path. Check the table’s online column, then your state’s section for in-state shipping and delivery rules.

All states A–Z

Gross sales are before expenses; net sales are after expenses. Choose a state for its food and delivery rules. ✓ means allowed; ✗ means not allowed under the listed path. Shipping rules refer to sales within the state.

Cottage food rules for all 50 states and DC
StateSales limitRegistrationOnline orders
AlabamaNo limitNot requiredYes
AlaskaNo limitRequiredYes
ArizonaNo limitRequiredYes
ArkansasNo limitNot requiredYes
California$88,878gross/yearRequiredYes
Colorado$10,000net/year per productNot requiredYes
Connecticut$50,000gross/yearRequiredYes
DelawareNo limitRequiredNo
District of ColumbiaNo limitRequiredYes
Florida$250,000gross/yearNot requiredYes
GeorgiaNo limitNot requiredYes
HawaiiNo limitNot requiredNo
IdahoNo limitNot requiredYes
IllinoisNo limitRequiredYes
IndianaNo limitNot requiredYes
IowaNo limitNot requiredYes
KansasNo limitNot requiredYes
Kentucky$60,000gross/yearRequiredYes
Louisiana$100,000gross/yearRequiredYes
MaineNo limitRequiredYes
Maryland$100,000gross/yearNot requiredYes
MassachusettsNo limitRequiredYes
Michigan$50,000gross/yearNot requiredYes
Minnesota$78,000gross/yearRequiredYes
Mississippi$35,000gross/yearNot requiredNo
MissouriNo limitNot requiredYes
MontanaNo limitNot requiredYes
NebraskaNo limitRequiredYes
Nevada$35,000gross/yearRequiredNo
New Hampshire$20,000gross/yearNot requiredNo
New Jersey$50,000gross/yearRequiredYes
New MexicoNo limitNot requiredYes
New YorkNo limitRequiredYes
North CarolinaNo limitRequiredYes
North DakotaNo limitNot requiredYes
OhioNo limitNot requiredYes
Oklahoma$75,000gross/yearNot requiredYes
Oregon$52,700gross/yearNot requiredYes
PennsylvaniaNo limitRequiredYes
Rhode Island$50,000gross/yearRequiredYes
South CarolinaNo limitNot requiredYes
South DakotaNo limitNot requiredYes
TennesseeNo limitNot requiredYes
Texas$150,000gross/yearNot requiredYes
UtahNo limitRequiredYes
Vermont$30,000gross/yearRequiredYes
VirginiaNo limitNot requiredYes
Washington$35,000gross/yearRequiredYes
West VirginiaNo limitNot requiredYes
WisconsinNo limitNot requiredYes
Wyoming$250,000gross/yearNot requiredYes

Do you need a cottage food license?

There is no national cottage food license. Your state may require registration, a permit or no filing for the foods you plan to sell; a city or county business license is a separate question.

  1. Find your state and check its menu, sales cap, labels and sales channels, plus any training or inspection requirements.
  2. Use the agency link in your state’s section to apply if required. Confirm your recipes and proposed pickup, market, shipping or delivery plans.
  3. Save the approval, note any renewal date, and keep your registration number for labels where required. Check local business licensing and zoning separately.

Listed registration fees range from $0 to $355 where registration is required. Confirm with the agency: training, inspections and local charges may be separate.

Selling meals or plates

Most cottage food paths focus on foods that keep at room temperature. Our state summaries list 15 jurisdictions with a separate prepared-food path, whose permits, menus and local availability vary. California’s MEHKO home-kitchen program is one example; use your state’s agency link to check the path for your meals.

What cottage food rules don’t cover

  • Shipping across state lines: federal food rules and the receiving state’s requirements also apply.
  • A city or county business license: check with the local licensing office.
  • Zoning, a lease or HOA restrictions on running a business at home.
  • Sales tax: check your state revenue department’s rules for your products and sales channels.
  • Pet treats: check the separate animal-food requirements.

Alabama

Researched

No registration needed. Sales limit: No limit.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: Yes
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: Yes
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: foods that need refrigeration; meat; poultry; fish; shellfish; dairy products; custard pies; cream cheese fillings; garlic in oil; kombucha; beverages; raw cookie dough.

Confirm current rules with Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) - Cottage Food Operations.

↑ All states

Alaska

Researched

Registration required. Listed fee: $50; confirm it with the agency. Sales limit: No limit.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: Yes
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: No
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: seafood; fish; shellfish; raw milk; dairy products without the required approvals; game meat; animal fats or oils; cannabis or CBD; alcohol.

A separate path covers some prepared or temperature-controlled foods and requires a permit or registration.

Confirm current rules with Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation.

↑ All states

Arizona

Researched

Registration required. Sales limit: No limit.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: No
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: Yes
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: fish; shellfish; raw milk; acidified foods; fermented foods; beverages; cannabis or CBD; garlic in oil.

A separate path covers some prepared or temperature-controlled foods and requires a permit or registration.

Confirm current rules with Arizona Department of Health Services.

↑ All states

Arkansas

Researched

No registration needed. Sales limit: No limit.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: Yes
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: Yes
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: foods that need refrigeration; meat; poultry; seafood; fish; shellfish; dairy products; egg products; cut fruit or vegetables; cut leafy greens; cut tomatoes; cut melons; garlic in oil; raw seed sprouts; low-acid canned foods.

Confirm current rules with Arkansas Homemade Food Production Guidelines (May 2026).

↑ All states

California

Researched

Registration required. Listed fee: $100; confirm it with the agency. Sales limit: $88,878 gross/year. The Class A limit shown is for 2026; Class B permits allow $177,756 in gross sales per year.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: Yes
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: Yes
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: foods that need refrigeration; meat; poultry; dairy products; egg products; fish; shellfish; cut fruit or vegetables; canned foods; acidified foods; fermented foods; garlic in oil; cannabis or CBD.

A separate path covers some prepared or temperature-controlled foods and requires a permit or registration. Its limit is $110,442 in gross sales per year. Daily limit: 30 meals. Read the California MEHKO guide for local permits and the weekly meal limit.

Confirm current rules with CDPH Cottage Food Operations page.

Full California guide →↑ All states

Colorado

Researched

No registration needed. Sales limit: $10,000 net/year per product.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: Yes
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: Ask agency
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: foods that need refrigeration; meat; poultry; dairy products; egg products; fish; shellfish; cut fruit or vegetables; cream, custard, or meringue fillings; beverages; sauces; pumpkin pie; sweet potato pie; cannabis or CBD.

Through December 2026, the limit is $10,000 in net revenue per product per year. On January 1, 2027, it becomes $150,000 in gross revenue per producer per year, adjusted for inflation. Annual CDPHE registration also starts then. The new rules allow one food type needing temperature control, with up to five variations, after the required training. Meat must be inspected or meet an inspection exemption. Enacted law.

Confirm current rules with Colorado DPHE Cottage Foods Act overview.

↑ All states

Connecticut

Researched

Registration required. Listed fee: $50; confirm it with the agency. Sales limit: $50,000 gross/year.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: No
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: Ask agency
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: foods that need refrigeration; meat; poultry; dairy products; egg products; fish; shellfish; cut fruit or vegetables; pumpkin pie; cream filled pastries; cheesecake; canned vegetables; acidified foods; pickles; fermented foods; cannabis or CBD.

Confirm current rules with Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection - Cottage Food.

↑ All states

Delaware

Researched

Registration required. Listed fee: $30; confirm it with the agency. Sales limit: No limit.

  • Online orders: No
  • Shipping: No
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: Ask agency
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: foods that need refrigeration; meat; poultry; dairy products; egg products; fish; shellfish; cut fruit or vegetables; low-acid canned foods.

Confirm current rules with Delaware DPH Office of Food Protection - Cottage Food Establishment Program.

↑ All states

District of Columbia

Researched

Registration required. Listed fee: $173; confirm it with the agency. Sales limit: No limit.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: Yes
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: Ask agency
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: foods that need refrigeration; meat; poultry; dairy products; egg products; fish; shellfish; cut fruit or vegetables; filled donuts; raw honey; cannabis or CBD.

Confirm current rules with DC Health - Cottage Food Businesses.

↑ All states

Florida

Researched

No registration needed. Sales limit: $250,000 gross/year.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: Yes
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: Ask agency
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: foods that need refrigeration; meat; poultry; fish; shellfish; dairy products; canned foods; acidified foods; fermented foods; garlic in oil; beverages; cut fruit or vegetables.

Confirm current rules with Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Full Florida guide →↑ All states

Georgia

Researched

No registration needed. Sales limit: No limit.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: Yes
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: Yes
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: foods that need refrigeration; meat; poultry; fish; shellfish; dairy products; egg products; cream or custard fillings; acidified foods; canned foods; beverages; cannabis or CBD.

Confirm current rules with Cottage Food Update: HB 398 FAQ (GA Dept of Agriculture).

↑ All states

Hawaii

Researched

No registration needed. Sales limit: No limit.

  • Online orders: No
  • Shipping: No
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: Yes
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: foods that need refrigeration; meat; poultry; dairy products; egg products; fish; shellfish; seafood; cut fruit or vegetables; canned foods; low-acid canned foods; dried meats; dried seafood; garlic in oil; juices.

Since June 8, 2026, a farm kitchen that meets the home-kitchen rules can use the same homemade-food path. Being on agricultural land alone does not require a commercial food permit; the food, label, and sales rules still apply.

Confirm current rules with Hawaii DOH Food Safety Code updates.

↑ All states

Idaho

Researched

No registration needed. Sales limit: No limit.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: Yes
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: Yes
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: meat without the required inspection or exemption; dairy products without the required approvals; alcoholic beverages; meals cooked or served on site for immediate eating.

The March 20, 2026 law covers shelf-stable and perishable foods. You can name an agent in writing to handle sales or delivery while you keep ownership. Keep the whole transaction within Idaho, give buyers safe-handling instructions for perishable foods, and check meat and dairy requirements before adding them to your menu.

Confirm current rules with Idaho Department of Health and Welfare - Food Safety.

↑ All states

Illinois

Researched

Registration required. Listed fee: $50; confirm it with the agency. Sales limit: No limit.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: Yes
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: No
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: foods that need refrigeration; meat; poultry; fish; shellfish; dairy products; egg products; pumpkin pies; custard pies; cheesecakes; cream pies; garlic in oil; low-acid canned foods; sprouts; cut leafy greens; cut fruit or vegetables; wild mushrooms; kombucha.

Confirm current rules with IL DPH CFPM Requirements.

↑ All states

Indiana

Researched

No registration needed. Sales limit: No limit.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: Yes
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: Yes
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: foods that need refrigeration; acidified foods; meat; poultry; fish; shellfish; dairy products; egg products; low-acid canned foods; pickles; salsas; fermented foods; kombucha; garlic in oil.

The home-based-vendor path above still covers shelf-stable foods. Since July 1, 2026, a separate homestead and small-farm path allows prepared foods and qualifying meat, with up to $1,500,000 in gross sales per year. Sell directly to buyers at your residential or agricultural property or a farmers market; meat must meet the raising, inspection, processing, and labeling rules.

Confirm current rules with Indiana Department of Health - Food Protection Division (Home-Based Vendors).

↑ All states

Iowa

Researched

No registration needed. Sales limit: No limit.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: Yes
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: Yes
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: foods that need refrigeration; meat; poultry; dairy products; egg products; fish; shellfish; cut fruit or vegetables; raw milk; unpasteurized juice.

Iowa separates shelf-stable cottage foods from its Home Food Processing Establishment path for certain perishable foods. Choose the path for your recipe before building the menu.

A separate path covers some prepared or temperature-controlled foods and requires a permit or registration. Its limit is $50,000 in gross sales per year.

Confirm current rules with Iowa DIAL Cottage Food Law guidance.

↑ All states

Kansas

Researched

No registration needed. Sales limit: No limit.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: Yes
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: Yes
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: foods that need refrigeration; acidified foods; fermented foods; canned foods; meat; poultry; dairy products; egg products; fish; shellfish; cut fruit or vegetables; raw doughs; juices; pickles; sauerkraut; kimchi; salsa.

In Kansas, check canned, fermented, and acidified products individually before offering them. A food that keeps on the shelf does not automatically fit the cottage food rules.

Confirm current rules with Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) - Food Sales at Farmers Markets and Similar Locations.

↑ All states

Kentucky

Researched

Registration required. Listed fee: $50; confirm it with the agency. Sales limit: $60,000 gross/year.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: No
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: No
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: foods that need refrigeration; meat; poultry; fish; shellfish; dairy products; cream cheese frostings; custards; egg products; cream pies; cheesecakes; cooked vegetables; garlic in oil; beverages; cannabis or CBD.

Confirm current rules with Kentucky CHFS - Home-Based Processing and Microprocessing.

↑ All states

Louisiana

Researched

Registration required. Sales limit: $100,000 gross/year.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: No
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: Ask agency
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: meat; poultry; fish; shellfish; dairy products; low acid canned foods; fermented foods; beverages; garlic in oil; cannabis or CBD; cut fruit or vegetables.

The higher limit took effect August 1, 2026. The exemption ends when gross annual sales reach $100,000, so plan your next permit before reaching that amount.

Confirm current rules with Louisiana Department of Health - Food Safety (Bureau of Sanitarian Services).

↑ All states

Maine

Researched

Registration required. Listed fee: $20; confirm it with the agency. Sales limit: No limit.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: Yes
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: Ask agency
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: foods that need refrigeration; meat; poultry; dairy products; egg products; fish; shellfish; cut fruit or vegetables; cream fillings; custard; low-acid canned foods; pressure canned foods; dried meat or jerky; fermented foods.

Confirm current rules with Maine Dept of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) - Home Food Manufacturing licensing.

↑ All states

Maryland

Researched

No registration needed. Sales limit: $100,000 gross/year.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: Yes
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: Ask agency
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: foods that need refrigeration; meat; poultry; dairy products; egg products; fish; shellfish; cut fruit or vegetables; canned vegetables; pickled eggs; cream cheese.

Maryland raised its limit to $100,000 in gross annual cottage food sales on October 1, 2026. Keep a running total of customer payments before subtracting your costs.

Confirm current rules with Maryland Department of Health - Cottage Food Business webpage.

↑ All states

Massachusetts

Researched

Registration required. Listed fee: $150; confirm it with the agency. Sales limit: No limit.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: Yes
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: Ask agency
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: foods that need refrigeration; meat; poultry; dairy products; egg products; fish; shellfish; cut fruit or vegetables; cream filled pastries; cheesecake; custard pies; cream pies; acidified foods; fermented foods; low-acid canned foods; foods preserved by hot filling; vacuum-sealed foods; cured foods; foods preserved by smoking.

Start with your local Board of Health. It issues residential kitchen permits under Massachusetts’ 105 CMR 590 framework, so the application and fee depend on your town.

Confirm current rules with Massachusetts DPH - Residential Kitchen Q&A (statewide 105 CMR 590 framework; local Boards of Health issue residential-kitchen permits).

↑ All states

Michigan

Researched

No registration needed. Sales limit: $50,000 gross/year.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: Yes
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: Yes
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: foods that need refrigeration; dairy products; cheese; yogurt; butter; cream cheese frosting; custards; puddings; meat; poultry; fish; shellfish; jerky; pumpkin pies; custard pies; cream filled pastries.

Confirm current rules with MDARD Cottage Food Information.

↑ All states

Minnesota

Researched

Registration required. Listed fee: $50; confirm it with the agency. Sales limit: $78,000 gross/year.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: No
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: No
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: foods that need refrigeration; dairy products; cheese; yogurt; butter; cream cheese frosting; custards; puddings; meat; poultry; fish; shellfish; jerky; low-acid canned foods; kombucha; cannabis or CBD; cream filled baked goods.

Confirm current rules with MDA Cottage Food Producer Registration.

↑ All states

Mississippi

Researched

No registration needed. Sales limit: $35,000 gross/year.

  • Online orders: No
  • Shipping: No
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: No
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: foods that need refrigeration; meat; poultry; fish; shellfish; dairy products; custard pies; egg products; cooked vegetables; cooked potatoes; cooked rice; cooked beans; raw sprouts; sliced melons; garlic in oil; nut butters; beverages; low acid canned foods; cannabis or CBD.

Confirm current rules with Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) - Cottage Food Operations.

↑ All states

Missouri

Researched

No registration needed. Sales limit: No limit.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: No
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: No
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: foods that need refrigeration; meat; poultry; dairy products; egg products; fish; shellfish; cut fruit or vegetables; fermented foods; acidified foods; canned foods.

Missouri treats home sales and some stand or market sales differently. Tell the agency where you plan to sell as well as what you plan to make.

Confirm current rules with Missouri DHSS Retail Food Safety.

↑ All states

Montana

Researched

No registration needed. Sales limit: No limit.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: No
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: No
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: foods that need refrigeration; meat; dairy products; egg products; fish; shellfish; cut fruit or vegetables; custard or meringue fillings; certain frostings.

Confirm current rules with Montana DPHHS Cottage Food Operation Guidance.

↑ All states

Nebraska

Researched

Registration required. Sales limit: No limit.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: No
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: No
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: meat; poultry; fish; raw eggs; unpasteurized juice; infused oils; infused honey; sprouts; low acid canned foods; acidified foods in airtight containers; tofu; tempeh; fermented foods.

Nebraska sellers need to handle registration and food safety training before taking orders. Put those steps ahead of announcing your first pickup day.

A separate path covers some prepared or temperature-controlled foods under its own food and sales rules.

Confirm current rules with Nebraska Cottage Food Registration Portal.

↑ All states

Nevada

Researched

Registration required. Sales limit: $35,000 gross/year.

  • Online orders: No
  • Shipping: No
  • Seller delivery: No
  • Third-party delivery: No
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: foods that need refrigeration; meat; poultry; dairy products; fish; shellfish; cut fruit or vegetables; cream, custard, or meringue fillings; acidified foods; fermented foods; beverages; fruit butters; sugar free jams; cannabis or CBD.

Confirm current rules with Nevada health authorities (choose the office for your county).

↑ All states

New Hampshire

Researched

No registration needed. Sales limit: $20,000 gross/year.

  • Online orders: No
  • Shipping: No
  • Seller delivery: No
  • Third-party delivery: Ask agency
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: foods that need refrigeration; meat; poultry; fish; shellfish; egg products; dairy products; cut fruit or vegetables; honey; maple syrup; beverages; apple cider; raw sprouts; tofu; garlic in oil; low-acid canned foods; dehydrated fruit, vegetables, or meat.

Since July 2, 2026, towns and cities cannot add licenses or restrictions to food activities exempt under the state homestead-food laws. State food and sales limits still apply.

Confirm current rules with New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services.

↑ All states

New Jersey

Researched

Registration required. Listed fee: $100; confirm it with the agency. Sales limit: $50,000 gross/year.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: No
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: No
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: foods that need refrigeration; meat; poultry; dairy products; egg products; fish; shellfish; cut fruit or vegetables; cheesecake; french toast; pancakes; waffles; cream cheese pastries; cotton candy made at the selling site; pumpkin pie; pecan pie; key lime pie; foods with CBD or alcohol.

Confirm current rules with NJ Department of Health - Cottage Food Operator Permit.

↑ All states

New Mexico

Researched

No registration needed. Sales limit: No limit.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: Yes
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: Ask agency
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: foods that need refrigeration; meat; poultry; fish; shellfish; dairy products; egg products; cut fruit or vegetables; salsa; beverages; acidified foods; fermented foods; cannabis or CBD; alcohol.

Confirm current rules with New Mexico Environment Dept - Homemade Food Act factsheet.

↑ All states

New York

Researched

Registration required. Sales limit: No limit.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: No
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: Ask agency
  • Wholesale: Yes

Outside this food path: foods that need refrigeration; meat; poultry; dairy products; egg products; fish; shellfish; cut fruit or vegetables; melted chocolate coatings; chocolate-dipped foods; cream filled pastries; vegetable breads; pickles; fermented foods; acidified foods; raw nuts; no-bake desserts; beverages.

Confirm current rules with NY Department of Agriculture & Markets - Home Processing.

Full New York guide →↑ All states

North Carolina

Researched

Registration required. Sales limit: No limit.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: Yes
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: Ask agency
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: foods that need refrigeration; meat; poultry; fish; shellfish; dairy products; cream filled pastries; cheesecakes; custards; fermented foods; low acid canned foods; raw sprouts; garlic in oil; beverages; cannabis or CBD.

Confirm current rules with NCDA&CS - Food and Drug Protection Division (Home Processing).

↑ All states

North Dakota

Researched

No registration needed. Sales limit: No limit.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: Yes
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: Yes
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: meat; wild game; fish for commercial sale; seafood for commercial sale; wild mushrooms; alcoholic beverages.

North Dakota’s Food Freedom rules cover more foods than a typical cottage food program. Check the rules for your product and how it will reach the buyer, especially before offering shipping.

A separate path covers some prepared or temperature-controlled foods under its own food and sales rules.

Confirm current rules with North Dakota HHS - Cottage Food.

↑ All states

Ohio

Researched

No registration needed. Sales limit: No limit.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: Yes
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: Ask agency
  • Wholesale: Yes

Outside this food path: foods that need refrigeration; acidified foods; low-acid canned foods; meat; poultry; fish; shellfish; dairy products; cream filled pastries; custards; puddings; cut fruit or vegetables; pickles; salsas; fermented foods; kombucha; cannabis or CBD; garlic in oil.

Confirm current rules with Ohio Department of Agriculture - Division of Food Safety (archived agency page).

Full Ohio guide →↑ All states

Oklahoma

Researched

No registration needed. Sales limit: $75,000 gross/year.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: Yes
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: No
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: meat; poultry; seafood; fish; shellfish; meat byproducts; unpasteurized milk; cannabis or CBD; alcohol.

On November 1, 2026, the gross annual sales threshold rises from $75,000 to $250,000; the exemption ends when you reach the threshold. The new rules allow production beyond a home kitchen, excluding restaurants, and require approved food-safety training for everyone making the food. The optional registration number can replace your contact details on labels. Enacted law.

A separate path covers some prepared or temperature-controlled foods under its own food and sales rules. Its limit is $75,000 in gross sales per year, shared with cottage food sales.

Confirm current rules with ODAFF Homemade Food Freedom Act Producer Registration Form.

↑ All states

Oregon

Researched

No registration needed. Sales limit: $52,700 gross/year.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: No
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: No
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: foods that need refrigeration; meat; poultry; dairy products; egg products; fish; shellfish; seafood; cut fruit or vegetables; pickles; salsas; sauces; fermented foods; nut butters; oils; vinegars; meat jerky; cannabis or CBD; juices.

Oregon’s exemption covers a specific list of food types. Shelf stability alone does not qualify an unlisted product. The sales limit took effect in March 2026.

Confirm current rules with Oregon DEC cottage food exemption page.

↑ All states

Pennsylvania

Researched

Registration required. Listed fee: $35; confirm it with the agency. Sales limit: No limit.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: Yes
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: Yes
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: foods that need refrigeration; meat; poultry; fish; shellfish; dairy products; egg products; cut fruit or vegetables; perishable baked goods; cheesecake; pumpkin pie; cream or custard pastries; low-acid canned foods; fermented foods; pickles without recipe testing; cannabis or CBD.

Confirm current rules with PA Dept of Agriculture - Limited Food Establishment program.

↑ All states

Rhode Island

Researched

Registration required. Listed fee: $65; confirm it with the agency. Sales limit: $50,000 gross/year.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: Yes
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: Ask agency
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: foods that need refrigeration; meat; poultry; dairy products; egg products; fish; shellfish; cut fruit or vegetables; jams or jellies that need refrigeration; cakes requiring refrigeration; cream-filled foods; custard; cheese.

Confirm current rules with Rhode Island Department of Health - Cottage Foods.

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South Carolina

Researched

No registration needed. Sales limit: No limit.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: Yes
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: Yes
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: foods that need refrigeration; dairy products; cream filled items; cheesecakes; custards; meat; poultry; fish; shellfish; fermented foods; acidified foods; canned foods; cut fruit or vegetables; beverages; cannabis or CBD.

Confirm current rules with South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) - Retail Food Safety / Home-Based Food Production.

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South Dakota

Researched

No registration needed. Sales limit: No limit.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: No
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: No
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: meat for commercial sale; poultry for commercial sale; honey for commercial sale; sandwiches; casseroles; juices; ciders; foods sold uncooked for baking at home; flavored oils; smoothies; prepared salads.

South Dakota sellers should settle food safety training, labels, and the pickup process before opening orders. Check canned products separately from baked goods.

A separate path covers some prepared or temperature-controlled foods under its own food and sales rules.

Confirm current rules with South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) - Cottage Foods / Farmers Markets.

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Tennessee

Researched

No registration needed. Sales limit: No limit.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: Yes
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: Ask agency
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: unpasteurized milk; alcohol; fish; shellfish; meat; meat byproducts; cannabis or CBD.

A separate path covers some prepared or temperature-controlled foods under its own food and sales rules.

Confirm current rules with Tennessee Department of Agriculture: Food Freedom Act guidance.

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Texas

Researched

No registration needed. Sales limit: $150,000 gross/year. Foods that need temperature control require separate free DSHS registration. Wholesale covers only foods that keep safely at room temperature, sold through registered cottage food vendors.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: No
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: No
  • Wholesale: Yes

Outside this food path: meat; meat products; poultry; poultry products; seafood; fish; shellfish; ice products; ice cream; gelato; popsicles; low-acid canned foods; cannabis or CBD; THC; raw milk.

A separate path covers some prepared or temperature-controlled foods and requires a permit or registration. Its limit is $150,000 in gross sales per year, shared with cottage food sales.

Confirm current rules with Texas DSHS Cottage Food Production page with SB 541 updates.

Full Texas guide →↑ All states

Utah

Researched

Registration required. Listed fee: $50; confirm it with the agency. Sales limit: No limit.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: Yes
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: Ask agency
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: foods that need refrigeration; meat; poultry; dairy products; egg products; fish; shellfish; cut fruit or vegetables; cream fillings; cannabis or CBD.

Utah also has a separate home-consumption path. Since May 6, 2026, a contracted representative can store, sell, and deliver those foods at direct-to-sale locations. That does not turn the food into restaurant or wholesale stock. Home-consumption rules.

A separate path covers some prepared or temperature-controlled foods and requires a permit or registration. Daily limit: 30 meals.

Confirm current rules with Utah Dept of Agriculture - Cottage Food Production.

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Vermont

Researched

Registration required. Sales limit: $30,000 gross/year.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: Yes
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: Ask agency
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: foods that need refrigeration; meat; poultry; fish; shellfish; egg products; dairy products; cut fruit or vegetables; cooked rice, beans, or vegetables; low-acid canned foods.

Confirm current rules with VT Dept of Health - Home-based food licenses and exemptions.

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Virginia

Researched

No registration needed. Sales limit: No limit.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: Yes
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: Yes
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: foods that need refrigeration; meat; poultry; dairy products; egg products; fish; shellfish; cut fruit or vegetables; low-acid canned foods; pesto; hummus; garlic in oil.

Since July 1, 2026, you can take orders online or by phone and send cottage foods to Virginia buyers in person, by mail, or by delivery service. Buyers must be purchasing for themselves, not for resale. Pickles and other qualifying acidified vegetables have a separate $9,000 gross sales limit per calendar year.

Confirm current rules with Virginia Department of Agriculture: Home Kitchen Food Processing Exemptions FAQ.

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Washington

Researched

Registration required. Listed fee: $355; confirm it with the agency. Sales limit: $35,000 gross/year.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: No
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: Ask agency
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: foods that need refrigeration; meat; poultry; dairy products; egg products; fish; shellfish; seafood; cut fruit or vegetables; custard pies; unbaked pies; pumpkin pies; cream pies; canned foods; fresh fruits; fresh vegetables; freeze-dried foods that need refrigeration before drying; pet foods.

Confirm current rules with WSDA Cottage Food Operation page.

↑ All states

West Virginia

Researched

No registration needed. Sales limit: No limit.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: Yes
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: Ask agency
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: foods that need refrigeration; meat; poultry; fish; shellfish; dairy products; egg products; cut fruit or vegetables; cream filled pastries; cheesecake; custard; cooked foods requiring refrigeration; pressure canned foods.

West Virginia separates foods that keep safely at room temperature from potentially hazardous cottage foods. Ask WVDA which permit and recipe approval steps apply to your menu.

A separate path covers some prepared or temperature-controlled foods and requires a permit or registration.

Confirm current rules with West Virginia Department of Agriculture - Food Products and Aquaculture (cottage foods).

↑ All states

Wisconsin

Researched

No registration needed. Sales limit: No limit.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: Yes
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: Ask agency
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: foods that need refrigeration; dairy products; cheese; cream cheese frosting; custards; meat; poultry; fish; shellfish; low-acid canned foods; cream filled baked goods; custard filled baked goods.

Confirm current rules with Wisconsin Dept of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) - Home-Canned Foods (Pickle Bill).

↑ All states

Wyoming

Researched

No registration needed. Sales limit: $250,000 gross/year.

  • Online orders: Yes
  • Shipping: No
  • Seller delivery: Yes
  • Third-party delivery: No
  • Wholesale: No

Outside this food path: uninspected meat from mammals; wild game; catfish; alcohol.

A separate path covers some prepared or temperature-controlled foods under its own food and sales rules. Its limit is $250,000 in gross sales per year, shared with cottage food sales.

Confirm current rules with Wyoming Department of Agriculture - Consumer Health Services (Wyoming Food Freedom Act).

↑ All states

Questions about selling food from home

Do I need a license to sell food from home?

It depends on your state, menu and sales channels. Some cottage food paths require no filing; others require registration, training, a permit or an inspection. Find your state above and follow its agency link before taking paid orders.

Is a cottage food license the same as a business license?

No. A cottage food registration or permit concerns food production and sales. A city or county business license concerns operating a business locally, so check that office separately.

How much does a cottage food license cost?

The listed registration fees range from $0 to $355 among jurisdictions that require registration. These figures describe the listed cottage food path, not every possible food business permit. Confirm current fees, training charges and renewal requirements with the linked agency.

What foods can I sell from a home kitchen?

Many cottage food paths cover foods that keep at room temperature, such as bread, cookies and dry mixes. Fillings, frostings and preservation methods can change which rules apply. Check your exact recipe against the agency’s approved foods or exclusions rather than relying on the product name.

Can I sell meals from home?

Our summaries list 15 jurisdictions with a separate prepared-food path. Availability can depend on local participation and the type of meal. Check your state’s section and agency for the relevant home-kitchen or prepared-food program.

Can I sell on Facebook or Instagram, or ship orders?

Online promotion, online ordering and delivery are different questions. Your state may allow an online order while limiting fulfillment to pickup or seller delivery. Check the shipping and delivery notes in your state’s section as well as the platform’s own policies.

How much can I sell, and what if I reach the limit?

31 jurisdictions list no cottage food sales cap; elsewhere the basis may be gross sales, net sales or sales per product. A sales cap is not an earnings forecast. Ask the agency about the next permit or commercial-kitchen path before exceeding the limit that applies to you.

What needs to go on my cottage food labels?

Use your state’s required fields and disclaimer wording. Requirements can include ingredients, allergens, net quantity and seller identification, with different options for an address or registration number. Check your agency’s guidance before printing labels for a new product.

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