Why this matters
What Tennessee actually allows — and what it doesn't.
Tennessee Food Freedom Act (HB 813, 2022; amended HB 130, effective July 1, 2025), T.C.A. § 53-1-118. One of the most permissive food freedom laws in the U.S.
Annual revenue cap
Tennessee sets no cap on cottage food revenue.
Annual gross cap
Unlimited
Sales channels
Where you can sell in Tennessee — and where you can't.
Online ordering
YesYesShipping
YesYesSeller delivery
YesYesThird-party delivery (DoorDash, Uber Eats)
ConditionalConditionalInterstate sales
NoNoWholesale to retail stores
NoNoRegistration & permits
Tennessee does not require state registration.
- Registration
Not required
- Labeling standard
Standard
- Inspection
None
- Food safety certification
Not required
- Address privacy
Not available
Prohibited categories
What you can't sell under cottage food rules.
- Unpasteurized Milk
- Alcohol
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Meat
- Meat Byproducts
- Cannabis Cbd
How to start
Steps to a legal first sale in Tennessee.
Confirm your products qualify
Verify your menu fits Tennessee's cottage food rules. Most states restrict temperature-controlled, meat, seafood, and low-acid canned items; check the prohibited-foods list above.
Label every product correctly
Every label must include your name (or registered ID), product name, ingredients, and allergens per Tennessee rules.
Start taking orders
Tennessee allows online orders, in-state shipping, seller delivery. Route orders through your own channels.