Cottage Food Law Lookup Tool

No. Every state sets its own rules for cottage food producers, including which products are allowed, where you can sell them, whether you need a permit, and how much you can earn per year before you need a commercial license. Some states, like Texas, have no income cap and no permit requirement. Others cap annual sales at a specific dollar amount and require registration.

Most states require a specific sentence on your label stating that the product was made in a home kitchen that isn't licensed or inspected by a health department. The exact wording is set by state law and must be reproduced accurately — you can't paraphrase it.

It depends on your state. Some states, like Texas, require no permit, license, or inspection at all. Others require you to register with the state health or agriculture department, and a few require a food safety course or a home kitchen inspection.

Many states cap your annual gross revenue from cottage food sales — once you exceed it, you need a commercial license. The cap amount varies widely by state, from no cap at all to a low five-figure limit. Check your state above for the exact number.

Most states allow direct-to-consumer sales from your home, at farmers markets, and at community events. Fewer states allow online or shipped sales, and some restrict retail consignment. Your state's permitted venues are listed above.