Cottage Food Laws in Georgia

Georgia's cottage food sales cap is $150,000/year for a sole operator, or $300,000/year with one employee. Registration with the Department of Agriculture is required.

Overview

Georgia's cottage food sales cap is $150,000/year for a sole operator, or $300,000/year with one employee. Registration with the Department of Agriculture is required.

Last verified: July 30, 2026 Official source: Georgia Department of Agriculture ↗

What Foods Can I Sell?

Allowed

  • Cookies, brownies, and bars
  • Cakes and cupcakes (no cream, custard, or perishable fillings)
  • Quick breads and yeast breads
  • Pies and pastries (fruit-based, not cream or custard)
  • Candy, fudge, and confections
  • Granola, cereals, and dry snack mixes
  • Dry baking mixes and dry herb/spice blends
  • Jams, jellies, and fruit butters
  • Honey and roasted coffee or dry tea

Not Allowed

  • Foods that require refrigeration to be safe (cream pies, cheesecakes, custards)
  • Meat, poultry, or seafood products
  • Most dairy products, including soft cheeses
  • Canned low-acid vegetables
  • Alcohol-infused products
  • Any food that needs time/temperature control for safety (TCS foods)

Where Can I Sell?

✓ Direct to Consumers
✓ Farmers Markets
✓ Online Orders
✓ Pickup
✓ Delivery
✓ Events

Revenue Limits

Annual Sales Limit
$150,000/year (individual) · $300,000/year (with one employee)

Permits and Licensing

Required Permits

Registration with the Georgia Department of Agriculture is required.

Food Handler Requirements

A food safety course may be required — check current guidance.

Business License

A local business license may be required.

Kitchen Inspection

Not typically required for cottage food operations.

Labeling Requirements

  1. Product name
  2. Ingredient list, in descending order by weight
  3. Major allergens
  4. Business name and address
  5. Net weight
  6. Required disclosure statement (10-point type or larger, contrasting color): "MADE IN A COTTAGE FOOD OPERATION THAT IS NOT SUBJECT TO STATE FOOD SAFETY INSPECTIONS."

Not legal advice — label wording and requirements can change. Do your own research with Georgia Department of Agriculture before printing labels.

Starting Your Bakery Checklist

Legal disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Cottage food laws change frequently. Always verify requirements with your state's official government resources.

Turn Your Home Bakery Into a Business

Doughmain helps home bakers create a professional bakery website, accept orders online, showcase their menu, and grow their customer base.

Create Free Bakery Website Build My Bakery Site

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell baked goods from home in Georgia?

Yes. Georgia allows home bakers to sell approved homemade goods directly to consumers under its cottage food rules. Georgia's cottage food sales cap is $150,000/year for a sole operator, or $300,000/year with one employee. Registration with the Department of Agriculture is required.

What foods can I sell under cottage food laws in Georgia?

Typically allowed items include Cookies, brownies, and bars, Cakes and cupcakes (no cream, custard, or perishable fillings), Quick breads and yeast breads, Pies and pastries (fruit-based, not cream or custard), Candy, fudge, and confections, and similar non-perishable homemade goods. Foods that require refrigeration, such as cream pies and cheesecakes, are generally not allowed. Always confirm the current list with Georgia Department of Agriculture.

Do I need a permit to sell homemade cakes in Georgia?

Registration with the Georgia Department of Agriculture is required.

How much can a home bakery make in Georgia?

Georgia's cottage food annual sales limit is: $150,000/year (individual) · $300,000/year (with one employee).

Browse Other States

Virginia Colorado Michigan Wyoming Montana Vermont New Hampshire California South Dakota Alaska Missouri Iowa View All States →
Copied!