Home Baking in Florida
I am reposting this discussion from the group Florida Cakesters by Barbara..I think it is important to all FL residents:
Hello my name is Barbara I live in Largo Florida, just west of Tampa. I have only been making cakes for a year self taught. I love this site and have learned a lot from everyone. I am a ICES member as well, and those of you who are ICES members there will be a day of sharing in Daytona.
Some of us are trying to get a bill passed in Florida called the Cottaged Food Act which allows us to make cakes and pasteries from our homes and sell them to the public. All you need to do is write a letter to your local and state representative to present this request the next time the legislation meets. They need to get it on the docs in order to discuss it and decide weather to pass it or not. So far there are 13 states that have the Cottage Food Act and if Florida wants to be included we need everyones support. I do have letters pre writtten all you would need to do is put your information and mail it to your representative. I also have a letter for your family and friends to send too.
Attached is a copy of the letter to send to your local and state rep...here is a link to find your representatives http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/contentViewer.aspx?Category=PublicGui...
Have a Sweet Day,
Barbara
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COTTAGEFOODACT.doc, 39 KB
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Karen Marie on
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I do want to mention that I am fortunate to have our family restaurant to bake my cakes in however it would make things so much easier if I could do it from home.
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Denay thank you for that link! I apreciate your positive support.
Denay Davis said:Hi Karen, I applaud your effort and wish you the best of luck. I can tell you it is an uphill battle since commercial bakers will be there lobbying for the bill to not even get written. If you have not checked our the Texas Cottage Food Law website please do, this group can share a lot of valuable information. Good luck!!! and you might want to share this effort with the bakers on CakeCentral.com
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Permalink Reply by Barbara on
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ABC ACTION NEWS INTERVIEW
Woman hopes state will enact Cottage Food Act to help Floridians that want to bake and sell items.
Largo - Many chefs get started right in their own kitchen.
However, in Florida, it is illegal to cook something at home and then try to sell it.
It is a law that has been really frustrating for Barbara Schmal, so she is trying to do something about it.
Schmal loves creating gorgeous cakes in her own kitchen.
"I just love doing the cake decorating part of it and trying out new recipes and new techniques," Schmal said.
The Largo woman has the tools and the training to create shells, lovely flowers, and creative cakes.
Schmal even has her own website: http://www.krazyaboutcake.com
However, state law makes it difficult for her to pursue her passion.
"The way Florida law reads, you cannot bake in the kitchen that has the living quarters nearby," Schmal said.
Because Schmal's oven is close to her couch, the state says she should find a commercial kitchen to cook. (If she wants to run a business.)
Not every state has that same policy.
Chef superstar, Paula Dean, got her start in Georgia. Dean would cook in her kitchen and her sons would deliver things like chocolate cookies to clients.
Dean quickly outgrew her own kitchen, and eventually landed on television.
Schmal has big dreams too, but just wishes a Cottage Food Act existed in Florida, so she could legally sell the cakes she loves to bake and decorate.
"This would really help a lot of people to make a second income or to supplement the income that they have," Schmal said.
Schmal says she realizes some are concerned about the cleanliness of home kitchens, but if the law changes, Schmal says the Health Department would be responsible for inspecting home kitchens that have proper licenses. Licenses and permits would also cost at home chefs money, which would help bring in money for the entire state.
Schmal recently wrote a number of letters to lawmakers, and some have passed the notes onto others, but because not a lot has happened, Schmal plans to be persistent.
"I'm the type of individual that if I'm going to do something, I'm going to do it," Schmal said. "If they're in the state of Florida, they're getting a letter! We want their help to help get this passed, because it would help a lot of the people in Florida."
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What really concerens me about this interview is that the woman being interviewed admittedly makes cakes in her home and her website is set up for sales. The state is cracking down on home bakers by perusing sites like FaceBook etc and catching people. I am sure the interviewer's goal was to try to bring this issue to the public to do some positive change, but I wonder what good it will do if the state is now alerted to another home baker.
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Hi Karen,
Thank you for your concern, however, I am the women that was interviewed. Yes I have a website and cake business but, I bake at my church kitchen and sometimes with a friend who has a cupcake business at a banquet hall kitchen. I am tired of lugging everything from my home to the commercial kitchens. If the state wants to come and inspect me that is fine as I have permits for these two establishments.
Everyone wants to bake from home but, I have had only a handfull of people wanting to help. Strength is in numbers and if we don't work together in getting this passed than I am just wasting my time. This is to benefit everyone in Florida who enjoy baking and decorating and can help themselves and their families earn more money and possibly be successful enough to open their own brick and motar business away from their home.
Have a Sweet Day
Barb
Karen Marie said:What really concerens me about this interview is that the woman being interviewed admittedly makes cakes in her home and her website is set up for sales. The state is cracking down on home bakers by perusing sites like FaceBook etc and catching people. I am sure the interviewer's goal was to try to bring this issue to the public to do some positive change, but I wonder what good it will do if the state is now alerted to another home baker.
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You are right Barbara...I just wonder why it is so hard to get people to send a letter to their state rep....I have done so and hope that all the FL members will just get the courage and do so...it takes only 5 minutes...
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Permalink Reply by Faith Gealey-Brown on
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My mom lives in Florida and should I decide to move back to the US, my dh and I would probably move back to Tampa, Fl. I will ask my mom to send in letter as well because I would love to continue what I'm doing here in Cayman in Florida. Thanks for bringing this to my attention.
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Permalink Reply by Dina Creatore on
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Hi Barbara
I'm not going to miss this meeting next month. This meeting is long overdo. Many people like myself have a passion in our
work and we need to get this law to pass so we can continue to keep us creating in our specialty.
Thanks,
Dina Creatore
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Permalink Reply by Jodie Valenti on
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Hello from Michigan! I just wanted to wish you luck on your quest. I am a home baker who turned my hobby into a business this past year so that I could stay home with my 2 small children and suppliment my husband's income. I too dealt with the same fears that you all have, getting caught and being forced to stop, or worse yet being fined or jailed. Fortunately Michigan just passed (July 16, 2010) a cottage food bill, making it legal for me to now make and sell baked goods from my home, provided that they are properly labeled. It took just under a year from the time the bill was introduced to the time it was approved and signed! Before that, Michigan had some of the strictest laws on this subject (considering it a felony to operate a business without proper licensing)! Hopefully this gives you inspiration that it is possible to get it passed!
PS... I have some friends and relatives thatt live in FL and I am going to ask them if they would be willing to sign a letter for you as well!
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Jodie,
Thank you so much for your support. It was something I really needed today because I was feeling like all my hard work isn't enough but, when I get support like yours and from the few here in Florida it makes me feel like I need to pursue on. I asked the state a different question and wanted to see how they would respond and just as I thought same laws apply. I asked if I wanted to start a cake decorating busines NO baking I would purchase the undecorated cakes from Sam's Club or Costco or the client could bring their cakes to me to decorate. I received their response and it was the same. Here in Florida the laws they have are more geared to retail, restaurant or professional bakeries. I would think they could have laws for a smaller scale. What do I need a 3 compartment sink I use a dishwasher. HELLO. I know everyone isn't the same but neither are the licensed establishments, you have the ones that follow the law and the ones who try to get away with stuff. I am disappointed that the bakers are not wanting to help more. I posted a meeting for September 11 to discuss a plan to get this law passed but, again just a handful. I will do whatever it takes and hope it will make a difference and be able to make a difference in other peoples lives.
Thank you again for your support.
Barbara
Oh I did email Paula Dean to join us at our meeting on 9/11 it would be awesome if she showed up. After all this is how she got her start and maybe she can give us some inspiration.
Jodie Valenti said:Hello from Michigan! I just wanted to wish you luck on your quest. I am a home baker who turned my hobby into a business this past year so that I could stay home with my 2 small children and suppliment my husband's income. I too dealt with the same fears that you all have, getting caught and being forced to stop, or worse yet being fined or jailed. Fortunately Michigan just passed (July 16, 2010) a cottage food bill, making it legal for me to now make and sell baked goods from my home, provided that they are properly labeled. It took just under a year from the time the bill was introduced to the time it was approved and signed! Before that, Michigan had some of the strictest laws on this subject (considering it a felony to operate a business without proper licensing)! Hopefully this gives you inspiration that it is possible to get it passed!
PS... I have some friends and relatives thatt live in FL and I am going to ask them if they would be willing to sign a letter for you as well!
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Barbara,
I'm glad to help! I do know that the State Rep who introduced the bill last year used our poor economy as his platform to gain support. He focused on how our unemployment rate is the highest in the nation and that we just don't have enough jobs to support our citizens. He claimed that Michigan NEEDED to allow people the opportunity to make baked goods, jellies/jams, and other "non-hazardous" food items to "legally" sell to the public, at farmers markets, in retail establishments, etc. without having the large expense of purchasing a commercial kitchen and licensing. He also made claims that this could mean the difference for a family losing their home to foreclosure and being left out on the streets or having some form of income coming in to help them through these rough times. Of course we do have to label our products so that consumers know it is made in a private (home) kitchen that is not inspected by the Michigan Dept of Agriculture.... then it is up to the consumer if they want to still make the purchase.
Have you ever considered contacting the States that do have cottage laws in place and finding out what reps supported, introduced, or even passed the laws to see if they might have some influence with FL reps? Or maybe they could offer up some advice on how to get it introduced for a vote??? Just a thought. Once again, I wish you luck!!
Jodie
Barbara said:Jodie,
Thank you so much for your support. It was something I really needed today because I was feeling like all my hard work isn't enough but, when I get support like yours and from the few here in Florida it makes me feel like I need to pursue on. I asked the state a different question and wanted to see how they would respond and just as I thought same laws apply. I asked if I wanted to start a cake decorating busines NO baking I would purchase the undecorated cakes from Sam's Club or Costco or the client could bring their cakes to me to decorate. I received their response and it was the same. Here in Florida the laws they have are more geared to retail, restaurant or professional bakeries. I would think they could have laws for a smaller scale. What do I need a 3 compartment sink I use a dishwasher. HELLO. I know everyone isn't the same but neither are the licensed establishments, you have the ones that follow the law and the ones who try to get away with stuff. I am disappointed that the bakers are not wanting to help more. I posted a meeting for September 11 to discuss a plan to get this law passed but, again just a handful. I will do whatever it takes and hope it will make a difference and be able to make a difference in other peoples lives.
Thank you again for your support.
Barbara
Oh I did email Paula Dean to join us at our meeting on 9/11 it would be awesome if she showed up. After all this is how she got her start and maybe she can give us some inspiration.
Jodie Valenti said:Hello from Michigan! I just wanted to wish you luck on your quest. I am a home baker who turned my hobby into a business this past year so that I could stay home with my 2 small children and suppliment my husband's income. I too dealt with the same fears that you all have, getting caught and being forced to stop, or worse yet being fined or jailed. Fortunately Michigan just passed (July 16, 2010) a cottage food bill, making it legal for me to now make and sell baked goods from my home, provided that they are properly labeled. It took just under a year from the time the bill was introduced to the time it was approved and signed! Before that, Michigan had some of the strictest laws on this subject (considering it a felony to operate a business without proper licensing)! Hopefully this gives you inspiration that it is possible to get it passed!
PS... I have some friends and relatives thatt live in FL and I am going to ask them if they would be willing to sign a letter for you as well!
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Thanks Jodie,
This is great inforamation and advise. I really do appreciate it, it helps to have another avenue to move forward.
Barbara
Jodie Valenti said:Barbara,
I'm glad to help! I do know that the State Rep who introduced the bill last year used our poor economy as his platform to gain support. He focused on how our unemployment rate is the highest in the nation and that we just don't have enough jobs to support our citizens. He claimed that Michigan NEEDED to allow people the opportunity to make baked goods, jellies/jams, and other "non-hazardous" food items to "legally" sell to the public, at farmers markets, in retail establishments, etc. without having the large expense of purchasing a commercial kitchen and licensing. He also made claims that this could mean the difference for a family losing their home to foreclosure and being left out on the streets or having some form of income coming in to help them through these rough times. Of course we do have to label our products so that consumers know it is made in a private (home) kitchen that is not inspected by the Michigan Dept of Agriculture.... then it is up to the consumer if they want to still make the purchase.
Have you ever considered contacting the States that do have cottage laws in place and finding out what reps supported, introduced, or even passed the laws to see if they might have some influence with FL reps? Or maybe they could offer up some advice on how to get it introduced for a vote??? Just a thought. Once again, I wish you luck!!
Jodie
Barbara said:Jodie,
Thank you so much for your support. It was something I really needed today because I was feeling like all my hard work isn't enough but, when I get support like yours and from the few here in Florida it makes me feel like I need to pursue on. I asked the state a different question and wanted to see how they would respond and just as I thought same laws apply. I asked if I wanted to start a cake decorating busines NO baking I would purchase the undecorated cakes from Sam's Club or Costco or the client could bring their cakes to me to decorate. I received their response and it was the same. Here in Florida the laws they have are more geared to retail, restaurant or professional bakeries. I would think they could have laws for a smaller scale. What do I need a 3 compartment sink I use a dishwasher. HELLO. I know everyone isn't the same but neither are the licensed establishments, you have the ones that follow the law and the ones who try to get away with stuff. I am disappointed that the bakers are not wanting to help more. I posted a meeting for September 11 to discuss a plan to get this law passed but, again just a handful. I will do whatever it takes and hope it will make a difference and be able to make a difference in other peoples lives.
Thank you again for your support.
Barbara
Oh I did email Paula Dean to join us at our meeting on 9/11 it would be awesome if she showed up. After all this is how she got her start and maybe she can give us some inspiration.
Jodie Valenti said:Hello from Michigan! I just wanted to wish you luck on your quest. I am a home baker who turned my hobby into a business this past year so that I could stay home with my 2 small children and suppliment my husband's income. I too dealt with the same fears that you all have, getting caught and being forced to stop, or worse yet being fined or jailed. Fortunately Michigan just passed (July 16, 2010) a cottage food bill, making it legal for me to now make and sell baked goods from my home, provided that they are properly labeled. It took just under a year from the time the bill was introduced to the time it was approved and signed! Before that, Michigan had some of the strictest laws on this subject (considering it a felony to operate a business without proper licensing)! Hopefully this gives you inspiration that it is possible to get it passed!
PS... I have some friends and relatives thatt live in FL and I am going to ask them if they would be willing to sign a letter for you as well!
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