Legal Stuff

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by monica murphy on October 10, 2010 at 9:11pm

hi, rachel:

True that!!! I have encounter the same problem, in my search i found that there is no such thing as a home cake decorating business in my area, Suburb of PA. I dont have the funds to rent out a kitchen in a bakery, so for now iam satisfied just baking for family and friends and so on. I dont know when or if i will every be able to go forth with a business plan. I have searched n searched, if there is no such license for my area, how in the world can i get started except to buy my own bakery. It is indeed very confusing. I wish you luck.

Permalink Reply by Grace Marzan on October 11, 2010 at 4:15pm

OK WHERE YOU LIVE? THE LAW IS DIFFERENT COUNTY TO COUNTY. FOR EXAMPLE IN MASSACHUESETTS YOU REQUEST YOUR PERMITION FOR BAKING FROM HOME FOR $100.00 AND YOU RECEIVE A CONFERENCE FROM THE HEALTH DEP. AND TWO INSPECTIONS IN YOUR HOUSE. THEY WANT YOU PUT ALL YOUR TOOLS NEAR THE OVEN. THEY CHECK YOUR PANS YOUR CAN OPPENER ETC. EVERYTHING IN GOOD SHAPE BUT THE MOST IMPORTANT YOUR PETS. YOU NEED TO PUT IN THE GARAGE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT. YOU RECEIVE A NOTIFICATION FOR THE FIRST INSPECTION BUT THE NEXT ONE IS SURPRISE. IN FLORIDA, TEXAS AND OTHERS STATES ARE PROHIBITED BAKING BUSSINES IN HOME.

Permalink Reply by Cakies Custom Cakes on October 12, 2010 at 12:42pm

I live in Texas, too bad because applying to bake from my home would be great. I'm a stay at home mom so finding caretakers for my kids to rent out a kitchen that I probablly can't afford is kind of a hassle. I talked to our county health inspecter and I can't bake from my home, period. It just is frustrating because I've had almost every road block, and I know I can be good at this if I have the chance. For now I am baking for friends, which is legal I guess, as long as there isn't people lining up at my door, that was implied. There's also some loop hole concerning bake sales that I don't know too much about- if it's for a non-profit organization then you can bake from your home???




Grace Marzan said:

OK WHERE YOU LIVE? THE LAW IS DIFFERENT COUNTY TO COUNTY. FOR EXAMPLE IN MASSACHUESETTS YOU REQUEST YOUR PERMITION FOR BAKING FROM HOME FOR $100.00 AND YOU RECEIVE A CONFERENCE FROM THE HEALTH DEP. AND TWO INSPECTIONS IN YOUR HOUSE. THEY WANT YOU PUT ALL YOUR TOOLS NEAR THE OVEN. THEY CHECK YOUR PANS YOUR CAN OPPENER ETC. EVERYTHING IN GOOD SHAPE BUT THE MOST IMPORTANT YOUR PETS. YOU NEED TO PUT IN THE GARAGE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT. YOU RECEIVE A NOTIFICATION FOR THE FIRST INSPECTION BUT THE NEXT ONE IS SURPRISE. IN FLORIDA, TEXAS AND OTHERS STATES ARE PROHIBITED BAKING BUSSINES IN HOME.

Permalink Reply by Susan Saunders on November 1, 2010 at 3:11pm

Hey Rachael, I contacted the health department in Dallas and I got three different answers from three different people about the baking at home for a bake sale. It is rediculous the loop holes you have to jump through. The ones who are checking and following the laws are the ones that would do well as an at home baker. It's the ones that don't even check (and get away with baking at home) that would not pass an inspection. Hang in there. There is also people fighting to allow in home baking in Texas. :) Until then I guess family and friends will be enjoying my cakes and cookies. I am considering renting a commercial kitchen if I could get enough business. Guess we will all have to hang in there and keep on baking!!

Permalink Reply by Mary Bolger on January 3, 2011 at 9:20pm

I live in Minnesota.  Each county here has it's own laws.  In  my county, I can bake and sell out of my house as long as it's word of mouth business, I don't advertise, and I am not competing w/other local bakeries.  I did find however, that as my business grew, I did need to find a commercial kitchen to lease simply so I could fill orders that needed a licensed baker to do them.  I now have a website, lease a commercial kitchen by the hour and can advertise freely w/out worry.  I have been inspecred twice by the health dept, have insurance, have become a LLC and I am still my own boss.  My youngest child is 7- I have 3 kids.  They are all in school during the day.  I feel comfortable still doing some baking in my house for friends and for people that have purchased cakes from me in the past knowing I baked out of my home.  I am constantly striving for balance however, managing the kids and keeping sane when the orders are constant.  I find I am most busy in the spring and holidays.  Hope this helps.