The Exact Required Statement — Word for Word
This statement must appear on every cottage food product label. It is not optional and cannot be abbreviated, paraphrased, or placed in an inconspicuous location. Florida statute specifies it must be printed in at least 10-point type in a color that provides a clear contrast to the background of the label. Dark text on a light background or light text on a dark background both satisfy the contrast requirement — but the statement must be legible at a glance.
There is no approved or pre-cleared label in Florida. FDACS does not review labels in advance. The responsibility for compliance rests entirely with the seller. The disclaimer must be in English; Florida does not require translation, but sellers marketing to non-English-speaking communities may choose to add a translation alongside the English text.
Seven Fields — What Must Appear on Every Label
Florida §500.80(3) requires cottage food labels to contain the following information. All labels must be prepackaged and affixed to the product before the sale takes place — you cannot hand-write information at the point of sale as a substitute for a proper label.
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The Nine Major Food Allergens
The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act requires the declaration of all nine major allergens whenever they appear as an ingredient or sub-ingredient in a packaged food product. This is a federal requirement that applies to all cottage food products sold in Florida regardless of whether a state label requirement mentions it specifically.
Allergen labeling protects your customers — and protects you
Accurate allergen labeling is one of the most important things you can do as a cottage food seller. Customers with allergies depend on label accuracy for their safety. A well-labeled product builds trust, reduces liability, and is a mark of a professional seller. When in doubt, err on the side of declaring potential allergens rather than omitting them — especially for products made in a kitchen that also handles peanuts, tree nuts, or gluten-containing grains.
Six Common Florida Label Mistakes
These are the most common labeling errors Florida cottage food sellers make — and exactly how to fix each one.
Using a shortened version, omitting the disclaimer entirely, or using a different state's required language (e.g., Virginia's disclaimer on a Florida product).
Printing the disclaimer in 8pt type, in a light gray on white, or in a decorative font that reduces legibility — all violate the statute's contrast and size requirements.
Listing ingredients alphabetically, by personal preference, or in recipe order rather than descending order of predominance by weight.
Listing "chocolate chips" without noting the soy lecithin they contain, or listing "butter" without declaring milk — allergens from compound ingredients must be declared.
Florida's statute requires the physical address of the cottage food operation — your home address. A P.O. Box does not satisfy this requirement.
Omitting the net weight or volume entirely, or listing only one unit (just grams with no oz, or just oz with no grams) when both are required.
Florida does not pre-approve labels — compliance is your responsibility
Unlike some states with a label review process, FDACS does not review or approve cottage food labels before you sell. You are responsible for ensuring your labels are fully compliant before your first sale. If FDACS investigates a complaint and finds a labeling violation, it can result in fines and being required to stop selling until corrected. Get it right before you print 500 labels.
SellFood Label Creator — Free for Florida Sellers
Our Label Creator is pre-loaded with Florida's required disclaimer text, automatically formats ingredients in descending weight order, includes an allergen checker, and generates a compliant PNG label ready to print. Sizes available: 2×2", 2×4", 3×4", 4×6", Round 2.5", and Round 3.5".
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