Cottage Food Laws in Georgia
permissiveComplete guide to cottage food and bakery regulations in Georgia. Updated for 2026.
General information, not legal advice. Cottage food laws change frequently — verify with the official source before launching your business. Report an error. Last verified: May 2026.
| Annual Sales Limit | No statutory annual cap (HB 398, effective July 1, 2025) |
| License Required | No — HB 398 (effective July 1, 2025) removed the state cottage food licensing requirement. An optional Identification Number is available from the Dept. of Agriculture. ANSI-accredited food safety training or Food Handler training is required. |
| Kitchen Inspection | No state-mandated kitchen inspection under HB 398. |
| Online Sales | Allowed — Online sales permitted; HB 398 also allows sales to retail stores for resale. |
Allowed Products
- Loaf breads, rolls, and biscuits
- Cakes, pastries, and cookies
- Candies and confections
- Fruit pies
- Jams, jellies, and preserves
- Dried fruits
- Dry herbs, seasonings, and mixtures
- Cereals, trail mixes, and granola
- Coated or uncoated nuts
- Vinegar and flavored vinegar
- Popcorn, popcorn balls, and cotton candy
Prohibited Products
- Potentially hazardous (TCS) foods
- Meat and poultry products
- Dairy products
- Foods requiring refrigeration
Labeling Requirements
- Name and address of the producer
- Name of the product
- Ingredients list
- Allergen statement
- See Georgia Dept. of Agriculture food labeling requirements for full details
Where You Can Sell
- Non-profit events
- For-profit events
- Online sales
- Retail stores (under HB 398)
- Direct from home
How Georgia Compares
| State | Sales Limit | License | Online | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | No statutory annual cap (HB 398, effective July 1, 2025) | No | Yes | permissive |
| Florida | $250,000 per year | No | Yes | permissive |
| Alabama | $25,000 per year | No | No | moderate |
| Tennessee | $75,000 per year | No | No | moderate |
| South Carolina | No statutory annual cap | No | No | permissive |
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Georgia change its cottage food law?▾
Yes. House Bill 398, effective July 1, 2025, removed the state licensing requirement and authorized cottage food sales to retail stores. The tiered Tier 1/Tier 2 framework is no longer in effect.
Do I need food safety training in Georgia?▾
Yes. The Georgia Dept. of Agriculture requires either ANSI-accredited food safety training or a Food Handler training certification for cottage food operators.
Can I sell cottage food at a retail store in Georgia?▾
Yes. Under HB 398, cottage food producers may sell to retail stores for resale, in addition to direct sales and online.
Official source: Georgia Dept. of Agriculture — Cottage Food (HB 398)