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Cottage food laws

Maryland Cottage Food Law

Can you sell homemade food from your home kitchen in Maryland? Here are the sales cap, allowed foods, where you can sell, and the point where you must move into a licensed commercial kitchen.
Educational summary, not legal advice — cottage food rules change; confirm with the state before you sell.
Program
Cottage Food Business
Annual sales cap
$25,000
Where you can sell
Direct/in-personFarmers marketsPublic eventsHome pickupOnlinePersonal/mail delivery (in-state)
Registration / to start
No state license (exempt); must comply with county/municipal rules; labeling required
Allowed foods
Non-TCS foods: high-acid fruit jams/jellies, non-TCS baked goods, hard candy, honey, dried mixes
Not allowed
TCS/refrigerated foods, low-acid canned goods, meat
When you need a commercial / commissary kitchen
Exceeding $25,000, selling TCS foods, or wholesale requires a licensed kitchen
Administered by
Maryland Department of Health (MDH) · COMAR 10.15.03.27

Source: Maryland Department of Health (MDH). Cottage food laws change often — confirm current rules before selling.

Good to know

$25,000 annual revenue cap; exempt from state licensure but must follow county/municipal ordinances.

Outgrowing cottage food? When you need a licensed kitchen, see Maryland food-business requirements, estimate the build with the cost-to-open calculator, and check whether you need a hood.

Frequently asked

Can I sell homemade food in Maryland?
Yes. Maryland has a cottage food framework (Cottage Food Business) that lets individuals make and sell certain non-hazardous foods from a home kitchen. Annual sales are capped at $25,000. You still must follow the state's rules on allowed foods, labeling, and where you can sell. Administered by Maryland Department of Health (MDH).
What foods can I sell under Maryland's cottage food law?
Non-TCS foods: high-acid fruit jams/jellies, non-TCS baked goods, hard candy, honey, dried mixes Not allowed: TCS/refrigerated foods, low-acid canned goods, meat
When do I need a commercial or commissary kitchen in Maryland?
Exceeding $25,000, selling TCS foods, or wholesale requires a licensed kitchen At that point, see the requirements and permit fees for your area.
Do I need a license or registration for cottage food in Maryland?
No state license (exempt); must comply with county/municipal rules; labeling required

Food-business permits in Maryland's biggest counties

Local food-permit cost, plan review and the health-department contact for the counties people look up most.

Prince George's County
Harford County
Howard County
Carroll County
Baltimore County
← All states
Published by Resultex Media Group LLC · Independent & vendor-neutral · Educational only, not legal or engineering advice · Last verified October 2026