From the Kitchen to the Market! But, Not in Texas

I have been working diligently to build CoCo Roux's brand and it involves a lot of government regulation.  Oh, how I envy my friends in Florida, for once they beat us to the punch! 

"On July 2, 2011, the Florida Cottage Food Act became a state law. This new law allows small businesses to prepare their food products in their own kitchens without obtaining a food permit from the Department of Agriculture." ( In The Field Magazine, July 2011)



Just take a look at those delicious treats from Southern Charm Chocolates, which now gets to take advantage of the new law.



The new rule basically means that cooks can bake cakes, cookies, or breads, create jams, jellies and vinegars, and a number of other products in their own home and market them. What a concept? 
Oh, but with every privilege comes restrictions:

-You can earn more than $15,000 a year
- No internet sales
- No wholesale to restaurants or food stores
Yeah, it was too good to be true.  But, the thought of it is very "apeeling." LOL  I know hokie pun.