- December 14, 2025
The City Council was split in its discussion of the potential health hazards and possible benefits to businesses. Mayor Netts was the deciding vote.
Citing health concerns and an impact on neighborhoods, the Palm Coast City Council indicated in a Tuesday workshop that it would not allow home-based “cottage food” businesses.
According to city regulations, a home occupational license strictly prohibits food preparation, said Sara Lockhart, senior planner for the city.
However, during the 2011 Legislative session, a House bill created the “cottage food industries” classification. It exempts private kitchens from regulation but requires compliance with public health standards.
Accompanying the changes to Florida law, certain guidelines must be met for the distribution of homemade foods. Sales can’t exceed $15,000 per year. No sales are allowable by Internet, mail order or wholesale. Foods must be labeled for content, including allergen information. Only products stored on the premises may be sold.
Because Tuesday’s meeting was a workshop, a formal vote wasn’t taken. But the item won’t appear on an upcoming regular meeting agenda.
City Councilmen Jason DeLorenzo and Frank Meeker were in support of allowing such businesses to open. Meanwhile, City Councilmen Bill Lewis and Bill McGuire were against them.
Acknowledging that he was the deciding vote, Mayor Jon Netts said he wanted to see what happens in other communities before Palm Coast changes the rules in its Unified Land Development Code.
“I’m inclined to leave this one on the shelf,” he said.
Lewis’ main issue was the concept of putting a business in a residential community. He said it could hinder homeowners’ abilities to sell their homes if they are nearby a home-based food business.
“I don’t want to stop anyone from having a business ... but there’s a place for it,” Lewis said.
According to McGuire, the cons outweigh the pros. He said businesses located in storefronts find it unfair that food businesses could open up in their homes.
“My other (issue) is the city doesn’t have the means to inspect home-prepared food,” McGuire said. Unlike lawn care businesses or tax preparation services, for example, home-based food businesses could affect public health. “I buy some food from a home kitchen and it’s not regulated, and I get sick — I’m going to blame the city,” he said.
DeLorenzo said he was disappointed that the businesses won’t be allowed.
“I spoke to a number of residents about it,” he said. “I really thought that with the limited use at the homes that this gave people an opportunity to ... get their business under way.”
