My husband and I live in Texas, and here it is illegal to operate a business out of your home kitchen. Just out of curiosity (in case a move is in our future) what states ARE legal? Which ones are like Texas and aren't?

Thanks so much! You guys are probably the only other people I know that would let something like this decide where you move!

Same as Texas here.

You have to have a licensed kitchen in NY.

Can't bake from home in California.

I think someone made a post not long ago of every state and whether they can or can't bake from home and if not, who they have to contact to become legal. Not sure where to look for it, but it should be in the forums somewhere.

In New York, you can be licensed from home, or not from home at all?

I am in TN and you can get a home kitchen licensed pretty easily. They also turn their heads to "home bakers" doing wedding cakes, bd cakes and such. I have been in business for over a year with business card and the like and have never had a problem.

In PA its legal to bake from home. There's some guidelines you have to follow in order to get licensed but its not too difficult, as far as I know.

I haven't done it yet since I don't get enough cake orders and because I do not own my home.

In Florida you can't be licensed from home, too

I am also a baker in upstate NY. I am licensed by the NY State Department of Health. I have a separate kitchen in my home. I cannot use my family kitchen. I have had a very good relationship with the NYSDoH. They have helped me become a credible bakery and taught me how to have a safe environment for my customers as well as myself. It has been a very rewarding experience. It costs me $75 per year for the permit.

Here is my thread with the (known) status of all states:

http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-32550.html

For NY, it depends on what county you live. Each county may do something a little different. In Monroe County, for instance, you must have a separate kitchen and be inspected by the Health Dept each year, do the food safety course, your kitchen must meet certain codes, etc. But I was talking to someone in Livingston County and from what I understand, they just need a separate stove and be inspected every year and meet other certain guidelines, but they are not required to have a complete and separate kitchen. Best bet for NY is to check with your County Clerk's office and or local Health Deptment.

southernbelle Iam in TN as well and want to start a home business and what to know what steps you had to take to get the home kitchen license.

What about Oklahoma? Anyone?