Hello everyone! I am new to cake decorating and I am definatly addicted! I am looking into getting legal here in the state of MD. Anyone else out there can tell me the process? Ive looked through many sites and seem to just come out more confused then before! thanks in advance!

Hi Erin...I am trying to compile a list of what regulations all states have for home bakeries. I will bump up the thread for it. From what I have read here on CC, you would need to use a commercial kitchen to sell your cakes legally in Maryland. Good luck!

Here is a link to the article page, scroll down and then click on Maryland:

http://www.cakecentral.com/article57-Wanting-to-start-a-Cake-Decorating-Business-but-where-do-I-begin.html

Check with your county's health department. I'm in Montgomery and you need to use a licensed kitchen (cannot use your home kitchen) need a food manager license (local college offers this course) and a permit to operate a food service facility (the licensed kitchen)...cost for the permit in Montgomery is approx $365 per year.

Hope this helps.

sweetbaker - I'm in MC, too. Where are you?

I'm in Frederick
So how did you go about getting a licensed kitchen? Are you leasing space from someone else?

Bonniebakes, I'm in Rockville, where r u?

Erinkalins,

I haven't sold any cakes yet since I'm not fully licensed so most cakes have been for family, work, etc. I did call several places recently to find a kitchen to rent but one was too much and the other didn't rent just their kitchen. I think it would only be worth it if I was to also do wedding cakes so right now I'm going to practice in that area. In the fall/winter, I plan to start checking with some local churches and/or restaurants to see if I could use their kitchen. The permit for food service facility runs from Feb - Jan so if I can find a place to rent and save enough money, get insurance, etc., I will get it next Feb and then advertise to try and get some business.

I am in HoCo and am using a church to get my license. They are go to charge me $10 per hour but I am viewing as a charitable deduction rather than a cost of the venture. It is the only way to make it worthwhile in the beginning. Some churches will take a donation of baked goods instead.

I have this question too. I already have a licensed kitchen to work out of, but I don't know exactly what to do next. I know that I need to register my business with the state, but what next?

I live in Prince George's County, but the licensed kitchen is in Baltimore, so I'm guessing that my business needs to be registered with the Baltimore address? I haven't been able to find much info online.

HI...I am in MD and this is what you have to do in Frederick COunty.
Find a kitchen....church, lions, FD, etc. The rate is anywhere from $25-$50.

Then you fill out the paperwork online (About $200 to license business, you get name, and tax id additioanl $75 for name copyright.)

Then you call FC Health dept, then you meet with them ($50 ) at your chosen location. Please note it MUST have a commercial mixer.

Then you have to get a use and occupancy certificate from the Building permits division ($213.00). Then the Fire inspector, building inspector, and the health and safety inspector have to inspect the site. Commercial hood, 3 sinks, commercial oven, fireextinguisher, kitchen occupancy.

Then you have to get insurance ($350 Per Year).

Then you call the labeling office in baltimore and get instructions on allergies and labeling etc. He was very helpful by the way.

Then.....3 months later you are licensed in Frederick county.....


I know it sounds like a lot, but it is an acheivable task. I just wanted to give you the exact details because I wallowed around the internet and called a truckload of government offices before I could get licensed. I hope this is helpful. PLease let me know i fyou need futher info.

I will be out of town until Jul 24 so wait for me....

Julia

Thank you so very very much! I am brand new to cake decorating so i want to get my foot in the door a little more, but thank you for all the info, I felt it much better to ask right away then to spend all that time looking around on the internet! I will also be out of town untill the 26th. I dont plan on trying to go through this process for several months, but i am very glad to have the heads up. Thanks again! Talk to you soon.

Webdiva, I would think that you would have to license the business with the Baltimore address.

Acookieobsession,

Geat website!
But, can you provide more detail since you are licensed and operating? How are you allowed to sell baked goods outside of the county you are licensed in? Does a business license take care of this issue?

Elaine

sweetbaker - I'm near Olney.


Acookieobsession - thanks for all of that information!! In Montgomery County it seems to be a little more difficult to get licensed, from what I've heard....

Oh, I love Olney. Wanted to buy a house there but too expensive. Luckily I found one in Rockville.

Us Marylanders should try to get together one day. Several months ago someone was checking into renting a hall but haven't heard back about it. I'll have to check my past posts to see who that was and inquire. It would be nice to meet at least once before the summer is over and school starts, etc.

I live in Rockville, too. I think getting together Marylanders is a great idea. I know there is a cake club in Northern Virginia and one in Baltimore, but I was a bit sad one wasn't closer to us.

Maybe some of us could meet at the Montgomery County fair in a few weeks.

Anyone entering in any of the contests?

Couldnt we start our OWN cake club?

There actually is a MD club that's associated with ICES I believe...it's called GWACC (Greater Washington Area Cake Club). I don't know much about it and haven't been to any of the meetings though.

From the Casanova (Cake and Sugar Artists of Northern Virginia) site: