I bake several cakes a week. Mostly for family or friends. I DO charge for them. How would I go about making this a real business for myself? Do I REALLY need a business license and all that? I have no intentions of getting into a shop anytime in the near future. Just wondering on your take on this subject.

Am I breaking the law?

Welcome to Cakecentral! I think you'll love it here!

You can start by checking with your local Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Office (inofrmation is on the web too)...they have lots of info regarding the requirements to become "Legal". Whether or not you become legal is entirely up to you!

Selling "home baked" goods without an inspected kitchen is taking a risk. If the health department finds out, you can be subject to big fines.
Although, many decorators take the risk.

In some states it is very easy to get a license for home baking. Check it out with your local health department. they will know if the license is offered by them or by the Department of Agriculture.

JoAnn