Do you need a license to sell honey in California?

In most cases you can sell pure honey from your own bees in California without a food license.

Beekeepers who own the bees and process their own honey do not need CFO registration. Apiary registration with the County Ag Commissioner is required (Food & Ag Code §29043).

What your California honey label must include

Start with the federal basics that apply in every state:

  • The word "Honey" (you can name the floral source, like "Wildflower Honey", if it is the main source)
  • Net weight in both US and metric, in the bottom 30 percent of the front label
  • Your name and address
  • No ingredient list is needed for pure honey; add one the moment you add anything

Then, for California: None for pure honey from your own bees. Selling under the Cottage Food (CFO) channel requires "Made in a Home Kitchen" in 12-point type plus the CFO permit number and issuing agency.

For the full federal rules, including when a nutrition panel is required, see our honey labeling requirements guide.

The official California source

These rules are set by CDPH Food Safety / county environmental health; CDFA for apiary. This reflects their published guidance; still confirm the current details before printing.

Read the official California guidance.

Quick checklist for California

  • The word "Honey"
  • Net weight in US and metric, bottom 30 percent of the front
  • Your name and address
  • The California statement or disclaimer described above
  • Optional but recommended: "Do not feed honey to infants under one year of age"