Do you need a license to sell honey in Michigan?

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

Pure honey uses the honey/maple-syrup license exemption, not cottage food. Sales limits (2026): $50,000/yr, or $75,000 if any unit is priced $250+.

What your Michigan 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 Michigan: "Processed in a facility not inspected by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development." The state's sample labels show the all-caps form "MADE IN A FACILITY THAT HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY THE MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE & RURAL DEVELOPMENT". The cottage-food disclaimer for flavored honey is different, do not swap them.

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

The official Michigan source

These rules are set by Michigan Dept of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD). This reflects their published guidance; still confirm the current details before printing.

Read the official Michigan guidance.

Quick checklist for Michigan

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