Do you need a license to sell honey in Ohio?

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

Pure honey is exempt under O.R.C. 3715.021 if at least 75% is from your own hives. Sold on-site: US units only; off-site: US and metric.

What your Ohio 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 Ohio: None for pure honey. Flavored honey (cottage food) must carry "This product is home produced" in 10-point type.

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

The official Ohio source

These rules are set by Ohio Dept of Agriculture, Division of Food Safety. This reflects their published guidance; still confirm the current details before printing.

Read the official Ohio guidance.

Quick checklist for Ohio

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