Do you need a license to sell honey in Virginia?

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

Own-honey exemption (Code of Virginia §3.2-5130): pure honey from your own hives, under 250 gallons/yr. Infused/value-added honey is not covered.

What your Virginia 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 Virginia: "PROCESSED AND PREPARED WITHOUT STATE INSPECTION. WARNING: Do Not Feed Honey to Infants Under One Year Old." The infant warning is mandatory in Virginia.

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

The official Virginia source

These rules are set by Virginia Dept of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS). This reflects their published guidance; still confirm the current details before printing.

Read the official Virginia guidance.

Quick checklist for Virginia

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