home based bussiness in FL

[Guest guest]

Hello,

My name is Ghita and I am new to this list. I have been making soaps, salves and

such for about 5 years now as a hobby and have just decided to make it into a

business because it is something I enjoy to do and can still stay home with my

young daughter. Anyway, I had a couple of questions about starting a home based

business where I live in Tallahassee, FL. I used to be on this list a few years

ago and was going through some old e-mails from the list when I came across one

from a woman in Florida who recently found out she could not sell lotion at

craft shows and then did some research and said she found out that you could not

make bath salts and lip balms at home and then sell them if you lived in

Florida. So then tonight I got on the state of Florida's health department's

website and came across the FL Drug and Cosmetic Act Chpt 499 and in it they

state that if the establishment is a place of residence then one cannot obtain a

permit(which costs $600.00) to manufacture cosmetics. So I was just wondering is

what I do(making salves, body powders etc.) considered manufacturing cosmetics

and if so does that mean I can not have a home based business doing this? I am

really sorry this e-mail is so long, but I am very distressed. Is there anyone

out there who has a home based business doing this here in Florida who can give

me some advice? I would greatly, immensely appreciate it.

Thankyou,

Ghita D. Heidt