Is Raw Milk Legal in Florida?

Florida Raw Milk Laws: What Can Be Sold?

Raw Milk for Human Consumption

Florida does not allow raw drinking milk to be sold for human consumption. Milk packaged for beverage use must be pasteurized under Florida Statutes §502.091.

Raw Milk Sold as Animal Feed

Raw milk may be sold for non-human consumption as pet or animal food, subject to applicable Florida feed registration and labeling requirements.

You may find these products at farms or retail locations. They are sold for animal use. A pet-food label does not authorize selling the milk for people to drink.

Herdshares and Private Agreements

Do not assume that joining a herdshare creates an exemption from Florida’s restrictions. A private membership or ownership agreement does not, by itself, establish a lawful route for distributing raw milk for human consumption.

Ask FDACS for guidance about a specific arrangement before relying on it.

Aged Raw Milk Cheese

Florida allows cheese made from raw milk to be sold when it is aged more than 60 days at a temperature above 35°F, subject to applicable food requirements.

This exception applies to qualifying cheese. It does not permit sales of raw drinking milk.

What to Check Before Buying Raw Milk for Animals

Florida’s animal-feed requirements are separate from the rules for milk sold for human consumption. Before buying raw milk for animal use:

• Confirm registration: Ask the seller about its current FDACS feed registration.
• Read the label: Check the intended use, storage instructions, and business information.
• Ask about testing: Request recent milk-testing results and ask how often the farm tests.
• Check availability: Confirm stock, pickup hours, container options, and ordering requirements.

Grass-fed or A2/A2 claims describe farming practices or milk characteristics. They do not establish legal approval or replace testing.

Pickup and Storage Tips

• Bring a cooler: Use ice packs to keep the product refrigerated during transport.
• Follow storage instructions: Check the label and refrigerate promptly after pickup.
• Confirm delivery arrangements: Ask how orders are kept cold and when you need to receive them.
• Keep the intended use clear: Milk sold as animal feed is not approved for human consumption.

For background on raw milk, dairy farming, and milk types, explore our raw milk guides. Florida’s animal-feed sales rules remain separate from approval for human consumption.

Florida Raw Milk FAQ

Is It Legal to Buy Raw Milk in Florida?

Raw milk can be sold as pet or animal food under applicable feed requirements. Florida does not authorize sales of raw drinking milk for human consumption.

Can Florida Stores Sell Raw Milk?

Stores may sell raw milk intended for animal consumption when applicable feed requirements are met. This is separate from selling milk as human food. Check the product’s label and intended use.

Are Herdshares a Legal Exception in Florida?

Do not assume a herdshare exempts an arrangement from Florida raw milk laws. A private contract does not, by itself, establish permission to distribute raw milk for human consumption. Contact FDACS for guidance on a specific arrangement.

Can You Buy Raw Milk Cheese in Florida?

Yes. Florida allows qualifying raw milk cheese aged more than 60 days at a temperature above 35°F. This exception does not extend to raw drinking milk.

Official Florida Raw Milk Laws and Sources

For current sales rules and registration requirements, consult:

• Florida Statutes §502.091: Milk and Milk Products Which May Be Sold
• Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for questions about dairy rules and animal-feed registration.
• University of Florida IFAS: Raw Milk Sales in Florida

For further reading on dairy farming, traditional dairy, and food freedom, explore our Raw Milk Library.

Find Florida Farms and Listings

Browse our Florida listings to find farms and learn about their available products.

Confirm each product’s intended use and the seller’s current registration before ordering. A directory listing does not establish approval to sell raw milk for human consumption.

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