Mead, which is a type of alcohol that’s been made for centuries, has undergone a resurgence. Helped along by TV shows like “Vikings” and a general interest in old-world craftsmanship, a lot of folks have learned how to turn honey into spirits in their own homes.
They just can’t sell it as part of a home-based business – at least, not in Florida.
Your home brews can’t be for sale out of your actual home
Essentially, the majority of alcoholic beverage industry activities that people take up as hobbies cannot be turned into a home-based business – and some of them are simply illegal to do at all. This includes making moonshine (owning or operating a still), blending liquor for resale into jello shots, brewing beer or kombucha for sale and making wine, hard cider or mead for sale out of your home. (Do not think you can skirt the law by operating out of your shed, detached garage or even a covered area in the backyard, either. Those still count as part of your home.)
If you’re interested in starting your own mead manufacturing business in this state, you need to obtain a wine manufacturer’s license (AMW license) through the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (ABT). You will also need a vendor license that allows you to sell wine, although the type depends upon the business you hope to build.
There’s a reason that you don’t see making wine or cider or mead at the top of the list for home-based business ideas. If you want to launch your own mead-making business, you’d be wisest to seek legal guidance so that you know how to stay on the right side of the law.