Can you sell your backyard eggs?
Usually yes, but every state draws the line somewhere different: a hen count, a dozen count, a license, a farmers-market permit. We read each state's law and agriculture department guidance, quoted it, and dated it.
9 states so far195 passages quoted from official sourcesLast checked October 6, 2026
States
California
RegistrationYes, but only after you register with CDFA as an egg handler. There is no small-flock exemption from registration, and eggs sold off the farm must be graded and fully labeled.
- Small-flock line
- None; 500 hens get fee relief
- Cartons
- Not stated
Florida
License or permitYes, with a permit. A flock of 3,000 hens or fewer selling under 30 dozen a week qualifies for the $100-a-year limited egg farm permit.
- Small-flock line
- 3,000 hens & 30 dozen a week
- Cartons
- New only
Kansas
License: dependsYes. With 50 or fewer hens you're exempt from the Kansas egg law; with more than 50 but fewer than 250, only if you meet six conditions.
- Small-flock line
- 50 hens (under 250 with conditions)
- Cartons
- Reuse with conditions
Michigan
License: dependsYes. With fewer than 3,000 hens, selling direct and labeling every carton as packed in an uninspected facility, Michigan's Food Law doesn't apply to you.
- Small-flock line
- Under 3,000 hens
- Cartons
- Reuse allowed
North Carolina
No licenseYes. Eggs from your own flock can be sold ungraded on the farm where they're laid, or anywhere as long as ungraded sales stay at or under 30 dozen a week.
- Small-flock line
- 30 dozen a week off the farm
- Cartons
- Reuse allowed
Ohio
License: dependsYes. With 500 or fewer birds you don't register with the state. Sell from the farm or to stores and restaurants; a farmers' market also needs a local health license.
- Small-flock line
- 500 birds or fewer
- Cartons
- Reuse allowed
Pennsylvania
License: dependsYes. With fewer than 3,000 laying hens, selling on the farm or within 100 miles, you need no retail license, but a farmers' market stand does.
- Small-flock line
- Under 3,000 laying hens
- Cartons
- Reuse with conditions
Texas
No licenseYes. If you sell only your own flock's eggs and don't claim a grade, the Texas Egg Law doesn't apply; label cartons "ungraded" with your name and address.
- Small-flock line
- No number: own flock, ungraded
- Cartons
- Reuse with conditions
Washington
License: dependsOn the farm, yes, with no license. Farmers' markets, stores and restaurants take the $30-a-year Egg Handler/Dealer license.
- Small-flock line
- None off the farm
- Cartons
- New only
Your state not here yet? It hasn't been checked, which is not the same as having no rules. Start with your state department of agriculture, and the federal rules apply everywhere.
Tools for the egg stand
Egg price calculator
What a dozen really costs you, what to charge, and this month's store price.
Carton label maker
Print a sheet of labels with the federal safe handling statement and your details.
Federal egg rules
The four federal rules that apply in every state, quoted from the CFR with plain-English readings.
Know what every dozen earned
PoultryPal's sales ledger tracks customers, dozens and payments next to your feed costs. Premium includes financial tracking and the sales ledger. Free to download on iOS and Android.
