I would love to start a cake decorating business, but dont really know where to start. I live in southwest fl, does anyone have any suggestions on where I would start? I would love to do it from home but from what I read on here I dont think I can. Thanks in advance

Renee

Wow, that encompasses so much........ you didn't give much to work on.

Questions that immediately come to mind

1) How long have you been decorating?
2) How many cakes are you currently doing for family and friends
3) Have you researched how much you can sell your product for in your area, how much are you charging right now?
4) How much will it cost you to build a kitchen (20k-60k probably)
5) How much profit do you make on a cake
6) How long would it take you to pay off the building, how many cakes are you having to make in order to make a profit, how much money do you want to earn so how much would you need to make in order to make that goal.

I figured one time in order to replace my current job I would have to make THIRTEEN wedding cakes a week! So needless to say I'm keeping my day job!

7) Will you have employees
If so, are you familiar with employment laws and how much it REALLY costs to have an employee (more than the $8 min wage)

And many more q's

Renee, Hi, I am in SW Florida too and have a licensed shop.
The Florida Dept of Agriculture regulates cake shops. If you go to their website you can learn everything you need to know and the answer to your question on a home business.
You can type- doacs.state.fl.us/ or just Google- FL dept ag
Then select- licensing permits regulations, next select bakers
scroll down to frequently asked questions to #4, cook or prepare food at home. Under question #2 select minimum construction standards for a list of requirements for a cake shop. You should check with the local zoning office and for occupational license requirements for your city/county. You will need to check on food safety certification, insurance, sales tax, tangible personal property tax, vendors, signs, equipment, etc.
You asked where to start. Here are some ideas in addition to Alicegops questions.
Work at a bakery. Sometimes you have to work for some one else before you can build your own. Take some cake training. You can meet other people who have the same interest and learn a lot when you network! Take some classes on sales and running a business. Call the small business administration. Write a business plan. Rent a legal kitchen or look for space to open your own shop. Get your finances in order. Do all of your research first. It is worth it!!!

Thanks CindyM your post was helpful and by the way I am in Ft Myers

Renee, glad I could help you. I am in Port Charlotte. I've had a custom cake shop for 7 years and it is awesome. You have to start some where. I got my license and started doing all the wedding cakes for the biggest caterer in town at their kitchen. In 6 months I needed more space. So I rented a real neat space in a shopping center. My business is doing great, and I still do the wedding cakes for the caterer. I just did things as I was able to. You are in a awesome area to look for opportunities. Good luck!!!!