Rica's Timeless Treats

09/03/2026

There’s enough negativity in the world. Let’s choose kindness instead.

I made these cookies for Wes, the Amazon driver who has gone out of his way to give back to our Milton community. I wanted to give a little kindness back.

One situation, one business, or one bad experience should never define an entire community.

Let’s show people what Milton, FL is really made of, kind, generous, good-hearted people who look out for one another.

Two wrongs don’t make a right. Let’s be better. Let’s be kind. And let’s prove that Milton is full of good people.

08/31/2026

I’m not on Instagram very often, but I checked it today and saw all of these negative comments. My heart sank when I realized that people are mistaking me for another baker.

I’m honestly heartbroken and overwhelmed. I just had a baby, I’m already emotional, and I’m trying my best to juggle life with two little ones while also running a small business. On top of everything, I’m trying so hard to stay on track with my breastfeeding journey because I wasn’t able to experience this with my first. Now I’m scared that all this stress could affect my milk supply.

, I actually visited your bakery about a week before all of this happened because I wanted to support other local cottage bakers. I bought 2 cookies and 2 brownies, and they were delicious. They genuinely made me smile that day.

But now, so many of us small bakeries are being affected by this situation, even though we had nothing to do with it. I’m asking you, mom to mom, please make this right. I know you’re a mother too, and I hope you can understand how heartbreaking and overwhelming this has been for me and for the other small businesses being caught in the middle.

08/30/2026

I am Rica's Timeless Treats! Please don't get me mixed up with someone else 🙏

08/25/2026

Thank you to the Labor and Delivery Team at Baptist Hospital in Pensacola, Florida for catching my baby and taking care of us! Hope these cookies show how much you're appreciated!🩷

08/18/2026

Santa Rosa County, we would love to see these changes for our county as well!

FOOD STANDS: The Fort Walton Beach City Council voted 5-1 on Aug. 11 to advance an ordinance that would let home-based cottage food businesses sell goods from a cart or stand, a use the city’s code does not currently allow.

Under the ordinance, a qualifying stand could be no larger than 20 square feet and no taller than 8 feet, could operate only between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., and would have to be stored out of sight outside those hours. It would need to sit within 10 feet of the home and at least 15 feet from the front property line, and the property would need at least two off-street parking spaces on a stabilized surface. Operators would have to register with the city.

Operators are also required to hold a city business tax receipt, which many did not have before code enforcement became involved.

The second reading is scheduled for the council’s Aug. 25 meeting.

Full story: https://getthecoast.com/fort-walton-beach-city-council-gives-initial-ok-to-cottage-food-stands/

08/17/2026

Here is that news article addressing cottage food stands in Santa Rosa County.

SANTA ROSA COUNTY, Fla. -- Santa Rosa County officials are clarifying what residents can and cannot sell from their homes after questions surged about Florida’s

08/15/2026

I’m sharing this because I could really use some advice, guidance, and support from other cottage food businesses, farm stand owners, and anyone familiar with zoning rules.
I recently received a violation notice from my county regarding my home-based cottage food business. I’m trying to understand exactly what the rules are and, more importantly, what options I have moving forward.
The hardest part right now is that I’m receiving conflicting information about what is and isn’t allowed.
For example, in a recent news article, the county’s zoning and planning director stated that cottage food businesses cannot have stands. However, people who grow their own fruits or vegetables are permitted to have stands and sell directly from their property.
This is where I’m confused. If a residential property can have a farm stand for selling homegrown products, how does that interact with the 4-car-per-day rule for residential properties? And if the concern is traffic or the number of customers coming onto the property, wouldn’t that potentially affect other types of home-based sales as well?
I’m not trying to ignore the county’s rules or fight the county just for the sake of fighting. I genuinely want to understand the regulations and find a solution that allows small cottage businesses to operate legally and responsibly.
I recently learned that the City of Fort Walton Beach has addressed the cottage food stand issue through a City Council meeting, with discussions about bringing its local regulations more in line with Florida’s cottage food laws.
That is something I would love to see happen here in Santa Rosa County as well.
I believe there should be clear and consistent rules that recognize Florida’s cottage food law while also addressing legitimate local concerns. Right now, it feels like there is a lot of confusion and inconsistency about what is allowed, and small home-based businesses are left trying to figure it out.
This is bigger than just my business. There are so many cottage food businesses, farm stands, and other small home-based businesses in our community. I would love to see Santa Rosa County take another look at these regulations and consider creating rules that are clearer and more consistent with the opportunities Florida law provides to cottage food operators.
If you’ve dealt with something similar or have advice on how to approach the county, request clarification, advocate for a rule change, or work toward a solution, I would truly appreciate hearing from you.
If you have experience, resources, contacts, or advice that could help, please share. And if you believe Santa Rosa County should take another look at these rules, I would appreciate your support and for you to share this video so we can start a productive conversation.

08/01/2026

Kindness is contagious ❤️
Wildflour & Ivy
In a world where more and more cottage bakeries are popping up, I choose to see fellow bakers as inspiration, not competition. This thoughtful surprise after welcoming our baby reminded me that there's room for all of us to grow, encourage one another, and celebrate each other's wins.

Let's keep lifting each other up and spreading kindness. You never know how much a simple act can mean. 💕

07/13/2026

Let's go on a bakery stand crawl!! These bakery hidden gems have been popping up EVERYWHERE and I am all for supporting local small businesses! Thank you to all these bakers for sharing your love and talent with the community!

Wildflour & Ivy
The Salty Pantry Chef
Sugar Dough Handmade Treats

07/05/2026

THANK YOU for a successful bake sale yesterday!

The last couple of months since reopening my little porch bakery have been more than I ever imagined!

To every single person who placed an order, shared my videos, left a kind comment, or simply believed in me, thank you. You've filled me with so much love, inspiration, and motivation to keep growing this dream.

Somewhere along the way, I realized I had found a piece of myself again. I think a lot of moms can relate to putting themselves last, and this little bakery reminded me that it's okay to have something that's yours too.

Now it's time for my next adventure, welcoming another little one into our family. While I'll be stepping away for maternity leave, this isn't goodbye. It's just a "see you later."

Thank you for making this chapter one I'll never forget. I can't wait to bake for you all again when the time is right!