For J.R. Denman, making honey over the past three years hasn't been that sweet a deal. Denman, who works in technology, spends about $1,500 a year on the protective suits, new hives, lids and bottles that make up his sideline.

The moonlighting gig takes place largely in hisKissimmee back yard and kitchen.

"Beekeeping is a money-losing proposition," Denman said. "I can bottle all the honey I want, but I can't sell it."

That's about to change. Florida's Department of Agriculture announced Monday that it's adding honey to its list of "cottage foods." Small-scale beekeepers — those who have no more than $15,000 a year in sales — can now bottle and sell honey without getting permits and preparing it in a Department of Agriculture-inspected kitchen.