Teach Soap

So this is a big situation going on right now. For those that don't know I live in PA and my boyfriend lives in CT. We are planning to start the moving process in January and up until this week were 90% settled on living in Fl. Upon learning about some rules and restrictions for starting a soap business in Florida my boyfriend got terrified. Like speechless terrified! He never shuts up so this scared me! He's a very business numbers robot guy so he's seeing that Florida is a horrible idea now. He now is majorly considering his first choice of Washington state now. In the deciding process I was team Florida and he was team Washington. I won out because both our families are on the east coast and Florida is a cheaper state and it does have some nice weather and attraction (Disney anyone?).

So in short I'm terrified. I'm not sold on Washington and he's not sold on Florida. The pros and cons make me wonder which is the better pick. So here's the list

Florida pros: Washington pros:
Nice weather (I love the heat, he doesn't so much). Close to Brambleberry (my only supplier now)
Cheaper (taxes, house prices, etc) Less rules and guidelines for a soap biz
Family is on the east coast Fun young culture

Florida cons: Washington cons:
Storms and crazy weather (for him not me). Not exactly tropical heat year round
Crazy rules and restrictions for a soap biz. Leaving family and friends for the west coast
Far from Brambleberry (new supplier) More expensive state (housing, taxes, etc.)


So I don't know what to do. I'm sold on the opportunities of Washington and nothing else. And my boyfriend is the opposite. So I could use some support to maybe shift us in a better direction. I can tell this is gonna be a big issue over the next few months.

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The Black Currant- Shipping within the US!

My shop: The Black Currant on Etsy!
My blog: http://www.theblackcurrantshop.wordpress.com
Also on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & YouTube!

First, is soap making going to be your only income\business? Have you contacted others in Florida to see how well they have been able to do?
Only you can make this decision, but for me family is everything... where they are is where I want to be! I could deal with any weather, get a job where ever I needed to be, cope with housing costs.... but how do you replace family???
Does this move you are going to make have to be permanent? Perhaps try out both places for a few months?

Best of luck to you, which ever you decide.

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Susie
Sometimes A Mistake is so much fun, You just have to do it again!

Requirements for the state of Florida:

Application: Businesses seeking this permit must complete the Department’s application. Mail or deliver the application and all required attachments to:
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Drugs, Devices and Cosmetics Program
1940 North Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783

Inspection: Passing an onsite inspection is a prerequisite to issuance of this permit.

License Term: Cosmetic Manufacturer permits are valid through the last day of the initial issuance month in the second year of licensure. Example: A permit issued on September 12, 2011 would be valid through September 30, 2013.

Fee: The application and permitting fee is $800 for a two-year permit, plus a one-time pre-permit inspection fee of $150. The inspection fee applies only to new permits.

Product Registration: Florida law requires that all cosmetics manufactured in this state must be registered with the department before sale. Product registration is NOT a prerequisite to issuance of this permit.

If you have any questions or need assistance completing these forms, please call the Drugs, Devices and Cosmetics Program at (850) 717-1800.

I hope that helps. It's not impossible, just a bit more expensive.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

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JKM Creative Enterprises

This is going to be my only income. My boyfriend will continue his job for a few more years. After that I'm not sure if he's going to permanently move into the business or not. My parents might not be willing to travel to Washington as much as Florida. His parents would be thrilled with either choice.

So a come down to a location vs. expense issue.

Florida is my ideal location and cost of living but not my ideal business cost.

Washington is his ideal local and possibly business cost but not cost of living.

_________________
The Black Currant- Shipping within the US!

My shop: The Black Currant on Etsy!
My blog: http://www.theblackcurrantshop.wordpress.com
Also on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & YouTube!

Hrm, maybe a third location that you both like equally? My hubby and I have talked about moving to Arizona or Alaska hehe, both are states where our professions would thrive, and costs of living are incredibly less than they currently are (we live in the highest property tax county in the Eastern US, with the worst roads!).

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~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

Having lived in FL for over 30 years, it IS NOT an inexpensive place to live. Right now the housing market is great, but utilities are higher than many other places, taxes are high and insurance is a killer. Our homeowners insurance went from $800 to $4000 in 2 years because of hurricanes. I was thrilled when his job brought us to TN.

Unfortunately for me, my husband wants to move back there when he retires in less than 2 years. I will be kicking and screaming the whole way...

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Linda
I know the voices in my head aren't real, but they sure have some great ideas!

$4000? Holy crap that's low! We pay 4 times that for our little bungalow in NJ! No wonder the husband wants to go back to FL LOL

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~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

You pay 16k for insurance???

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Lesli Sagan
Avital's Apiaries
Like us: http://www.facebook.com/AvitalsApiaries

So an update: my boyfriend is sold on both. Ugh! He's so useless for the first time! Normally he can make decisions and I'm the one holding back or switching sides.

Ugh if only brambleberry was on both coasts. Please Anne Marie move with us

_________________
The Black Currant- Shipping within the US!

My shop: The Black Currant on Etsy!
My blog: http://www.theblackcurrantshop.wordpress.com
Also on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & YouTube!

_________________
~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

Heather, if you moved to a smaller home you would either have to re-do your soap room or give it up!
I think this is your FIL's way of saying 'I don't want to move'.

_________________
Susie
Sometimes A Mistake is so much fun, You just have to do it again!

_________________
Linda
I know the voices in my head aren't real, but they sure have some great ideas!

_________________
~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

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Linda
I know the voices in my head aren't real, but they sure have some great ideas!