Vendor Information

Below you will find all the information you will need to become familiar with our rules and regulations prior to becoming a vendor at Space Coast Farmers Market. We require that all vendors thoroughly read these before submitting your application.

CODE OF CONDUCT:

At the Space Coast Farmers Market, all individuals are expected to treat customers, board members, staff, and volunteers with respect, fostering a sense of community, unity, and collaborative engagement. Engaging in negative conversations about other vendors with customers or fellow vendors is not allowed.

PUNCTUALITY & ATTENDANCE:

  • Hours of Operation: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm every Saturday.
  • All vendors are required to have their booths set up by 8:45 a.m., unless they have arranged otherwise with the Market Manager.
  • Vendors should inform the market manager at least 24 hours in advance via text message, stating the date of absence and the reason for missing the market.
  • Text 321-960-2060 to notify.

BOOTH FEES & ABSENTEE SCHEDULE:

BOOTH FEES:

Each tent costs $35, and there is an additional $5 surcharge for electricity, which covers the Park and Rec fee for electricity. Payment is required on the day of the market or paid prior online with verification. Vendors are required to clear any outstanding payments before setting up.

ABSENTEE FEE SCHEDULE:

During the Season (October to May), vendors are required to pay the full fee of $35 per tent, regardless of their attendance once they commit to a market date. Absentee fees must be settled upon their return, with the exception of farmers before and after their harvest period. For the Off-Season (June to September), vendors who are absent are expected to pay 50% of the standard fee for each week missed, except for farmers who are unable to produce during this period.

RESERVING A BOOTH OUT OF SEASON:

Vendors have the option to secure space for the upcoming season by comitting to a three month schedule. If vendors fail to reserve space, they will need to reapply and join the waitlist until a spot becomes available. Summer breaks are only permitted for farmers. Please note that all payments and deposits are non-refundable under any circumstances.

MARKET CANCELLATIONS:

The Space Coast Farmers Market operates under most weather conditions, except during severe events such as hurricanes, lightning, or heavy rain and winds that disrupt vending. Usually, decisions regarding market cancellation are not made beforehand, as rapid changes in inclement weather are frequent due to the coastal setting. Vendors, particularly those selling perishable goods, are encouraged to evaluate weather conditions individually before participating.

BILLING:

If a market is canceled before 8 am, there will be no charge for that day. However, if the cancellation takes place after 9 am, full payment will be necessary. In situations where weather conditions hinder payment collection on the cancellation day, payment will be expected the following week. When a market is canceled mid-operation, vendors must promptly pack up and vacate without any exceptions. If a cancellation occurs on the morning of the market or earlier, vendors should avoid setting up their stalls.

BOOTH ASSIGNMENTS:

The Market Manager assigns tent locations, and each designated space is not interchangeable. Should a vendor want to relocate, they can request a transfer but will have to wait for an available opening.

SET-UP & BREAKDOWN:

Set-up: 8:00 – 8:45 am. All vehicles must be off the premises by 8:30 am. Vehicles can enter the market to unload products, but they must be removed before setting up your booth. Breakdown: For safety reasons, vehicles cannot enter the premises until 2:15 pm to ensure customers have left the area.

CLEAN-UP:

Every vendor must clean their designated area. Food vendors must use protective coverings while cooking to prevent oil from spilling on the ground. Vendors are required to clear all trash and boxes from their space and leave it as they found it. Garbage can be thrown away in the designated trash can or the overflow large trash cans on site. Vendors are not allowed to dispose of their trash in city bins or any other local dumpsters. Any vendor found improperly disposing of trash will receive a warning for the first offense, with subsequent violations incurring a $50 fine per incident.

PARKING:

Parking in the designated areas and their corresponding lots is strictly prohibited. Business owners will either tow market vendors’ vehicles or issue parking tickets. Please be mindful of neighboring businesses and avoid parking in these areas.

EXHIBIT SPACE:

The Market Manager has the authority to allocate and move vendors, as necessary.

  • The standard exhibit space is typically 10’ x 10’ in size.
  • Vendors are required to set up under 10×10 tents or canopies, unless specifically approved as a Micro Vendor by management.
  • Tent weights are always necessary to prevent damage in windy conditions.
  • Using city property, such as light poles or sculptures, to secure canopies is prohibited.
  • The Market Manager is responsible for assigning and placing all vendors.
  • Sharing booth space is not permitted.
  • Signs and displays should remain within the designated exhibit space, ensuring they do not obstruct traffic or other vendors’ displays. Signs must be securely placed to prevent damage in windy conditions.
  • All products must be displayed, sold, and stored above ground level, using tables, shelves, cases or similar for this purpose.

PRODUCT REGULATIONS:

PRODUCT STANDARDS:

The Space Coast Farmers Market is dedicated to providing a platform for fresh, top-notch products. The Market Manager holds the power to dismiss a vendor if the quality of their products is compromised.

PRODUCT AUTHORIZATION:

Permitted Market Items: The SCFM Board and Market Manager have the authority to regulate products and the number of vendors for the benefit of the entire Farmers Market.

Vendor applications should specify all products to be sold and only approved products from the application can be sold. Vendors must immediately stop selling any unlisted or unapproved items upon the request of the Market Manager or Board to continue participating in the Market.

To introduce new products, vendors need to submit a written request to the Market Manager for review and approval before selling them.

The sale or consumption of illegal drugs or alcoholic beverages at the market location is strictly prohibited!

PRICING:

The pricing of products at the Market is the individual responsibility of each vendor. Engaging in discussions about pricing with other vendors is considered a violation of federal law. Any vendor found to be in breach of this regulation will be immediately removed from the market.

SMOKING POLICY:

Vendors are not permitted to smoke at the farmer’s market. Please utilize the designated parking areas if you need to smoke.

ORGANIC LABELING:

State law restricts the use of “Certified Organic” and “Organic” terminologies to individuals certified by the Department of Agriculture. Vendors are required to present evidence of Organic Licensing when marketing organic goods. Proof of organic status is necessary for resale items. It is mandatory for all vendors to accurately advertise their products.

LAWS, PERMITS, REGULATIONS & LIABILITY:

HEALTH PRACTICES:

All vendors are required to adhere to the sanitary guidelines established by the Brevard County Health Department. Any vendors found selling contaminated food or not following proper health protocols at the Market will face suspension until they obtain approval from both the Health Department and Market Manager.

TAXES/LICENSING:

Vendors are accountable for gathering and remitting their own sales tax. Adhering to Federal, State, County, and City laws, regulations, and licenses is obligatory. Vendors need to provide evidence of compliance to the Market Manager before accessing the market and when requested thereafter.

GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE:

Vendors are required to have General Liability insurance that covers claims at the Space Coast Farmer’s Market, with the market listed as an additional insured party. Prompt submission of yearly insurance renewals to the market manager is essential. Upon signing the Market Rules, vendors are consenting to release Space Coast Farmer’s Market from any liability related to claims or damages.

INDIVIDUAL VENDOR POLICIES:

FOOD VENDORS:

  • Before vending at the market, all vendors selling prepared food must show their Health Department certification to the Market Manager.
  • Vendors are required to have these permits with them during market hours and show them when asked.

PRODUCE / MEAT VENDORS:

  • Farm vendors are required to submit an application to the Market Manager and must cultivate their own produce/meats.
  • Wholesale brokers are not allowed in the market unless a spot becomes available because a vendor has left.
  • The criteria for selection are centered on quality, freshness, and compliance with the guidelines.

CRAFT VENDORS:

  • Craft vendors are required to submit applications to the Market Manager, ensuring that all items are handmade by the seller.
  • Selection criteria include quality, originality, and space availability, with a focus on “Handmade, home & garden decorative accessories.”
  • The Market Manager and/or SCFM Board will assess all crafts, giving priority to submissions with high-quality photographs.

PLANT VENDORS:

  • Plant vendors are required to submit an application and a nursery license to the Market Manager.
  • The selection process considers quality, originality, and space availability.

COTTAGE FOOD VENDORS:

  • Cottage food vendors are regulated by the Florida Department of Agriculture’s Cottage Food Act and must adhere to specific labeling requirements for all products, as outlined by the Department of Agriculture.

MICRO VENDORS:

  • Micro Vendors can occupy less than half of a 10’x10’ space and set up under a securely anchored umbrella.
  • The booth fees for Micro Vendors will remain the same.

GRIEVANCES:

MARKET MANAGER:

Non-compliance with Market rules may result in suspension, expulsion, or fines as determined by the Market Manager. The Market Manager has the authority to expel individuals or Vendors for breaching Market regulations, city, county, or state laws, or for not following the Manager’s instructions. Duties involve enforcing market and public safety rules, overseeing space allocations, collecting fees, and mediating disputes among vendors.

FARMERS MARKET BOARD:

If the Market Manager is unable to resolve issues, the Board has the ultimate authority. Decisions made by the Market Manager must be adhered to unless the Board states otherwise. The Board also holds the power to remove vendors who do not comply with market regulations.

GRIEVANCE POLICY:

The Market Manager is responsible for enforcing market rules and addressing any violations that occur. If vendors have disputes regarding another vendor’s products, they need to submit a written complaint to the Market Manager. Vendors have the option to challenge disciplinary actions within a two-week period. The Market Manager holds the authority to make exceptions to market policies on a case-by-case basis.

CUSTOMER DISSATISFACTION:

Customer disputes must be resolved promptly to the customer’s satisfaction and Market Manager. Failure to do so may lead to vendor removal from the market.