Applicant FAQs

Q: Are all markets in the Panama City, FL area operated by the same group?

No. Not all markets in the Panama City area are operated by the same organization.

Each farmers market is independently managed, with its own standards, application process, and expectations. This page applies only to the markets operated by our Anchored Market Ventures team.

Q: How do I apply to the market?

All vendors must apply through our online application system Manage My Market, www.managemymarket.com

To apply, you will:

1. Create a vendor account

2. Complete your business and product information

3. Upload required documentation (if applicable)

4. Submit your application for review

There is a $25 non-refundable application fee due at the time of application.

Applications are reviewed individually and are not automatically approved.

Q: Is there an annual fee to participate?

Yes. In addition to the application fee, there is a $50 annual administration fee.

• This fee is not per market

• It applies once per calendar year

• It covers participation across all of our markets

• Whether you apply to one market or multiple markets, this fee is paid only once annually

Q: Are vendor applications open throughout the year?

Yes. Applications are accepted year-round.

Approval is based on product fit, vendor mix, space availability, and market needs. Applying early is recommended, especially for popular markets and dates.

Q: If I reserve a specific date on my application, am I guaranteed a spot?

No. Selecting or reserving a date during the application process does not guarantee approval for that market date.

All date requests are reviewed based on:

• Vendor mix and category balance

• Space availability

• Market-specific needs

Approval confirmation is required before participation.

Q: What does it cost to be a vendor and how big are stall spaces?

Standard vendor spaces are 10’ x 10’ unless otherwise noted.

Daily Booth Fees by Market:

• Panama City Farmers’ Market
  $35 per 10’ x 10’ booth
  $45 food truck fee

• SweetBay Farmers Market
  $20 per 10’ x 10’ booth
  $20 food truck fee

• Latitude Margaritaville Farmers Market
  $25 per 10’ x 10’ booth
  No food trucks permitted at this market

• Farmers Market at The Big Chill 30A
  $40 per 10’ x 10’ booth
  No food trucks permitted at this market

We also host special event and pop-up farmers markets throughout the year. Booth pricing for those events is announced as each event is released.

Q: How many vendors participate at your markets?

In 2025, we hosted over 780 vendors across our farmers markets and special event pop-ups.

Vendor counts vary by market and event, and are intentionally managed to maintain a strong balance and positive experience for vendors and shoppers.

Q: How often does each market run?

• Panama City Farmers’ Market
  Every Saturday, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

• SweetBay Farmers Market
  Every Sunday, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

• Latitude Margaritaville Farmers Market
  2nd Wednesday of each month, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  (February through December; closed in January)

• Farmers Market at The Big Chill 30A
  Thursdays, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  (March through Labor Day)

Q: What type of products are allowed to be sold at the market?

We prioritize products that are:

• Grown, raised, created, or produced in Florida or within 150 miles of Panama City

• Original and appropriately produced

• Aligned with our Market Standards

A very limited number of resale items may be approved and must be screened and approved in advance.

A strictly limited number of vendors may be approved to sell items sourced from outside the region (such as Fair Trade or Direct Trade goods).

Products fit for a flea market will not be approved.
Multilevel Marketing (MLM) businesses are not permitted.

Q: Do I need general liability insurance?

Yes. General liability insurance is required for all vendors.

Minimum coverage requirements:

• $1,000,000 for food vendors and cosmetic vendors

• $500,000 for all other vendors

All general liability insurance policies must list Anchored Market Ventures, LLC as an Additional Insured.

Proof of insurance showing current coverage and Additional Insured status must be uploaded to your Manage My Market account or provided prior to participation.

Here is a helpful list of vendor insurance providers commonly used by vendors:
👉 https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14Sy2CGkWKJ/

Q: Do I need to be a business to sell at your farmers markets?

No. Vendors are not required to be formally registered as a business to apply or participate.

You may participate as:

• A sole proprietor (selling goods as yourself), or

• A registered business entity such as an LLC, S-Corp, or C-Corp

Regardless of business structure, general liability insurance is required for all vendors and must meet our minimum coverage requirements prior to participation.

This approach allows flexibility for newer vendors while ensuring a professional, protected market environment for everyone involved.

Q: Do I need a special license or permit to participate?

It depends on what you sell.

• Food sales are regulated by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS)

• Cottage Food vendors must comply with FDACS Cottage Food Law requirements

• Vendors selling non-food items typically do not require special permits

Vendors are responsible for understanding and complying with all applicable regulations.

Q: How do I get a Florida Sales Tax Certificate?

All vendors are required to collect and remit sales tax as required by Florida law.

To obtain a Florida Sales Tax Certificate:

1. Register your business with the Florida Department of Revenue Customer Service Center
   👉 https://floridarevenue.com

2. Log in and complete the questionnaire to receive your certificate.

Q: Are canopies required?

Yes. A 10’ x 10’ canopy with straight (vertical) legs is required for all markets.

• Slant-leg canopies are not permitted

• All canopies must be properly secured with at least 20 lbs per leg

• Ground anchors are not allowed at our market locations

Canopies and equipment may be rented (availability is limited):

• 10’ x 10’ canopy (weights included): $15 per market

• 6’ table: $5 per table, per market

• Canopy weights: $5 per set, per market

• Chairs: $2 each, per market

Q: Is electricity available for vendors?

Limited 110v electricity is available for $5 per plug per market day, by request.

• Must be reserved in advance

• Vendors supply heavy-duty outdoor extension cords

• Cords must be taped every 12 inches or properly covered

Electricity is limited and not guaranteed. Priority is given to vendors who require electricity to operate.

Q: What if bad weather is forecasted on a market day?

Markets operate rain or shine.

Markets are only canceled if conditions are deemed unsafe. Many vendors report strong sales on cooler or rainy days.

Q: What happens if I cancel within 24 hours or do not show up?

We have a Cancellation & No-Show Policy.

If you cancel within 24 hours of a market day or are a no-show:

• You will be charged a $25 cancellation/no-show fee

• Your booth fee will still be charged

If you No-Show and equipment rentals were reserved:

• Equipment fees will also be charged

• Equipment is still set up and broken down regardless of attendance

Q: How will I know where my stall space is located?

Stall assignments are determined in advance and communicated prior to market day.

Assignments are based on:

• Market layout

• Vendor category

• Equipment needs

• Safety and flow considerations

Vendors must set up in their assigned space.

Q: Are Nonprofits & Community Organizations Allowed to Participate?

Yes, select nonprofits and community organizations are welcome to participate in our markets under a structured participation policy designed to support community engagement while protecting our vendors and the sustainability of the market.

Nonprofits and community organizations are considered Community Partners, not vendors, and participation is subject to approval and the following guidelines:

• Booth Fee Required
  Approved nonprofits are required to pay the standard booth fee. Nonprofits utilize the same market space, exposure, and operational resources as vendors, and booth fees help support the costs of operating the market.

• Application Fee Required
  All nonprofits must submit an application and pay the standard application fee. This fee covers third-party application processing and administrative costs associated with review and approval.

• Annual Administration Fee Waived
  The annual administration fee is waived for approved nonprofits and community organizations.

• Limited Participation
  Nonprofits may participate no more than once per calendar month, unless specifically invited by market management. This ensures balance within the market and protects opportunities for vendors.

• Fundraising & Sales Guidelines
  Donations and awareness-based fundraising are permitted. Product sales, raffles, or promotional activities must be approved in advance and may be restricted.

• Nonprofit Verification Required
  Organizations must provide valid nonprofit documentation (such as 501(c)(3) status) as part of the approval process.

• Alignment With Market Values
  Participation must align with the mission, values, and family-friendly environment of our markets. We reserve the right to approve or deny participation at our discretion.

Our goal is to support meaningful community organizations without compromising the vendor-focused purpose of our markets. This policy allows us to responsibly support the community while maintaining a high-quality experience for vendors and shoppers.

Q: Do You Allow High School & Youth Group Fundraisers at the Market?

Yes. Local high school groups, school-affiliated organizations, and youth groups are welcome to participate in our markets as part of our commitment to supporting students, families, and the local community.

High School & Youth Group participation is handled differently than nonprofit or vendor participation and follows these guidelines:

• Fundraiser & Awareness-Based Participation
  Approved groups may raise funds, promote school programs, or support specific student activities or trips.

• Fee Structure
  Booth fees and application fees are typically waived for approved high school and youth group fundraisers as a community courtesy.

• Limited & Coordinated Participation
  Participation is limited and scheduled in advance to ensure balance within the market. Groups are generally approved for one or two appearances, depending on availability and market needs.

• Advance Coordination Required
  High school and youth groups must contact market management directly by email to coordinate participation. These groups do not apply through the standard vendor application system.

• School or Organization Verification Required
  Groups must be affiliated with a recognized school or youth organization and may be asked to provide verification.

Our goal is to support youth development and education while maintaining a positive experience for vendors, shoppers, and the community.

Final Note

Our goal is to run professionally planned and managed markets that support vendors while delivering a great experience for shoppers and the community.