Market Standards

Raising the Bar

Our standards do more than guide participation — they define the character of our markets.

We carefully review all applications to ensure products align with the quality, values, and expectations our shoppers have come to trust. This deliberate approach supports vendors who take pride in their work and helps maintain a market environment that benefits everyone involved.

Approval is competitive and not automatic.

Family-Friendly Market Environment

Our markets are designed to be welcoming and appropriate for all ages.

• Products, signage, clothing, packaging, symbols, or messaging deemed vulgar, obscene, or inappropriate are not permitted

• This policy applies to vendors, products, displays, and guest organizations

• Zero tolerance applies across all market locations

Farmers & Ranchers

We prioritize farmers and ranchers who demonstrate thoughtful, health-conscious, and humane production practices.

While we recognize that farming methods vary, many customers actively seek transparency around how their food is grown and raised. Our standards aim to reduce reliance on practices that raise health or ethical concerns.

Standards & Priorities:

• All vendors selling food for human consumption must carry General Liability Insurance

• Produce must be grown in Florida or within 150 miles of Panama City

• Meat, dairy, and poultry must be raised and processed in Florida or within 150 miles

• Meat and poultry products must be grown or raised by the vendor

• Products not raised by the vendor are strictly limited and require prior approval

• Genetically modified crops (GMOs) are limited

• Priority is given to regenerative, humane, and health-conscious practices

• Freeze-dried foods are permitted only as value-added products made from the vendor’s own farm goods

• In rare cases, farmer-to-farmer sales may be approved to support seasonal challenges; approval is limited and regulated

• Priority is given to unique or underrepresented products that add value to market diversity

Food Artisans

Food artisans are individuals or businesses that create authentic, thoughtfully crafted food products using skill, care, and respect for ingredients and process.

We prioritize foods made by people — not mass-produced or overly processed items.

Standards & Priorities:

• All vendors selling food for human consumption must carry General Liability Insurance

• Bakery and ready-to-eat items must be made by the vendor

• Products must be prepared, grown, or processed by the vendor

• Priority is given to:

  • Unique, handmade foods

  • Florida-produced or market-sourced ingredients

  • Minimal processing and clean ingredient profiles

• Artificial ingredients, artificial food colorings, and seed oils are strongly discouraged

• Overly processed foods are not permitted

• Freeze-dried foods are permitted only as value-added products using the vendor’s own goods or approved ingredients

• Commercially processed sweets are not permitted

• Franchise participation is discouraged and considered only on a very limited basis when no local option exists

• Products must align with the quality already represented at the market

Arts & Handmade Artisans

An artisan is someone who creates original work through skill, craftsmanship, and personal involvement in the creative process.

We value originality, creativity, and quality, and seek a thoughtful balance of functional and artistic goods.

Standards & Priorities:

• All work must be original in design and created or processed by the vendor

• All vendors selling Art & Handmade products must carry General Liability Insurance

• Products must be handcrafted — not assembled from kits

• Priority is given to high-quality, original artwork

• Products must match the quality of images submitted during the application process

• Laser-cut, laser-engraved, dye-sublimation, image transfer, and 3D-printed items are accepted on a limited basis

• Adding a vendor logo to original items using these methods is permitted

• Artificial fragrances and synthetic chemicals in body care, candles, and similar products are strongly discouraged

• Items derived from kits are not permitted

• Products must align with the overall aesthetic and quality of the market

Resale & Limited Exceptions

Our markets prioritize original, locally produced goods.

• A strictly limited number of vendors may be approved to sell resale items

• Resale items must be screened and approved in advance

• Approved resale is typically limited to:

  • Fair Trade goods

  • Direct Trade products

  • Items not already represented or available in sufficient quantity

• Product resellers are approved only when they add value and do not compete unfairly with existing vendors

Prohibited Business Models

To maintain market integrity:

• Multilevel Marketing (MLM) businesses are not permitted

• Franchise businesses are generally not permitted and considered only in rare, limited cases

• Flea-market-style products & Garage Sale items will not be approved

Our Market Structure & Why It Works

Anchored Market Ventures operates as a for-profit business. This structure allows us to invest consistently in professional operations, marketing, infrastructure, insurance, and long-term planning for the markets we manage.

Like nonprofit markets, we collect vendor fees, pay operating expenses, and compensate the people responsible for running, promoting, and growing the markets. The difference is not in purpose, but in structure and accountability.

We believe a market’s value is measured by its organization, standards, vendor experience, customer attendance, and community impact, not by its tax classification.

Our focus is on running well-organized, professionally promoted markets that support vendors, serve communities, and remain sustainable year after year.

Final Note on Standards

Our Market Standards exist to protect vendors, shoppers, and the long-term success of the market.

Meeting these standards does not guarantee acceptance, and approval decisions are based on overall fit, balance, and market needs.