Farmers markets are essential to any community. They give residents access to locally grown produce, meat, seafood and unique products crafted by dedicated makers, while also providing vendors a platform to reach a broad audience and sell their specialized products.

Thanks to Florida’s unique growing season, you’ll find the best produce from fall to spring, with a smaller selection in the summer months when it’s too hot to grow much of anything. Because of this, some of our markets operate seasonally, opening up in October and running through the end of April, while others are available year-round. Whatever you’re hungry for, you’ll find it at a local market.

Phillippi Farmhouse Market

9 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays, from October through May
5500 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, farmhousemarket.org

The popular midweek Phillippi market makes great use of the green space at Phillippi Estate Park. If you arrive early enough, you might just catch Sarasota chefs restocking their seasonal produce for midweek diners. The market skews smaller than others, but with about 50 vendors, it still packs a punch—especially with local favorites like Micros Gourmet, an urban farm located in Port Charlotte that specializes in microgreens. Plus, because of its smaller size, it’s easy to navigate and getting in and out quickly is a cinch. We love running into friends and neighbors and sharing our favorite finds.

Sarasota Farmers Market

7 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays, year-round
1 N. Lemon Ave., Sarasota, sarasotafarmersmarket.org

The motto of this enormous downtown Sarasota market may be “an opportunity for community,” but we think it should be “come for the food, stay for the dogs”—it is teeming with pups of all shapes and sizes. Even the vendors get in on the act, with many of them placing a bowl of water in front of their stand so pooches can stay hydrated, especially during the summer. (That strategy also lures dog owners into stopping by stands they might normally overlook, too.)

While the market happens every Saturday, rain or shine, all year long, its biggest draw from October to May is the Worden Farm stand, which sells a cornucopia of locally grown organic produce. The farm’s offerings vary with the seasons, which means that each week gives you a chance to try something new. The Worden family also specializes in sunflowers, which you’ll see in everyone’s hands as you wander the market. If you don’t smile while catching a glimpse of a kiddo with a bushel of sunflowers and a bulldog, you might need to get your pulse checked.

Bradenton Public Market

9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, from October through May
400 Old Main St., Bradenton, realizebradenton.com/bradenton-market

Established way back in 1979 with just 25 vendors, downtown Bradenton’s weekend market on Old Main Street now boasts more than 100 farmstands, food makers and artisans. With 3,200 weekly attendees, the market can get busy, especially during the high tourist season months of March and April, and it’s no wonder why. Bradenton nails it when it comes to hospitality. Friendly vendors wave at regulars and introduce their products to newbies. We always stop at Circle 6 Farm, a fifth-generation cattle and poultry ranch that sells heritage chicken and beef. Be sure to stock up on the booth’s bone marrow, which can be tough to find elsewhere.

Englewood Farmers Market

9 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursdays from October through May
300 W. Dearborn St., Englewood, englewoodfarmersmarket.org

The Englewood market might just be the most charming destination on our list. Situated in the historic Dearborn Street neighborhood under old-growth pines, the market includes a diverse mix of vendors from south Sarasota County and Charlotte County that you won’t see at markets farther north. Chef Efrain Martinez and his paella, for example, are reason enough to venture this far south. The rich scent of saffron and seafood from Martinez’s booth permeates the humid Florida air, luring visitors from all over. Nearby Manasota Key residents even travel by boat to grab a taste.

Fresh Harvest Farmers Market

9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays, year-round
19745 Wellen Park Blvd., Venice, wellenpark.com/events/fresh-harvest-farmers-market

Sarasota County’s newest farmers market is gaining momentum, adding 40 vendors within just the last year. And as Wellen Park continues to grow, so will its market, thanks to its central location in Downtown Wellen. While there are plenty of food vendors here, you’ll also find local makers and our favorite vendor, Posies Flower Truck, which sells dozens of varieties of cut flowers out of a vintage blue Volkswagen truck with a wooden tailgate. You’ll also find herbs and spices, teas, canned fruits and vegetables, seafood and more.

Siesta Key Farmers Market

9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays, year-round
5104 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key, Sarasota

We can think of no better way to spend a Sunday than combing America’s No. 1 beach in the early morning, before the parking lot fills up, then swinging by the Siesta Key market. There, you’ll get a dose of the Margaritaville lifestyle thanks to local musicians strumming their guitars and singing the songs of Florida’s patron saint, Jimmy Buffett. Although you can tour the Siesta Key Rum distillery on the mainland, we like to skip that formality and head straight for its booth at the market to stock up on toasted coconut rum for our piña coladas. While you’re browsing, keep an eye out for Siesta Key’s unofficial mascot, Scooter of the Beach. He loves to hang out near the Siesta Key Rum booth, snapping photos with locals and visitors. Just look for the guy in the giant straw hat.

Venice Farmers Market

8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays, year-round
401 Venice Ave., Venice, thevenicefarmersmarket.org

When the Intracoastal Waterway was constructed in the 1960s, it created Venice Island, now only accessible by bridge, and locals have embraced the island lifestyle, thanks in large part to its walkability. That ease of getting around is a major reason for the success of the city’s weekend market, which brings together nearly 130 vendors around downtown’s sprawling Centennial Park. Visitors gather with their goodies near the park’s central gazebo and are known to set up quick picnics before heading home—and no Venice Island picnic is complete without a slice of Key lime pie from The Caribbean Pie Company booth. The staff has been slinging their cool, creamy creations for 30 years, and when you take your first bite, you’ll understand why.

Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch

10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays, year-round
1561 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch, lakewoodranch.com/life-on-the-ranch/themarket/

Originally located at the Sarasota Polo Club in Lakewood Ranch before moving to its former spot outside the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, this market grew so rapidly that it had to move to Lakewood Ranch’s equally fast-growing Waterside Place community. With nearly 150 vendors, the market still manages to feel intimate, thanks to its placement among several restaurants and shops that line Waterside’s streets. It’s also a great market for the whole family. You’ll find plenty of spots to lounge in the sun while overlooking nearby Kingfisher Lake, and we’ve made a tradition out of picking up a coffee at O & A’s brick-and-mortar shop before swinging by the Magic Crepes booth for a treat. Our favorite? A classic ham and cheese.

North River Community Market

10 a.m.-2 p.m. first Sunday of the month, year-round                    600 U.s. 41, palmetto, northrivermarket.com

Manatee County residents, rejoice: Palmetto launched its own farmers market in September 2025. Located in "The Yard" outside the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa (which also connects to the Bradenton Area Convention Center), the North River Community Market kicks off its market on the first Sunday of every month. There, you'll find artisanal goods, fresh produce, scratch-made condiments and local art from over 70 vendors. We're also in it for the live music and a special kids' zone for when they need to let 'er rip.

Anna Maria Community Farmers Market

9 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays, from October through may                Outside Roser Church at 512 Pine ave., anna maria island, instagram.com/annamariafarmersmarket

The Anna Maria Community Farmers Market operates outside the island’s historic Roser Church on Pine Avenue. Run by the Center of Anna Maria Island and DBTB Juice Bar & Bakery, it features produce from Grumpy’s, locally made ceramics from Manatee Pottery and gourmet goodies like craft beer-infused pickles from Spike Pickles. The market captures Anna Maria Island’s decidedly chill atmosphere, where vendors feel like old friends, even if you’ve just met.