How to Start Vending at Florida Markets: Permits, Setup, and Insider Tips
Introduction: Ready to Launch Your Vendor Journey?
You’ve got a product you love and the hustle to back it up — now it’s time to turn that passion into profit at Florida’s bustling local markets. But where do you even begin?
Whether you’re selling handmade jewelry, natural skincare, baked goods, or custom crafts, this guide from Unite Worldwide, Inc. breaks down everything you need to start vending in Florida with confidence — from legal steps to booth setup to event insider tips.
Let’s turn your vision into a viable vendor business, one market at a time.
Table of Contents
- Decide What You Want to Sell
- Understand Florida’s Vendor Permit Requirements
- Get Your Sales Tax Certificate
- Apply for Local Business Licenses
- Choose the Right Markets
- Set Up a Winning Booth
- Price Your Products for Profit
- What to Pack for Market Day
- Promote Your Brand Before and After Events
- Why Unite Worldwide is the Best Place to Start
1. Decide What You Want to Sell
Before anything, get crystal clear on your offer.
Ask yourself:
- What product(s) do I sell that people are already asking for?
- Are my products handmade, resale, or food-based?
- Do I offer variety or a focused product line?
- Are my goods appropriate for outdoor/market events?
💡 Tip: Start small with 1–3 product categories and test what sells.
2. Understand Florida’s Vendor Permit Requirements
To legally sell at markets in Florida, you’ll need proper documentation. These may vary by location and product type, but here are the basics:
- Sales Tax Permit (DR-1 form through the Florida Department of Revenue)
- Local business tax receipt (from your county)
- Food permit (if applicable, through the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services)
- Cottage food laws (for home-prepared foods — more on that below)
Markets will often request copies of these before approving your vendor application.
3. Get Your Florida Sales Tax Certificate
✅ Apply through the Florida Department of Revenue
🔗 floridarevenue.com
This certificate lets you collect and remit sales tax. Even if you’re just selling on weekends, it’s required by law.
Keep your certificate on hand at markets — some event hosts will ask for it during setup.
4. Apply for Local Business Licenses
This usually means a county business tax receipt (also called an occupational license). Requirements differ by county — here are a few common links:
- Miami-Dade: miamidade.gov
- Broward: broward.org
- Orange County: ocfl.net
- Hillsborough: hillsboroughcounty.org
💡 If vending outside your home county, check for local temporary business permit requirements.
5. Choose the Right Markets for Your Business
Not all events are created equal.
To pick the best ones:
- Look for curated artisan markets, not swap meets (unless your audience fits)
- Check vendor reviews on Instagram or Facebook
- Visit the market before applying
- Review booth fees, audience size, setup time, and vendor limits
- Ask: Do vendors actually make money here?
🎯 Unite Worldwide makes this easy — our curated vendor map helps you find quality markets by category, city, and season.
6. Set Up a Winning Booth
Your booth is your storefront — make it count!
Essentials:
- 10×10 canopy tent (white is standard, sometimes required)
- Table(s) + fitted cloths (solid colors work best)
- Signage with your business name + pricing
- Shelves, baskets, and risers to create product height
- Battery-powered lights for evening/night events
- Sandbags or weights (most events require 40lbs minimum per tent leg)
🎨 Pro Tip: Use consistent branding across your signage, packaging, and social media.
7. Price Your Products for Profit
Don’t underprice just because you’re new. Use this formula:
(Materials + Labor + Overhead) × 2–3 = Retail Price
Then factor in:
- Booth fee
- Gas + travel
- Time spent setting up, breaking down, and selling
- Payment processor fees (Square, PayPal, etc.)
⚖️ Balance affordability with sustainability. You can’t grow if you’re breaking even.
8. What to Pack for Market Day
Checklist time! Make sure you bring:
- Cash box + card reader
- Shopping bags + product packaging
- Inventory list + price tags
- Tent weights + extra supplies
- Water, snacks, sunscreen
- Portable charger
- Vendor permit copies
- Receipt book or notebook
- Email sign-up sheet or QR code
- Branded signage and displays
💡 Keep your essentials in a plastic bin so packing becomes plug-and-play.
9. Promote Your Brand Before and After Events
The best vendors don’t just show up — they build momentum.
Pre-event marketing:
- Post on social (IG, FB, TikTok): where you’ll be and what you’re bringing
- Tag the event host for cross-promotion
- Create an Instagram story countdown
- Email your subscriber list with event details
Post-event marketing:
- Share photos of your booth and happy customers
- Thank people for shopping
- Shout out other vendors you love
- Add your new followers to your email list
📲 Pro Tip: Use a QR code at your booth that links to your Instagram, website, or mailing list.
10. Why Unite Worldwide Is the Smartest Launchpad
Starting your vendor journey alone can be overwhelming. That’s why Unite Worldwide, Inc. was created — to support, connect, and elevate Florida’s maker community.
When you vend with us, you get:
- 🔥 Access to high-traffic, vetted events
- 📣 Built-in marketing and shoutouts for your brand
- 🤝 A supportive vendor community for networking and referrals
- 📚 Tools, guides, and 1-on-1 coaching to grow smarter
- 💻 A spot on our vendor directory — searchable by product type
We don’t just give you space. We give you strategy.
Final Thoughts: Start Smart, Grow Fast
Vending in Florida is more than a side hustle — it’s a stepping stone to financial freedom, creative expression, and community impact.
Start with the right permits. Choose quality events. Build a brand that pops.
And most importantly, surround yourself with people and platforms that actually want to see you win.
Let’s build something together.
👉 Join Unite Worldwide Today
