The Villages® Brownwood Paddock Square® and Spanish Springs town Square® is the focus of many activities and play an important role in contributing to our friendly, hometown atmosphere. These guidelines are established to ensure the fair, continued, and profitable participation of our valued vendors in The Villages® Brownwood Farmer’s Market and The Villages® Spanish Springs Mercado

1. Vendor Space Rent

   1. Rental fee structure based on 10’ x 10’ spaces:

1. Commercial Services Spaces are very limited and fall under a different rate scale. Please contact us for Rate Sheet and availability.

2. Vendors are not allowed to share booths with other vendors.

3. Only approved products are allowed in each vendor rental space. If a vendor wishes to add additional products, they must follow the application process to get them approved.

4. Vendors are not permitted to sublet their booths to other current or prospective vendors. Vendors are not permitted to sell the space to someone else if they will no longer be using the space. If a vendor decides to sell their business to another entity, all parties must meet with The Villages Entertainment prior to any agreement being made.

5. A vendor must provide a 30-day notice if they are not setting up for longer than 30 days. If a vendor wishes to continue vending following this absence, the vendor must re-apply to become a vendor again. The vendor should be aware that there is no guarantee that they will be approved and that there will be sufficient space available.

6. Other absences (not to exceed one month) will be handled on a case by case basis and will have to be pre-arranged through The Villages Entertainment.

7. Payment and Attendance

   1. The Brownwood Farmers Market runs every Saturday from 9:00am EST to 1:00pm EST from May to September and from 9:00am EST to 2:00pm EST from October to April.

   2. Space rental invoices will be distributed no later than the third week of each month for the upcoming month. Full payment is due by the 7^th of each month via check, money order or online credit or debit, Please, make checks payable to “The Villages”.

   3. Payments by check must be submitted by mail to The Villages Entertainment at 1070 Canal Street, The Villages, FL 32162.

   4. Invoices are sent to the email that you provide to us. Please make sure you keep your information up to date to insure invoices are received in a timely manner

   5. Failure to pay the monthly bill on time will incur a late fee of $15.00. Three (3) consecutive months of late payments will result in potential forfeiture of the vendor’s space.

   6. One month of nonpayment will result in the vendor’s space being revoked and the vendor will be excluded from all future markets.

   7. Attendance every week is very important and we expect all vendors to be at the square consistently. If a vendor is ill or going on vacation, they are to notify The Villages Entertainment in advance so arrangements can be made for your return.

8. Returned Checks

   1. A returned check will receive a $35 fee, along with any late fees that may apply.

   2. A second returned check and all subsequent returned checks within any 12-month period will result in a $45 fee, along with any late fees that may apply.

   3. If a check is returned you will be required to pay via Money order or Credit Card (Online) for that month but may pay via check for all following months.

9. Set Up and Tear Down

   1. Setup time is from 6:00am to 8:30am.

   2. Vehicles may be used to drop off product and equipment, but may not remain on site during setup. Vehicles must be parked in the approved parking lot.

   3. Tear down may not begin until the market has officially ended for that day.

   4. All merchandise and equipment must be packed before vehicles will be allowed in for load out.

   5. Leaving a space early without permission is strictly prohibited and may result in forfeiture of the vendor’s space.

   6. Waiting with vehicles at stop signs, intersections, or just outside the chains is strictly prohibited.

   7. Vendors are required to provide and utilize a WHITE 10’x10’ tent with sides and weights for tent (a minimum of 25 lb per leg).

   8. Vendors must stay within the boundaries of their allotted space.

   9. Vendors must provide their own tables, chairs, and lights needed for their booth.

      1. 1. – Usage of the chairs on the square is prohibited.

   10. Vendors are not permitted to tie off to any existing structures or landscaping on the squares.

   11. No product storage should take place in any of the landscaped areas. The entire display must be aesthetically pleasing as to reinforce the atmosphere of The Villages.

   12. There is no power provided for any set up. Power for each vendor’s space/display must be a whisper-quiet generator, a marine battery with an inverter system or battery powered lights.

       1. 1. – Using any of the power outlets found around the squares is strictly prohibited.

   13. No kerosene, butane, candles, or other flammable products may be used.

   14. No gas cans are to be left in any vendor space.

   15. Vendors shall bag and remove all or their trash.

   16. Leaving trash, boxes, or bags next to or in the existing trash containers in or around the squares is prohibited.

   17. Non-biodegradable items are to be disposed of properly.

   18. Discarding anything into storm sewers is prohibited.

10. Weather

    1. Weather delays or cancelations are handled on a case by case basis by the manager on site.

    2. Once a vendor is set up, they are required to stay until the end of the event unless released by the on-site manager.

11. Parking

    1. All vendors must park in the rear of the parking lot behind Gator’s Dockside. Parking around the immediate square or in front of any businesses is strictly prohibited.

12. Vendor Required Documentation

    1. All vendors must have all of the following on file with The Villages Entertainment. Failure to provide up to date copies of the required documentation will result in forfeiture of your space without refund until copies are provided.

       1. A current Florida State Tax ID form

       2. A completed W-9

       3. Health Department Permit (if applicable)

       4. Fire Certificate (if applicable)

       5. Proof of Insurance

          1. Certificate Holder/Additionally Insured

          2.   Operating Company of The Villages

          3.   The Villages Entertainment / Special Events

          4.   3619 Kiessel Road | The Villages, FL  32163

1. Cottage Food License Certificate (if applicable)

   1. For Cottage Food information CLICK HERE

   2. Labeling

   3. Allergens

   4. Florida Statutes Section 500.80

   5. Federal Regulations 2009 Food Code 

8. Product

   1. The Villages Entertainment must approve all products being sold.

   2. After approval has been given for a particular product line, vendors are not permitted to alter their merchandise or bring in new merchandise without prior written approval by The Villages Entertainment.

   3. There is no guarantee of exclusivity.

   4. It is recommended, but not required that all vendors accept credit cards as a form of payment.

   5. Vendors selling anything by weight must use a scale that is certified and meets all Florida and Federal requirements for commercial scales.

   6. Any vendor using a scale must have their certificate on-site

   7. Any and all produce should be displayed in attractive containers.

   8. Seafood vendors shall clearly identify where the product is from and the process that was used to keep the product fresh while bringing the product to the market.

   9. All cottage food products must be labeled in accordance with the United States Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Part 101.

9. Modified Farmers Markets

   1. Modified Farmers Markets will take place on select weekends when the Brownwood Paddock Square is unavailable to be used for normal Farmers Market operation.

   2. When a Modified Farmers Market is available an email is sent out by an Event Coordinator notifying you of the upcoming Modified Market. The sooner you reply to this email the better your chance of being accepted into the market.

   3. There will be no additional fees for participating in a Modified Farmers Market, likewise there is no discount for those unable to, or do not wish to participate.

   4. Space is limited and we cannot guarantee entry into the modified Farmers Market. Admission is based on the time of applying for the Modified Farmers Market and is first come first served.

10. Solicitation

    1. Solicitation on all squares is prohibited.

    2. All sales must be done from your designated space only.

    3. Distributing flyers and advertisements outside of your designated space is not permitted.

11. Spills

    1. Vendors are responsible for keeping their space clean and tidy. Should a vendor have any kind of spill or breakage, they are to notify the on-site manager immediately.

    2. The vendor is responsible for the cleaning up of the spill or breakage.

    3. Any stains that occur and are left by the vendor will be cleaned by The Villages Entertainment and an appropriate bill will be sent to the vendor that occupied the space for immediate payment.

12. Dress Code/Conduct

    1. Attire is to be kept clean and neat and shall not be revealing or distracting.

    2. While participating as a vendor within The Villages, you are a representative of the ideals and image of The Villages and your dress should reflect accordingly.

    3. The use of drugs and/or alcohol by a vendor or their helpers is strictly prohibited.

    4. The use of vulgar language or disrespectful comments will not be tolerated.

    5. Anyone to be found in violation of these rules of dress code and/or conduct will be addressed accordingly.

    6. All vendors must be respectful to all staff and adhere to direction from staff of The Villages and its various partners. These parties are there to assist you and make sure the event is as safe and efficient as possible.

13. Termination Without Cause

    1. The Villages Entertainment has the right to terminate any vendor’s right to participate in the Farmers Market without cause at any time. The Villages Entertainment shall provide written notice should this be exercised. If The Villages Entertainment terminates a vendor’s right to participate in a Farmers Market and such termination is not a result of a violation of these guidelines by vendor, vendor may receive a refund of any prepaid monies. If a refund applies, it will be addressed on a case by case basis.

14. Entire Agreement

    1. As a Farmers Market vendor in The Villages®, the vendor has read, understands, and agrees to adhere with the Farmer’s Market Vendor Guidelines of The Villages® Entertainment.

    2. The vendor acknowledges that any attempt to violate the guidelines or procedures of the Brownwood Farmers Market events, could lead to the termination of their participation in future events.

Hold Harmless and Indemnification

 In consideration of being allowed to participate as a Farmer’s Market Vendor during Farmer’s Market events, Vendor hereby agrees to indemnify, protect, defend and hold The Villages of Lake-Sumter, Inc., The Villages Operating Company, Village Center Community Development District, Sumter Landing Community Development District, all affiliates of such entities, and each of the foregoing’s officers, directors, employees, and agents  (collectively, the  “Released Parties”) harmless from and against any and all losses, damages, actions, fines, penalties, demands, liability and expense, including attorneys’ fees and costs through litigation and all appeals (the “Claims”), in connection with the loss of life, personal injury, and damage to property arising from or out of (i) any occurrence in or upon the space being used by Vendor to sell its products (“Vendor’s Space”), (ii) the operation of Vendor’s business thereon, (iii) Vendor’s occupancy and use of Vendor’s Space,(iv) any act or failure to act, occasioned wholly or in part by Vendor, and its agents, contractors, employees, invitees, or any other person, (v) any act or failure to act occasioned wholly or in part by the Released Parties. This Release, Waiver and Hold Harmless is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by Florida Law and if any portion is held invalid for any reason the balance should not withstanding continue in full legal force and effect.

Trademarks. “The Villages”, , “The Villages® Entertainment”,                     , and the letter “”  are the property of The Villages® Entertainment’s affiliate  and Vendor may not use such logos or marks for any purpose without the prior written consent of The Villages® Entertainment.

Construction, Jurisdiction, and Venue: This Farmer’s Market Vendor Guideline/Hold Harmless Sign Off shall be construed according to the laws of the State of Florida. Jurisdiction and Venue for any action hereunder shall lie with the fifth Judicial Circuit, in and for Sumter County, Florida.

Attorney’s Fees. If any action at law or equity, including an action for declaratory relief, is brought to enforce or interpret any provision of this Farmer’s Market Vendor Guideline/Hold Harmless Sign Off, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses from the other party, which fees and expenses shall be in addition to any other relief which may be awarded.