We Ranked The 8 Best Farm-Fresh Markets In Florida And Here Are The Results
In 1959, a six-year-old boy set up by a Florida roadside to sell his dad’s cucumbers. His sign simply told drivers that he was there.
That little sign later became the name of a famous fruit stand.
I love that story because it shows how small a great market can start. Another stop on this list has sold produce since 1938.
One more sits in a town that calls itself the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World.
Florida grows way more than oranges, and these markets prove it with flair. You’ll find goats and emus, rare tropical fruit, strawberry shortcake, mushrooms, Mayport shrimp, and fields where you can pick your own dinner.
I can’t imagine a better excuse for an early Saturday alarm. So which market grabbed the top spot, and which one is closest to your kitchen?
1. Robert Is Here Fruit Stand
A sign made for a six-year-old became one of South Florida’s best-known landmarks. Back in 1959, young Robert Moehling sold his father’s cucumbers by the road, and the sign said Robert Is Here.
That family-owned stand still sits in Homestead today. It specializes in local and exotic fruits and vegetables, and many crops come from the family’s own farms.
Rare tropical fruit is the main event here. Plan to wander the bins slowly, because spotting fruit you’ve never heard of is half the fun.
Then there’s the famous milkshake counter. Shakes and smoothies are made with hand-cut local and tropical fruit, with dairy-free options too.
Shelves hold homemade jams, jellies, sauces, pickles, and local honey. Bolder shoppers can grab alligator jerky or even an ostrich egg.
Kids, and plenty of grown-ups, love the animal farm. Goats, tortoises, and emus live there, with a shaded play area and picnic tables nearby.
Homestead sits close to the Everglades, so the stand makes a handy road trip stop. Free parking makes pulling over easy.
Robert Is Here is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, giving visitors plenty of time to explore the tropical fruit selection. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider stopping by earlier in the day.
You can make it a quick stop if you’re in a hurry. Still, good luck leaving without a fruit shake in your hand.
Address: 19200 SW 344th St, Homestead, FL 33034
2. Parkesdale Farm Market
Strawberry shortcake has its own fan club in Plant City, and its clubhouse is right here. The town calls itself the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World, so this market has a lot to live up to.
Good news: it does. Parkesdale bills itself as the largest strawberry, citrus, and produce market in Florida, run by three generations of one family.
Picture flats of red berries stacked in an open-air roadside setup. The selection goes well beyond berries, with citrus, corn, and other seasonal vegetables.
Now for the headliner. The World Famous Strawberry Shortcake is a seasonal favorite, typically available from early January through early April.
Check the market’s current schedule before planning your visit.
Missed shortcake season? Milkshakes are available year-round, with flavors ranging from pineapple to pumpkin pie.
Green thumbs should check out the plant nursery. You’ll find vegetable plants and flowering plants ready for your garden.
The gift shop stocks homemade jams, jellies, salsas, and seasonings. A jar of strawberry jam makes a sweet souvenir for anyone who stayed home.
During strawberry festival season, you can pose on the Strawberry Throne for photos. Afterward, carry your treat to the shaded garden patio.
Current hours run Wednesday through Sunday, 9 AM to 6 PM, with Monday and Tuesday closed. Seasonal schedules can shift, so check before you drive over.
One tip: go early in peak berry months. That shortcake is no secret around here.
Address: 3702 W Baker St, Plant City, FL 33563
3. Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market
Why buy a tomato when you could go pick one yourself? Bedner’s lets you do both, which feels like a cheat code for weekend fun.
Out west of Boynton Beach, this produce market pairs a shop full of fresh fruit and vegetables with seasonal U-Pick fields. You can fill a basket inside, then head out and harvest your own.
The produce gets high marks, and that’s the real reason it made our list. Fresh is the whole point here, and Bedner’s takes that seriously.
Families get extra perks. The market offers family-friendly farm activities, which makes it an easy outing for kids who think food comes from a grocery shelf.
U-Pick is seasonal, so offerings change through the year. Check before you go so you know what’s ready for picking.
Hours are generous at 9 AM to 6 PM, seven days a week. That schedule gives you plenty of room to plan around school or work.
Weekends bring the biggest crowds, especially Saturday and Sunday mornings into the afternoon. A weekday visit or a late Sunday stop can feel much more relaxed.
Parking is free, and restrooms are on site. It can be a quick visit, though picking tends to stretch your plans in the best way.
Bring sunscreen and a hat for the fields. Florida sunshine doesn’t take days off, even during strawberry season.
Fresh produce plus a little dirt under your nails? That combo is hard to beat in Palm Beach County.
Address: 10066 Lee Rd, Boynton Beach, FL 33473
4. Jacksonville Farmers Market
Since 1938, this market has kept selling produce through decades of change. That makes it Florida’s oldest continually operating farmers market.
Size matters here too. Roughly 100 produce stalls spread across the property in Jacksonville’s Rail Yard District.
You can shop retail or wholesale, so home cooks and bulk buyers share the aisles. Seasonal, organic, specialty, and imported produce all show up on the tables.
Much of the local haul comes from farms in North Florida and South Georgia. Fruits, vegetables, and herbs rotate as the seasons turn.
Hungry for more than greens? Look for Mayport shrimp, honey, boiled peanuts, gourmet dressings, and baked goods.
Yes, live chickens are sold here too. Plants and fruit trees round out the list, and The Green Spot nursery helps gardeners find something new.
Shopping works up an appetite fast. Blume’s Grill and Restaurant and Andy’s Farmers Market Grill both serve meals on site.
The market draws over 25,000 visitors weekly. Saturday and Sunday afternoons get busiest, while Monday is the quietest day.
Hours run 7 AM to 5 PM Monday through Saturday and 9 AM to 4 PM on Sunday. Select vendors take credit, debit, and EBT cards, and there’s an ATM on the grounds.
Bring some cash anyway for quick stall purchases. Then grab a bag of boiled peanuts for the ride home.
Address: 1810 W Beaver St, Jacksonville, FL 32209
5. Winter Park Farmers’ Market
Saturday mornings bring fresh produce, colorful plants, and plenty of local flavor to downtown Winter Park. The city’s popular farmers market takes over Central Park West Meadow, creating a lively start to the weekend.
The setting alone earns it points. Vendors gather at Central Park West Meadow, near the intersection of New York Avenue and Morse Boulevard, turning a quiet Saturday morning into a lively shopping experience.
Fresh produce leads the lineup, and plants come in a close second. Baked goods make it tough to leave with an empty hand.
Mushroom fans, take note. This market has a reputation as a top place to find them, so arrive curious and maybe a little hungry.
Shopping for plants? Bring a sturdy bag or a small wagon, because a new fern or herb pot can get heavy fast.
The schedule is short and sweet. The market runs on Saturdays only, from 8 AM to 1 PM.
That window rewards early birds. Showing up near opening gives you the best shot at the most popular items.
Dogs are welcome, so your pup can join the outing. Restrooms are available too, which is always nice on a long morning.
Parking comes in both free and paid options around the area. Winter Park’s downtown is walkable, so you can stretch your legs after shopping.
Run by the City of Winter Park, the market feels like a true town tradition. Grab a pastry, pick up some mushrooms, and plan your weekend dinner around them.
Location: Central Park West Meadow, New York Avenue and Morse Boulevard, Winter Park, FL 32789
6. Sarasota Farmers Market
Seashell art and fresh seafood on the same street? Sarasota’s Saturday market makes that beach-town combo feel totally normal.
Held downtown along Lemon Avenue, this market blends groceries with gifts. You can grab dinner ingredients and a birthday present in one trip.
Organic produce anchors the lineup. Fresh seafood adds a coastal twist that fits right in on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Then come the artisans. Look for original local artwork, jewelry, handmade soaps, and creations made from shells.
That mix makes it a strong pick for out-of-town guests. They get a taste of Sarasota without a tourist shop price tag vibe.
Early risers win big here. The market runs Saturdays from 7 AM to 1 PM, so you can be done before lunch.
Got a dog who loves people watching? Pups are welcome, so bring a leash and some water for the walk.
Free parking options sit nearby, including lots and street spots. Arriving early makes snagging one much easier.
Seafood shoppers should pack a cooler in the car. Florida heat and fresh fish aren’t great roommates.
Once your bags are full, take a stroll through downtown Sarasota. The walkable streets make a nice finish to a morning of shopping.
Address: N Lemon Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
7. St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market
Over 170 vendors pack this St. Pete favorite, so bring patience and an empty stomach. Since November 2002, the market has been a Saturday ritual downtown.
Live bands set the soundtrack while you shop. It feels more like a weekly festival than a quick grocery run.
Produce comes farm-fresh, organic, and sustainably grown. You’ll also find honey, eggs, and meats for the week ahead.
Prepared food is a huge draw. International options range from Greek to Ethiopian, so breakfast can turn into a world tour.
Artisan foods fill in the gaps. Think fresh seafood, baked goods, and specialty cheeses.
Plants and handmade crafts from local artists add color to the aisles. A new succulent might sneak into your bag.
From October through May, the market sets up at the Al Lang Stadium parking lot. In summer it moves, so check the location before heading out.
Hours run 9 AM to 2 PM on Saturdays. SNAP and Fresh Access Bucks help make healthy food easier to afford.
Dogs can tag along, and restrooms are available. The market is also known as an LGBTQ+ friendly space.
Parking includes free street spots and paid lots nearby. Bring reusable bags, because you’ll probably buy more than planned.
Address: 230 1st St SE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
8. Tallahassee Farmers’ Market
Saturday mornings in Tallahassee come with a built-in deadline. This year-round market closes at noon, so sleeping in is a risky move.
Doors open at 8 AM on Saturdays. That tight window keeps things focused and gives you the rest of the day free.
Local produce takes center stage. Seasonal fruits and vegetables change through the year, which keeps repeat trips interesting.
Meat shoppers can stock up too. Local meats sit alongside the produce, making it easy to plan a full dinner.
Got a sweet tooth? Jams, jellies, and honey line the tables, ready for your morning toast.
The flowers might steal the show. Beautiful local blooms make a great gift, or a cheerful centerpiece for your own table.
Artisanal goods round out the mix. It’s a solid spot to find something handmade instead of mass-produced.
A free parking lot makes arriving simple. Pull in, grab your bags, and start browsing.
One practical heads-up: there’s no restroom on site. Plan a stop before you arrive, especially with kids in tow.
North Florida has a farming spirit of its own, and this market captures it nicely. It’s a fitting finale for our ranking, and maybe the start of your new Saturday habit.
Address: 2904 Kerry Forest Pkwy, Tallahassee, FL 32309