Board members of the Alachua County Farmers Market are hoping something can be done about solicitors at the market.
The members complained to Alachua County commissioners at Tuesday's commission meeting that the solicitors are disrupting the market. They said solicitors scare away customers and don't have to pay dues to rent spaces like the regular vendors.
There are 42 spots under the market pavilion reserved for vendors, who pay $240 a year to reserve a spot.
But external organizations set up outside the pavilion, market board member Jordan Brown said. Brown said he doesn't have a problem with solicitors — as long as they follow the rules.
County commissioners said the market is on public property, which makes this a matter of First Amendment rights, but they did say there needs to be guidelines for solicitors.
Board members said they will make a solicitation policy.