Howard’s Flea Market Homosassa – Inside A Local Treasure Hunt

Howard’s Flea Market in Homosassa is Citrus County’s largest and most established shopping destination, offering over 800 covered booths and spanning more than 55 acres. It has been serving the community and visitors since 1972, making it a reliable spot for finding a wide range of items from antiques and collectibles to fresh produce and handmade crafts.

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Howard’s Flea Market’s size and variety make it a prime destination for bargain hunters, collectors, and casual shoppers seeking unique finds and local treasures. The market operates on weekends, providing a vibrant atmosphere where vendors and customers connect in a friendly, community-focused environment. Howard’s Flea Market offers a mix of antiques, fresh produce, specialty foods, and more.

About Howard’s Flea Market

Founded in 1972, Howard’s Flea Market has grown into Citrus County’s largest flea market. It originally attracted local vendors and customers seeking affordable goods and unique finds. Over the decades, it has expanded significantly and now hosts over 800 covered booths. This growth reflects its ongoing popularity.

The market has maintained a commitment to variety and accessibility, evolving alongside the local community. Its long-standing presence underlines its role as a central retail and social hub in Homosassa. Despite changes in retail trends, it remains a prominent weekend attraction for both residents and tourists.

Shopping at Howard’s Flea Market

So let’s dive into what it’s like to shop at Howard’s Flea Market. If you’ve ever been to a flea market, you know what you expect. Tons of vendors, obscure finds, antiques, collectibles, and more! There are traditional food stations selling corn dogs and funnel cakes, as well as a few alcohol outlets selling beer and wine. There’s one vendor at Howard’s Flea Market that sells frozen wine slurpies. They are to die for but also deadly in the heat. A few of these and you’ll be going home with a car full of stuff.

The market’s covered booths and outdoor stalls cater to a wide range of interests, making it a destination for both casual browsing and serious buying. For us, the goal was to pass a few hours, and the search was for classic CS’s which I found tons of – perhaps the largest collection to date but the pricing varied from stall to stall.

Popular Vendors and Stalls

Many stalls specialize in everyday goods like clothing, tools, home décor, and crafts. Frequent vendors include sellers of handmade jewelry, local art, and specialty items hard to find elsewhere. For example, we found a stall that sells homemade candles and wax burners. Needless to say, both Rachel and I came home with a candle or two.

Vendors at Howard’s often rotate, helping maintain variety throughout the year. Some booths are known for competitive pricing and friendly service, making repeat visits a rewarding experience. The market encourages early arrival, as the best deals and unique items tend to sell quickly. Some of the locals will tell you that if you are not there by 7 am, you’ll miss all the deals, like the $1 stalls. I can’t tell you whether this is true, because I am not a morning person.

My main shopping goal was used CDs and plants. My cousin collects CDs, and there are some specific titles I am hunting for. And, post-hurricanes, I am always on the lookout for plants, as my garden got ruined. Two years later, there are still one or two items I’m looking for.

Antiques and Collectibles

Howard’s Flea Market is well-regarded for its variety of antiques and collectibles. Shoppers can find vintage furniture, old coins, records, and rare memorabilia. Many vendors focus on items from different eras, creating a diverse selection for collectors.

The market is a popular spot for bargain hunters seeking items not typically found in conventional stores. The booths offer a hands-on experience where buyers can closely inspect goods and negotiate prices. This section attracts a mix of serious collectors and casual shoppers alike.

Fresh Produce and Food Stands

Now this impressed me! I’ve seen produce at tons of flea markets, but for some reason I didn’t anticipate the sheer volume here. Or the variety of different homemade goods like honey and jams. The market features numerous food vendors providing fresh fruits and vegetables, often sourced locally. Seasonal produce is common, allowing visitors to buy fresh ingredients directly from growers.

In addition, food stands offer a range of prepared foods, including barbecue, baked goods, and snacks. The food area is popular for quick meals during shopping trips, often drawing crowds early in the morning. Free parking and extended weekend hours make it convenient for families and visitors.

Household Stands

As with any flea market, you’ll find tons of tools, old, new, or parts. It does not matter what you are looking for; the product or the brand, you are going to find it here.

CD Collections

CD dealers are not the main lure for most consumers. For me, it definitely was. There are several CD dealers on site. One in particular has a huge catalog of exceptionally well-organized CDs. I was able to score some Metallica and AC/DC CS’s at a reasonable price. There were hundreds that I could have purchased, but while reasonable, some of the CDs were expensive – especially collectibles.

Pro Tip: You’ll find random items at almost every stand. I found a book shop that had a bric-a-brac section. Buried under a pile of boxes was a collection of CD’s. This haul alone made it worth my visit. So, don’t stick to stalls that only sell one “type” of product. Dig as you would at a yard sale or in a thrift shop.

Location and Directions

Howard’s Flea Market is located at 6373 South Suncoast Boulevard in Homosassa, Florida. It is on Highway 19, a major route, making it easily accessible by car from nearby cities and towns.

The market is roughly 30 minutes from Crystal River and about an hour from Gainesville.

Free parking is available on-site to accommodate the high volume of weekend visitors. For contact or specific inquiries, call 352-628-FLEA.

Hours of Operation At Howard’s Flea Market

The flea market is open only on weekends. The market typically operates from 6:30 am to 3:00 pm. These times allow visitors to fully explore the market’s vast area and numerous vendors.

Since it is a large outdoor market with over 800 covered booths, weekend visits ensure that most vendors are present. Early arrival is recommended for the best selection and to avoid crowds later in the day.

Admission and Parking

Admission to Howard’s Flea Market is free for all visitors. There is no charge to enter the market or walk around.

Parking is provided on-site at no cost. The market has large parking areas to accommodate weekend crowds. Visitors can expect easy access from Highway 19 with well-marked entrances.

Free parking and admission encourage casual browsing or focused shopping without added expenses.

Events and Activities

Howard’s Flea Market hosts a variety of events throughout the year that cater to different interests. Visitors can find a blend of regular weekly events, seasonal specials, and live entertainment that enhances the shopping experience.

Seasonal events at Howard’s Flea Market provide themed experiences that attract larger crowds. One notable example is the annual “Boo Bash & Booth A Treat,” held around Halloween. This event features special decorations, treats, and activities geared towards families and children.

Other seasonal events coincide with holidays and local celebrations, often including special vendor offerings, promotions, and interactive activities. These events boost community involvement and offer visitors more than just shopping.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

Visitors should plan their trip carefully to make the most of their time at Howard’s Flea Market. Knowing when to go, what to bring, and how to negotiate can improve both the experience and potential savings.

Howard’s Flea Market opens early, around 6 am, and runs until 2 pm. The best time to go is early morning, especially right after opening, to find the widest selection and best deals before popular items sell out.

Bringing cash is advisable, as many vendors prefer it,t and it can speed up transactions. Small bills are especially useful for bargaining.

A reusable bag or a sturdy tote will make carrying purchases easier. Also, a camera or smartphone can document interesting items or vendor information for later reference.

Bargaining Strategies

Bargaining is common and expected at Howard’s Flea Market. Visitors should approach sellers politely and be prepared to make offers lower than the asking price.

Start by asking if there is a discount for buying multiple items or paying in cash. Pay attention to vendor cues; some may have fixed prices, while others are flexible.

It helps to know the approximate value of items beforehand to avoid overpaying. If a deal doesn’t feel right, walking away often leads to better offers or opens opportunities at other booths.

Exploring Homosassa Beyond the Market

Homosassa offers more than just a popular shopping destination. Visitors can explore natural attractions and enjoy a range of dining experiences that showcase the local flavor and community spirit.

Homosassa is known for its natural springs and wildlife parks. The Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is a key site where visitors can see native animals such as manatees, black bears, and alligators in a natural setting. The park has walking trails and underwater observation decks.

The Homosassa River also attracts boaters, anglers, and wildlife watchers. Kayaking along the river offers opportunities to spot egrets, turtles, and even dolphins. The nearby Nature Coast provides easy access to beaches and outdoor activities.

Radically Wrong Things At Howard’s Flea Market

Some people are going to hate this – I do not care. This alone is reason for me never to visit Howard’s Flea Market again.

We passed numerous dog breeders that had dogs sitting in cages while it was a good 100 degrees plus. This repulsed me. Not only am I completely against dog breeding, but I was also disturbed to see them sitting in cages at a flea market. There were young puppies and young dogs up to roughly 9 months old. I saw several Labradors crammed into a cage that barely accommodated their length.

Then there was the one vendor whose sign read “Xtreme Exotic Bullies”. I don’t think this needs explaining; the name says it all.

I am not including photos (even though I have them) because I will not publicize, endorse, or recommend dog breeding. I certainly will not support anyone who thinks it’s okay for dogs to be left in a cage all day in extreme heat.

As far as breeding goes, it’s obnoxious. There are thousands upon thousands of dogs in shelters who need homes. Adopt a dog!

Closing Thoughts

Howard’s is the only Homosassa Flea Market, and it’s definitely worth visiting at least once in a while. I enjoyed my visit and came home with some goodies. It’s unlikely I will return because of the dogs being sold in cages. Were this to change, I’d be a frequent bargain hunter.

Aside from scoring the best bargains in the morning, another reason to consider the morning is the Florida heat. I can’t even begin to describe what it feels like after 12 pm. There are a couple of enclosed stores with AC, but most are open-air, even if covered, and have a fan at best.

This Homosassa Flea Market is HUGE! I don’t think we even covered half of it. A combination of heat and wine slushies prevented us from spending the whole day. I don’t think I could stand a whole day unless it were in the middle of winter.

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