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Macon-Bibb County, GA Public Conduct: Aggressive Panhandling (2026)

Significant Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section: Code Sec. 16-38(d), Aggressive solicitation
Prohibited acts: Blocking, following, profanity, accosting, threats
Nighttime ban: All solicitation after sunset before sunrise
Buffer zones: 15 feet from ATMs, bus stops, pay boxes
Repeat penalty: Up to $1,000 fine, 30 days jail

Summary

Macon-Bibb County bans "aggressive solicitation" under County Code Sec. 16-38(d), covering blocking someone's path, following them, using profane language, or making a threatening statement while asking for money. Nighttime solicitation and buffer zones near ATMs, bus stops, and pay stations are separately restricted.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Macon-Bibb County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

(d)Aggressive solicitation. It shall be unlawful for any person to commercially solicit in Macon-Bibb County in any of the following manners:(1)By blocking the path of the person solicited; or(2)By following or walking alongside the person solicited; or(3)By using profane or abusive language, either during the solicitation or following refusal; or(4)By accosting or forcing oneself upon the company of another; or(5)By any statement, gesture, or other communication which a reasonable person in the situation of the person solicited would perceive to be a threat.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Comprehensive Land Development Resolution: Supplement 4 | Code of Ordinances: Supplement 20).

Full Breakdown

" Subsection (e) separately outlaws false or misleading claims made while soliciting, such as falsely claiming homelessness or veteran status. 00, and/or imprisonment up to 30 days, with law enforcement authorized to involve an outreach service officer at every stage.

Violations & Fines

Enforcement escalates under Section 16-38(f): a first violation draws only a warning ticket, a second brings a citation to Municipal Court with up to 30 days of community service on conviction, and a third or subsequent violation exposes a person to a fine "not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000.00)" and/or up to 30 days imprisonment, alongside possible referral to community outreach services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as "aggressive" panhandling in Macon-Bibb County?

Section 16-38(d) lists five specific acts: blocking someone's path, following or walking alongside them, using profane language during or after the request, physically accosting them, or making any statement or gesture "a reasonable person" would perceive as a threat. Simply holding a sign and sitting quietly is not covered.

Is nighttime panhandling illegal even if it's not aggressive?

Yes. Section 16-38(c) separately bans all commercial solicitation, aggressive or not, "after sunset and before sunrise" anywhere in Macon-Bibb County, on top of the daytime buffer zones around places like ATMs, bus stops, and parking pay stations set out in subsection (b).

What is the penalty for a repeat aggressive solicitation violation?

Under Section 16-38(f)(3), a third or later violation can bring up to 30 days of community service, a fine up to $1,000.00, and/or up to 30 days in jail, though the officer may instead route the person to community outreach services for mental health or addiction needs.

Sources & Official References

[1]Macon-Bibb County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 16 - Offenses (Municode)

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All Macon-Bibb County rules

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