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Mobile, AL Public Conduct: Aggressive Panhandling (2026)

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

Key Facts

Adopted
November 26, 2024
Group solicitation
banned, 2+ adults
ATM/bank buffer
20 feet
Max penalty
$500 fine / 6 months

Summary

Mobile's 2024 aggressive-solicitation ordinance bans touching, blocking, following, or verbally abusing people while panhandling, plus group and near-ATM solicitation.

Aggressive solicitations means:

(1)Solicitation while intentionally, knowingly recklessly touching, the solicited person without the solicited person's consent;(2)Approaching or following the person being solicited in a manner that is intended or is likely to cause a reasonable person to be intimidated into responding affirmatively to the solicitation;(3)Solicitation while the solicited person while a patron of an outside cafe;(4)Intentionally, knowingly or recklessly obstructing the safe or free passage of the person being solicited or requiring the person to take evasive action to avoid physical contact with the person making the solicitation;(5)Following behind, ahead or alongside a person who walks away from and/or has clearly communicated a request to stop the solicitation;(6)Using profane, intimidating or abusive language, either during the solicitation or following a refusal to make a donation, or making any statement, gesture, or other communication during the solicitation which would cause a reasonable person to be fearful or feel compelled comply, affirmatively;

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 67).

Full Breakdown

Sec. 55-101, enacted November 26, 2024, defines "aggressive solicitations" to include unwanted touching, blocking a person's path, following someone who has walked away, using profane or intimidating language, soliciting in a group of two or more adults, and asking within 20 feet of an ATM or bank entrance. Sec. 55-102 makes aggressive solicitation unlawful citywide and separately bars soliciting on private property after being told to leave or where a no-solicitation sign is posted. Violators face up to a $500 fine, six months in jail, or both, under Sec. 55-104, with community service available in lieu of or alongside the penalty.

Violations & Fines

Aggressive solicitation and unwanted solicitation on private property after being told to leave are unlawful citywide, punishable by up to a $500 fine, six months in jail, or both.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as aggressive panhandling in Mobile?
Touching a person without consent, blocking their path, following them after they say stop, using abusive language, soliciting in a group of two or more, or asking within 20 feet of an ATM or bank entrance.
What's the penalty for aggressive solicitation in Mobile?
Up to a $500 fine, six months in jail, or both, plus possible community service, under Sec. 55-104.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Mobile

All Mobile rules

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