Pinellas County, FL Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Code article
- Ch. 42 Art. V
- Issuance section
- Sec. 42-213
- Penalty
- Up to $500 / 60 days
- State law
- Fla. Stat. 501.022
Summary
Pinellas County requires peddlers and solicitors to obtain a permit from the Board of County Commissioners under Chapter 42, Article V, with criminal background and good character standards before issuance.
501.022 Home solicitation sale; permit required. - (1)(a) It is unlawful for any person to conduct any home solicitation sale, as defined in s. 501.021 , or to supervise excluded minors conducting such sales provided in subparagraph (b)5., in this state without first obtaining a valid home solicitation sale permit as provided in this section. (b) The following are excluded from the operation of this section: 1. Bona fide agents, business representatives, or salespersons making calls or soliciting orders at the usual place of business of a customer regarding products or services for use in connection with the customer’s business. 2.
Full Breakdown
Article V of Chapter 42 (Consumer Protection) in the Pinellas County Code of Ordinances governs peddlers and solicitors. Division 2, beginning with Sec. 42-211, requires applicants to file with the Board of County Commissioners. Sec. 42-213 directs the board to issue a peddler's or solicitor's permit only to applicants who are financially responsible, of good moral character, and who have not been previously convicted of a felony. The permit regime works alongside Florida Statute 501.022, which requires a Home Solicitation Sales Permit issued by the Clerk of Circuit Court for sales of consumer goods or services exceeding $25. Charitable, religious, and political canvassers may be exempt from permitting under First Amendment principles but remain subject to time, place, and manner rules.
Violations & Fines
Peddling or soliciting without a required permit is a violation of Sec. 42-216, punishable by a fine up to $500, jail time up to 60 days, or both, with possible revocation of any existing permit and bar on future applications for repeat offenders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do door-to-door salespeople need a permit in Pinellas County?
What happens if a solicitor operates without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pinellas County
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