Jackson County, MS Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)

Pascagoula Code §74-52 requires commercial solicitors, peddlers, and canvassers to obtain a Solicitor Permit from the City Clerk after submitting a background check through the Pascagoula Police Department, fingerprint card, photo, and $50 fee for a 30-day permit. Ocean Springs Code §22-40 charges $100 for a 90-day permit with state and national criminal background check. Moss Point Code §10 requires $75 permit with MBI-administered fingerprint check. Gautier Code §22 requires $50 permit with 30-day validity. Mississippi Code §75-83-5 (Home Solicitation Sales Act) gives buyers a 3-day right to cancel any home solicitation purchase over $25, with mandatory written notice in the contract. Solicitors must display a laminated city ID badge at all times under Pascagoula §74-54. Permitted hours citywide are 9 AM to 8 PM Monday through Saturday, never on Sundays or federal holidays. Religious canvassers, political campaign workers, and nonprofit fundraisers are exempt from permit requirements under Watchtower v. Stratton First Amendment protections. Charitable 501(c)(3) organizations must register with the Mississippi Secretary of State Charities Division under Miss. Code §79-11-503. Post-hurricane home repair solicitors have triggered extra enforcement since Katrina due to contractor fraud.