Jupiter, FL Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)

Article IV of chapter 7 defines three categories of door-to-door sellers subject to Jupiter's permit rule: an itinerant merchant who carries and sells goods door to door or in public places, a peddler who travels to sell goods rather than selling from a fixed location, and a solicitor who travels house to house taking orders for future delivery of goods or services, whether or not payment is collected up front, under section 7-76. Section 7-77 states the ordinance's purpose as protecting residents from itinerant persons and undesirable soliciting by requiring investigation of an applicant's character.

Section 7-78 makes it unlawful for any peddler, solicitor or itinerant merchant to operate in Jupiter without first obtaining both a permit under this article and a business tax receipt under section 18-27. Section 7-79 separately bars selling wares by public outcry in the town's streets, alleys or other public places. To get a permit, section 7-80 requires a sworn written application filed with the chief of police disclosing the applicant's name and addresses, physical description, the nature of the business and goods sold, any employer's information, the length of time the applicant intends to operate, where the goods are stored, a current photograph, and the license tag of any vehicle used; the chief of police may also require fingerprints and can withhold a permit pending a criminal history investigation.

Section 7-81 has the chief of police grant or reject the application with the town manager's consent, and prompt notice goes to the applicant either way. If denied, section 7-82 gives the applicant 14 days from the denial to file a written notice of appeal with the town clerk, after which the town council schedules a hearing and notifies the applicant by mail at least five days beforehand.