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

Sec. 8-156 defines a transient vendor as any person who transacts transient business in the municipality either in one location or by traveling from house to house, street to street or place to place, and includes a vendor who travels on foot. Sec. 8-159(a) prohibits that vendor, and the owner of the merchandise or provider of the services when they are someone else, from doing business in the city without a license. Sec. 8-159(c) requires a vendor who is otherwise exempt to file a registration application with the city clerk before any sales, with no fee.

Sec. 8-160 sets the application. It is filed with the municipal tax collector and lists the vendor's name and permanent address, a statement of the kind of business, how long the applicant wants to operate and the proposed location, the registered agent, proof of every other city, county and state permit including a state sales tax number, and a copy of the right to vend permit from the property owner. Corporations and associations add officer or member names and the date and state of incorporation. Sec. 8-161 directs the tax collector to use the uniform forms prepared by the state tax commission.

Sec. 8-162 requires a registered agent who is a resident of the City of Southaven. Sec. 8-163(a) sets a $250 license fee deposited in the general fund and a cash or surety bond in the lesser of $2,000 or five (5) percent of the wholesale value of the goods or services offered, and Sec. 8-163(c) separately requires a $2,000 penal bond before any solicitation. Sec. 8-164 makes the license non-transferable and valid for ninety (90) days, renewable once a year for $25.

Sec. 8-157 exempts wholesale sales to retail merchants, trade shows, garage sales at residences, sales at a resident's invitation (unless made by a transient vendor), and Mississippi-grown agricultural and nursery products backed by a sworn affidavit. Sec. 8-167(1) lets civic, nonprofit and religious organizations ask the mayor and board of aldermen for a waiver of fees and bonds.