Door to door permits

How to get a solicitor permit

A solicitor permit is a license from a city, county or state that lets you go door to door to sell or take orders. You usually get one by applying to the city clerk or police department with a photo ID, passing a background check, paying the fee, and carrying the permit while you knock.

The rules are local, so the same rep can need a permit in one town and nothing in the next. Below: the usual steps, how no-knock rules work, and the current code in each city we checked, with the official source and the date we read it.

See the Steps Check a City

The steps

How to get one, in five steps.

1. Find out whose rule it is.
The rule follows city limits, not the mailing address. A home with a city mailing address can sit in an unincorporated area, where the county rule applies instead. Lawrenceville, Georgia and unincorporated Gwinnett County are a good example: different issuers, different hours.
2. Check for a state rule.
Some states add their own permit on top of the city. In Florida, plan on a county clerk permit in every county where you sell.
3. Apply with the issuer.
Usually the city clerk, the police department or a licensing office. Expect a written application, a photo ID, a background check and a fee. Some cities also ask for fingerprints, a photo for an ID card or a surety bond, and some want the application weeks ahead: Edinburg, Texas asks for 30 days.
4. Carry it and follow the rules on the street.
Most codes want the permit worn or shown on request, set the hours you may knock, and bar knocking where a no-solicitation sign is posted.
5. Renew before it runs out.
Terms vary a lot. Edina, Minnesota issues permits for 14 days at a time, McAllen, Texas for up to 120 days, and many others for a year.

What it goes by

Codes call it a solicitor permit, peddler license, canvasser permit, itinerant vendor permit or plain registration. Read the definitions section: some only cover goods, and a rep taking orders for a home service should get a written answer from the city on whether the permit reaches them.

No-knock rules

What a no-knock list is, and what the codes really use.

A no-knock list is a list of homes that have asked not to get door-to-door sales calls. Where a town keeps one, a permitted seller has to skip every address on it.

In the cities we checked, the rule written in the code is a posted sign instead. Some codes set the size: Minneapolis asks for a placard at least 4 by 4 inches in 48-point type, and Youngstown at least 2 by 3 inches. Leon County, Florida, which includes Tallahassee, triggers its ordinance only on a sign that cites its own code section. Edina, Minnesota also keeps sellers to the front door, with no side or rear yards.

The safe rule everywhere: if a home has any no-solicitation sign, skip it.

City by city

The rules in the cities we checked.

Each row is read from the city’s or county’s current code on its official host. Where we could not confirm a rule at an official source, the row says “Check with the city” instead of guessing. We don’t list fees here: they change often, and the official code linked on each row has the current one.

This is a summary of public city and county codes, not legal advice. Codes change; confirm with the city or county before you knock.

Florida

Solicitor permit rules in Florida
Place	What the code requires	Who issues it	Hours	No-knock rule	Source
Melbourne	What the code requires:No separate solicitor permit; a city business tax receipt is required (Sec. 46-22)	Who issues it:City of Melbourne business tax office (Ch. 54)	Hours:9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. in residential areas (Sec. 46-21(a)).	No-knock rule:No soliciting where a 'No Solicitors' or 'No Solicitation' notice is posted in plain view (Sec. 46-21(d)). Other rules in the code No more than two reps at one person at a time (Sec. 46-21(e)). Leave at once when asked (Sec. 46-21(f)).	Source:Official code, checked Oct 25, 2026
Palm BayNot fully confirmed yet	What the code requires:Check with the city	Who issues it:Check with the city	Hours:Check with the city	No-knock rule:Check with the city	Source:Source we started from. Not confirmed: call the clerk before you knock.
Cocoa	What the code requires:Registration required: Solicitor registration and ID card	Who issues it:Cocoa Chief of Police (card signed by the chief and the city clerk)	Hours:No door-to-door hours limit in the code.	No-knock rule:No sign rule found in the code. Other rules in the code No soliciting within 300 feet of a school bus stop (Sec. 14-192(c)). No soliciting people in vehicles on public streets after sunset or before sunrise (Sec. 14-193).	Source:Official code, checked Oct 25, 2026
Tallahassee	What the code requires:No city solicitor permit found	Who issues it:Not applicable	Hours:None found in the city or county code.	No-knock rule:Leon County Ord. No. 24-02 (February 20, 2024), countywide including Tallahassee: no soliciting on private property posted with 'NO SOLICITING', 'NO SOLICITATION' or 'NO SOLICITORS' plus 'according to SEC. 12-82, LEON COUNTY CODE OF LAWS' without the owner's express written permission.	Source:Official code, checked Oct 25, 2026
PensacolaNot fully confirmed yet	What the code requires:Check with the city	Who issues it:Check with the city	Hours:Check with the city	No-knock rule:Check with the city	Source:Source we started from. Not confirmed: call the clerk before you knock.
St. PetersburgNot fully confirmed yet	What the code requires:Check with the city	Who issues it:Check with the city	Hours:Check with the city	No-knock rule:Check with the city	Source:Source we started from. Not confirmed: call the clerk before you knock.

Florida: the county permit, on top of the city rule

Florida law also requires a home solicitation permit from the clerk of the circuit court in each county where you sell: a sworn application, fingerprints for a state background check, and a photo ID card good for one year that you carry and show before you pitch.

Brevard County: LiveScan fingerprints at a law enforcement agency using the Clerk's ORI FL705010Z; two 2x2 photos; notarized application; proof of every required city or county business license. Valid one year; renewal repeats the full process. Clerk page, checked Oct 25, 2026.
Escambia County: Check with the county clerk.
Leon County: Check with the county clerk.
Pinellas County: Check with the county clerk.

The statute exempts some sales made by sample, catalog or brochure for later delivery. Whether a home internet order taken at the door fits that exemption is a question for a Florida lawyer. Until then, plan on the permit.

Source: F.S. 501.021, F.S. 501.022, checked Oct 25, 2026.

Georgia

Solicitor permit rules in Georgia
Place	What the code requires	Who issues it	Hours	No-knock rule	Source
Lawrenceville	What the code requires:Permit or license required: Canvasser/solicitor entity permit plus individual work permits	Who issues it:City Chief Financial Officer (entity permit); Finance Department (work permits and background checks)	Hours:9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday. No Sunday (Sec. 12-558(1)).	No-knock rule:No knocking where a sign at or near the main entrance or driveway prohibits it (Sec. 12-558(2)). Other rules in the code Permit worn between the shoulders and waist (Sec. 12-558(10)). No more than two reps at one door at once (Sec. 12-558(11)). No second visit to the same home within two weeks unless invited (Sec. 12-558(12)). Keep records of rep assignments by area and date; send a copy to the CFO every quarter (Sec. 12-556).	Source:Official code, checked Oct 25, 2026
Unincorporated Gwinnett County (Lawrenceville mailing addresses outside city limits)	What the code requires:Permit or license required: Occupation tax certificate (canvasser/solicitor) plus work permits	Who issues it:County Licensing and Revenue Manager (certificate); Gwinnett County Police (work permits and background check)	Hours:9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday. No Sunday (Sec. 18-391(1)).	No-knock rule:No knocking where a sign at or near the main entrance or driveway prohibits it (Sec. 18-391(2)). Other rules in the code Chapter 66, Article II (as rewritten March 18, 2025) bars soliciting on residential property without permission, in groups of two or more, and after sunset (Sec. 66-33(b), (i), 66-34). Its definition of 'soliciting' is asking for money or objects of value to be handed over then and there (Sec. 66-37), which reads as panhandling rather than order-taking.	Source:Official code, checked Oct 25, 2026
ValdostaNot fully confirmed yet	What the code requires:Check with the city	Who issues it:Check with the city	Hours:Check with the city	No-knock rule:Check with the city	Source:Source we started from. Not confirmed: call the clerk before you knock.

Minnesota

Solicitor permit rules in Minnesota
Place	What the code requires	Who issues it	Hours	No-knock rule	Source
Edina	What the code requires:Permit or license required: Peddler/solicitor permit	Who issues it:Edina Police Department (Police Chief approves)	Hours:9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Sec. 12-156(2)).	No-knock rule:No knocking where a 'Peddlers and Solicitors Prohibited' placard at least 3.75 by 3.75 inches in 48-point type is posted (Sec. 12-157). Front door only, no side or rear yards (Sec. 12-156(4)). Other rules in the code Permit card worn on the front outer garment (Sec. 12-152). The code's 'solicitor' definition names goods and home maintenance or repair services (Sec. 12-149). Internet service is not named; treat the permit as required.	Source:Official code, checked Oct 25, 2026
Minneapolis	What the code requires:Registration required: Solicitor registration and ID card	Who issues it:Director of Regulatory Services	Hours:8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. or sunset, whichever is later (Sec. 332.80(4)).	No-knock rule:No entry where a placard at least 4 by 4 inches in 48-point type reads 'No Peddlers, Solicitors or Transient Merchants' or similar (Sec. 332.90). Other rules in the code Photo ID card worn on a lanyard, clearly visible (Sec. 332.70(b)). Solicitors take orders for goods or services delivered later (Sec. 332.10); a fiber rep fits.	Source:Official code, checked Oct 25, 2026
BloomingtonNot fully confirmed yet	What the code requires:Check with the city	Who issues it:Check with the city	Hours:Check with the city	No-knock rule:Check with the city	Source:Source we started from. Not confirmed: call the clerk before you knock.

Ohio

Solicitor permit rules in Ohio
Place	What the code requires	Who issues it	Hours	No-knock rule	Source
Youngstown	What the code requires:Permit or license required: Peddler credentials registration	Who issues it:Youngstown Police Chief	Hours:9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Sec. 762.02).	No-knock rule:No knocking where a 'No Solicitors' or 'No Trespassing' sign of at least 2 by 3 inches, letters at least one-third inch, is at or near the main door (Sec. 762.05, 762.06). Other rules in the code 'Peddling' includes calling uninvited to take orders for services of any kind (Sec. 762.01(a)(1)). Credentials carried and displayed at all times (Sec. 762.04(d), 762.08).	Source:Official code, checked Oct 25, 2026

Texas

Solicitor permit rules in Texas
Place	What the code requires	Who issues it	Hours	No-knock rule	Source
Laredo	What the code requires:No door-to-door permit found in the code	Who issues it:Not applicable	Hours:No limit on door-to-door sales hours in the city code.	No-knock rule:No city sign or no-knock list rule for sales found. Other rules in the code Chapter 21, Article XII (aggressive solicitation) defines 'solicit' as asking for an immediate donation, so its sunset rule and private-property rule do not reach order-taking sales. Chapter 18, Article VIII licenses mobile businesses selling from a motorized vehicle, which is not door-to-door on foot.	Source:Official code, checked Oct 25, 2026
Harlingen	What the code requires:Registration required: Itinerant or transient vendor registration	Who issues it:City Secretary, with a background inquiry by the Harlingen Police Department	Hours:No hours limit for sales in Chapter 28.	No-knock rule:No city sign or no-knock list rule for sales found in Chapter 28. Other rules in the code Applies only to sellers who, and whose company, have no established residence or business location in Cameron, Willacy or Hidalgo County (90 days of continuous occupancy counts). Registration ends once one is established (Sec. 28-114, 28-155). No selling on public streets, sidewalks or alleys (Sec. 28-117). Article III 'Solicitors' covers donation requests and paid fundraisers, not sales.	Source:Official code, checked Oct 25, 2026
San JuanNot fully confirmed yet	What the code requires:Check with the city	Who issues it:Check with the city	Hours:Check with the city	No-knock rule:Check with the city	Source:Source we started from. Not confirmed: call the clerk before you knock.
McAllen	What the code requires:A permit exists; ask the city whether it covers internet service orders: Itinerant vendor license	Who issues it:City Secretary	Hours:No hours limit in Chapter 78.	No-knock rule:No city sign or no-knock list rule found in Chapter 78. Other rules in the code The license covers transient businesses selling or taking orders for 'goods, wares, merchandise, or other personal property' (Sec. 78-26, 78-41). Whether a rep taking orders for an internet service falls inside it is not settled by the text.	Source:Official code, checked Oct 25, 2026
Edinburg	What the code requires:Permit or license required: Itinerant vendor permit	Who issues it:Building Official, with a background check by the Police Chief	Hours:No hours limit in Chapter 113.	No-knock rule:No city sign or no-knock list rule found. Other rules in the code 'Itinerant vendor' means anyone who sells or solicits sales house to house (Sec. 113.30). The permit section itself speaks of goods, wares, merchandise or other personal property (Sec. 113.34), so confirm with the city that it reaches internet service orders. No selling on any street, right-of-way, sidewalk or alley (Sec. 113.31).	Source:Official code, checked Oct 25, 2026
TylerNot fully confirmed yet	What the code requires:Check with the city	Who issues it:Check with the city	Hours:Check with the city	No-knock rule:Check with the city	Source:Source we started from. Not confirmed: call the clerk before you knock.

Rules apply inside city limits only. Last checked Oct 25, 2026; a row older than 90 days comes off this page until it is checked again.

Find the market

A permit gets you on the street. The market decides the rest.

What it comes to for you depends on the market you work. The lookup shows fiber, cable and fiber growth for every city and county, each next to its state median, from FCC filings.

Check Fiber Markets

Find the agency

Open turf only pays at the right agency.

Permits are one question to ask an agency before you start: who files them, and which cities you are cleared to knock. Then ask these, and get the answers in writing.

1. Do you get your own turf?
RCLX’s answer: Every rep works exclusive turf, so two reps are never put on the same street.
2. How is the pay set up?
RCLX’s answer: Reps work as 1099 independent contractors on 100% commission, earned on completed installs.
3. When does the money land?
RCLX’s answer: Commission is paid on the payday RCLX is paid for the install.
4. What happens when a customer cancels?
RCLX’s answer: If a customer cancels within 120 days of the install, the commission on that one sale comes off your next check. After 120 days the install is locked and stays yours.
5. Can you see your own numbers?
RCLX’s answer: Every rep gets a portal that shows their installs, their pipeline and a pay statement for every payday.

Use the Agency Checklist

Questions

What people ask next.

What is a solicitor permit?

A license from a city, county or state that lets you go door to door to sell or take orders. Codes call it a solicitor permit, peddler license, canvasser permit, itinerant vendor permit or registration. They all mean the same thing for a rep: you are cleared to knock there.

How do I get a solicitors permit?

Find the city or county code that covers the homes you will knock, apply with the office it names (usually the clerk or the police), pass the background check, pay the fee, and carry the permit while you work. If the state has its own permit, as Florida does, get that too.

Do I need a solicitors permit in Florida?

Yes. Florida Statute 501.022 requires a home solicitation permit from the clerk of the circuit court in each county where you sell, with fingerprints and a photo ID card good for one year. Many Florida cities add their own registration or license on top.

What is a no knock list?

A list of homes that have asked not to get door-to-door sales calls. Where a town keeps one, a permitted seller has to skip every address on it. In the cities we checked, the rule written in the code is a posted sign instead: no knocking where a no-solicitation sign is up.

Does a No Soliciting sign mean I can’t knock?

Treat it that way. Most codes we read bar knocking where one is posted, and some spell out the size or exact wording. Even where the code is silent, a seller who ignores the sign loses the door anyway.

What happens if I knock without a permit?

The codes treat it as a violation. Edinburg, Texas, for one, makes breaking its itinerant vendor rules a misdemeanor. Get the permit before the first door.

Apply

Ask us about permits in your city.

Leave your name and number and a recruiter calls you back. Ask which cities you’d work, what each one needs before you knock, and hold us to the checklist.

This is a summary of public city and county codes, not legal advice. Codes change; confirm with the city or county before you knock.

How to get a solicitor permit

How to get one, in five steps.

1. Find out whose rule it is.

2. Check for a state rule.

3. Apply with the issuer.

4. Carry it and follow the rules on the street.

5. Renew before it runs out.