Solicitors Permit

solicitor knocking on door

The Port St. Lucie Police Department reminds businesses that if you're going door-to-door selling products or engaging with potential customers, a Solicitors Permit is required.

City of Port St. Lucie Ordinance Peddlers and Solicitors Ch. 112 gives residents some comfort in knowing who may be coming to their homes. When someone has a permit, they must always carry it with them and have it readily available upon the residents’ request. 

How much does it cost to apply for a solicitors permit and how long is it valid?

 A non-refundable fee of $20 is required to apply for a permit, which is valid until September 30th of every year. The Port St. Lucie Police Department Records Section accepts cash or money orders made payable to the Port St. Lucie Police Department Records Section. No checks or credit cards are accepted.  

How to apply

Obtaining a solicitors permit requires the applicant to apply in-person at Port St. Lucie Police Department’s Records Section with:

  • A valid driver’s license 
  • Company business card
  • Turning in a complete packet, including an application, adhering a 2x2 photo, and fingerprinting.

Solicitation Permits are processed Monday-Friday, 8-10 a.m. and 2-4 p.m.

Contact

For questions, contact the Records Section at 772-871-5047.

Tips for dealing with door-to-door solicitors

Residents should not feel obligated to make a purchase, even if the salesperson is very persuasive with their “limited time offers”. Federal and Florida State Law provide consumers with a three-day-right-to-cancel, better known as a “cooling off period” for door-to-door sales. The buyer has until midnight of the third business day after the sale to cancel for a full refund.

Here are some safety tips if a salesperson comes to your residence or home: 

  • You don't have to answer the door if you don't want to. 
  • If you are interested in their product or service, ask to see their direct seller’s permit. If they don't have a permit, don't provide any financial or personal information or money. 
  • Always ask for identification. Check for a badge, a uniform or a marked vehicle that has a company’s logo on it. Plus ask for their permit from the Port St. Lucie Police Department. 
  • Contact the company the salesperson is working for through a phone number listed on the internet and not the one they give you directly. Ask the company if they have any salespeople in Port St. Lucie. If the company can't verify the information or refuses to, think twice before doing business with the salesperson. 
  • Contact the Better Business Bureau to determine if there have been any complaints or to assist in verifying the legitimacy of a company.
  • Be cautious about the information you provide, including any information about you, your home, your family or other personal information. 
  • Don't invite strangers into your home. 

Preventing a door-to-door solicitor

Door-to-door solicitors have a right to freedom of speech under the First Amendment of the Constitution. However, so do the homeowners and business owners to post a sign or to prevent individuals from entering their property. To deter home solicitors from knocking on your door, post a “No Soliciting” sign on your property. Check with your homeowner’s association to find out what the rules are regarding home solicitations in your neighborhood.

Next time a salesperson knocks on your door, don’t forget to ask them for their permit!

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