No Soliciting Sign: Do Signs Stop Solicitors? No Soliciting Explained

Is Anyone Exempt From Following A No Soliciting Sign?

In the US, anyone who refuses to leave your property upon request is breaking the law. While each state is different, many areas impose penalties on those who choose to ignore posted ?no soliciting? or ?no trespassing? signs on private property, including businesses that post such signage. ?Even those who are not actually selling a tangible product, such as religious, political, or charitable organizations, are legally required to leave your property upon your verbal or written request.

Can I Be Refunded For A Purchase Made With A Door-to-Door Salesperson?

Even though there are no formal laws prohibiting soliciting, there are laws in place to protect consumers from defective products, fraudulent offers, and scams. Many individual cities or towns require door-to-door salespeople to post a solicitation bond before selling their goods to the masses. This protects the customer in the event that a product or service is faulty or part of a scam; the consumer will be able to claim a portion of these funds proportional to the money he or she lost as a result of the original transaction.

Further, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has instituted a rule that allows anyone who purchases something at his or her home from a door-to-door salesperson (totaling $25 or more) to cancel his or her order and receive a full refund within three days. This rule also applies to purchases made from solicitors at other locations with a purchase price of $130 or more.

Can Homeowner's Associations Ban Solicitation in Their Neighborhoods?

Typically, homeowner?s associations are not permitted to stop solicitors from visiting individual homes in a neighborhood, since the decision to listen to or purchase from someone is an individual decision. There may be exceptions, though, as when gated communities post ?no soliciting? or ?no trespassing? signs at the neighborhood entrances. Since rules can widely vary, always be aware of your local directives.

When To Be More Aware Of Door-to-Door Scams

The most popular seasons for solicitors to be out and about are typically during the spring and summer months when the weather is wonderful and many people are home during seasonal breaks. However, additional caution should be used when unforeseen events happen in widespread areas, such as strong storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, or other disasters. Unfortunately, scammers use these catastrophes to take advantage of vulnerable people who are desperately in need of assistance.

Major Storm Alert! Be Aware of Fraudulent Solicitors

Centrally located on Florida?s first coast in Jacksonville, at CustomSigns.com, we know how important proper preparedness is for major tropical storms and hurricanes. Especially in southern coastal states where natural disasters seem to be a common occurrence, preparedness also means educating local residents to be particularly mindful of potential scam artists. These fraudsters, who often show up suddenly and unannounced, offer deeply discounted prices and promise immediate repairs, only to take the homeowner?s deposit and run. In addition to protecting your property with ?no soliciting? and ?no trespassing? signs, whenever in doubt, always take the time to get the facts. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a reputable place to begin, as well as asking for references and verifying professional licenses and insurance. Safety always comes first.

Soliciting Laws by State

Most states have established municipal codes following the same general regulations. However, as with anything, there are exceptions and distinctions from state to state, county to county, and even city to city.

The following table lists examples of municipal codes concerning solicitors, peddlers, and canvassers by state and city. The examples include the required or suggested wording for your ?No Soliciting Sign? to comply with local laws and regulations.

NOTE: the following table is NOT comprehensive by state or municipality. For additional information, visit Municode.com or contact your City Clerk or other local government official.

Click your state to visitMunicode.com for more information