Clearwater, Florida: door-to-door solicitor permit

• The answer: Yes — a solicitor's permit from the chief of police, applied for by the person who knocks. It is unlawful to go upon any private residence, apartment or premises in the city to canvass for orders for goods, wares, merchandise or services of any character without first having applied for and received a solicitor's permit (23.32). The permit is personal: the application asks for the applicant's own employer, work history and physical description, and the permit must be carried by "the applicant to whom issued" (23.33, 23.36).
• Where it comes from: The Clearwater Police Department. The application goes in writing, over the applicant's signature, to the chief of police on the city's form, and the chief issues or denies it (23.33(1), 23.34). Clearwater City Code Chapter 23, Peddlers, Solicitors and Canvassers, Article II, Division 2.
• Fee: The code says only that the application "shall be accompanied by an application fee as prescribed in appendix A to this Code" (23.33(5)). Appendix A, part XII, Peddlers, Solicitors and Canvassers, prints one line: "Peddlers application fee (§ 23.33(5)) .....50.00". The amount column of that schedule is in dollars and this row carries no dollar sign on the page. Appendix A shows no separate badge, renewal or company fee for solicitors.
• Hours you may knock: Clearwater publishes no knocking hours. Chapter 23 sets none, and the offenses chapter sets none for door-to-door solicitors — its only door rule is the "No Solicitation" sign ban (21.16). Confirm with the police department before the team works late.
• What the rep carries: The permit itself. It is carried at all times while soliciting or canvassing in the city and shown to any police officer or any person solicited who asks (23.36). The code names no badge and no uniform.
• What takes the time: The written application takes the applicant's name and address, the employer and length of service, last year's residence and employment, what is being sold, and a physical description including race, sex, height, weight, eye color, hair color, complexion and body build; a driver's license or other identity evidence is displayed when the application is filed (23.33(1), (2)). A rep doing home solicitation sales must first present a current state home solicitation permit issued by the clerk of the circuit court or by the state division of consumer services (23.33(3)). A rep exempt from city occupational license under F.S. ch. 205 registers under 29.43 first (23.33(4)). The code publishes no processing time.
• Code: Clearwater City Code 23.31 to 23.37 (solicitor's permit), 23.01 (public-way sales district), 21.16 ("No Solicitation" signs), with the fee in Appendix A, Schedule of Fees, Rates and Charges, part XII. Municode shows the code as codified through Ordinance No. 9859-26, enacted January 15, 2026 (Supp. No. 90), content updated April 6, 2026.
• Worth knowing: A posted "No Solicitation" sign is enforceable: no solicitor may willfully enter the property of a private residence posted with that sign or a substantially similar message, and the definition covers commercial sellers as well as noncommercial callers (21.16). The permit expires on September 30 following issuance, whatever month it was issued, so a fall start buys a short permit (23.34). The chief will not issue to an applicant with certain convictions in the last five years, a false statement in the application, or a similar permit denied, revoked or suspended anywhere in the last five years (23.35(1)). Selling and canvassing are banned outright on public ways in the Clearwater Beach Island and Sand Key district (23.01). Florida's own home solicitation sale permit (F.S. 501.022) is filed with the clerk of the circuit court for the county — here, Pinellas.
• Read it yourself: Clearwater City Code Chapter 23, Peddlers, Solicitors and Canvassers · Clearwater City Code Appendix A, Schedule of Fees, Rates and Charges (part XII) · Clearwater City Code Chapter 21, Offenses (21.16) · Clearwater Code of Ordinances, title page · Florida Statutes 501.022, Home solicitation sale; permit required · checked 20 September 2026

Ask the clerk, and write the answer down:

• Is the peddlers application fee still 50.00 per applicant, and is it per rep or per company?
• How long does the police department take to issue a solicitor's permit?
• Are there any hours the city will not let a rep knock, since the code sets none?
• Does an out-of-town fiber company also need a city business tax receipt or a 29.43 registration?

Clerk’s name ______________ Direct line ______________ Date called ______________