Lakeland, Florida: door-to-door solicitor permit

• The answer: Yes — a permit, required of any "canvasser or solicitor" before "engaging in any buying, selling, or other transfer of goods or services within the city." A canvasser or solicitor is defined as someone "taking, or attempting to take, orders for the sale, lease or purchase of goods, wares or merchandise for future delivery, or for services to be furnished or performed in the future" — this squarely covers a fiber, security or pest control rep (78-1, 78-2, 78-4(a)).
• Where it comes from: The Chief Code Enforcement Officer's office. On a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday when that office is closed, a temporary license can instead be obtained from the police department, valid until 5:00 p.m. the next business day (78-4(a), 78-8).
• Fee: $100.00 per permit (78-4(a)). A company can file one joint application covering several reps, but the $100.00 fee and full information are still required for each individual (78-4(c)).
• Hours you may knock: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., extended to 8:00 p.m. while daylight saving time is in effect (78-5).
• What the rep carries: The license itself, displayed prominently and conspicuously on the person while doing business (78-6).
• What takes the time: A written, sworn application naming the applicant, employer, the type of goods or services, and where and for how long business will be conducted (78-4(b)). No criminal background check is specified for this permit in the code.
• Code: Lakeland Code of Ordinances, Chapter 78, Article I — Peddlers and Solicitors (§§ 78-1–78-10).
• Worth knowing: A permit is valid only for the time period and geographic location stated on it — working a different neighborhood or continuing past the stated period requires a new application (78-4(e)). A violation of the chapter, or any misrepresentation of the goods or services offered, is a municipal ordinance violation and grounds for permit revocation (78-3).
• Read it yourself: Lakeland Code of Ordinances, Chapter 78 — Peddlers and Solicitors · checked 19 September 2026

Ask the clerk, and write the answer down: Whether the $100 permit fee applies per rep even under a joint company application, and how long a permit is valid for before it must be renewed. Clerk’s name ______________   Direct line ______________   Date called ______________