Door-to-Door Fundraising Rules by State
Asking for donations at the door is regulated by the state the door is in, and the obligations start before anyone knocks. Three questions decide what a program owes: whether the organization is registered to solicit there, who is doing the asking, and what the asker has to say or hand over on the doorstep.
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Check the state registration before the first ask
States set the registration clock differently. California counts 30 days from the first charitable asset, while Florida requires an initial registration statement before any solicitation starts. Standing matters as much as filing: a California organization that is delinquent or suspended on the Attorney General's Registry may not solicit donations at all, and a Florida registration expires on its own when the yearly renewal is missed.
Paid canvassers bring their own registration, bond and notice
When a charity pays a firm or a solicitor to knock for it, the firm carries separate duties. California's commercial fundraisers register with the Attorney General and file a notice of intent at least 10 working days before each campaign. Florida's professional solicitors post a $50K bond and file a sworn solicitation notice at least 15 days before a campaign. Unpaid volunteers file none of this, which makes the line between a stipend and a volunteer worth settling before the program starts.
What the asker says on the doorstep is written into state law
California requires the solicitor to show a signed Solicitation or Sale for Charitable Purposes Card before asking, naming the organization, its address and how much of the gift is tax-deductible. Florida requires the organization's name, home state and purpose at the point of solicitation, and a fixed state disclosure statement on every receipt and reminder that follows.
California and Florida side by side
| California | Florida | |
|---|---|---|
| Regulator | Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers | Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services |
| Charity registration | Within 30 days of first assets (Form CT-1) | Before soliciting, renewed yearly |
| Paid canvassing firm | Registration, notice 10 working days ahead | $50K bond, notice 15 days ahead |
| At the door | Show the signed solicitation card | Name, home state and purpose |
| On receipts | Card mailed if the first ask was not in person | State disclosure statement and registration number |
Each state page below lists the official source behind every line.
State by state
- Door-to-Door Fundraising in California: The Rules
How to run a door-to-door fundraising program in California: the registration to confirm, the card each canvasser shows, and what changes when canvassers are paid.
- Door-to-Door Fundraising in Florida: The Rules
How to run a door-to-door fundraising program in Florida: register with FDACS first, say the required facts at the door, and print the state statement on receipts.
- Door-to-Door Fundraising in Georgia: Registration Rules
How to prepare a door-to-door fundraising program in Georgia: confirm whether your organization is exempt or must file Form C100 with the Secretary of State, include O.C.G.A. § 43-17-8 disclosures at the door, and retain records for contributions over $25.00.
Plan your first round of visits
Set up your organization program, upload your permitted list and invite the people doing the visits.
Sources
- California Attorney General: Initial registration
- Florida Statutes section 496.405, registration statements
- Florida FDACS: Solicitation of Contributions
Rules change. Check the official source before your program starts.