Door-to-Door Fundraising Rules by State
Door-to-Door Fundraising in Florida: The Rules
A door-to-door fundraising program in Florida starts with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), which registers charities under the Solicitation of Contributions Act. The state also sets what a canvasser says on the doorstep and the exact words every receipt carries, so the registration, the script and the receipt template all belong in the plan.
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Register with FDACS before the first ask
A charity or sponsor that intends to solicit in Florida files an initial registration statement with FDACS before it solicits. The registration renews every year, by the anniversary of its approval, and expires on its own when the renewal is not filed. A late renewal costs $25 for each month or part of a month past the due date. An organization with less than $50K in contributions in its last fiscal year, only unpaid people raising funds, and no paid fundraising consultant or solicitor can file the Small Charitable Organizations/Sponsors Application instead.
Brief canvassers on what to say on the doorstep
At the point of solicitation, the canvasser gives the organization's name, the state of its principal place of business, and the purpose of the ask (Florida's disclosure rule). Put those 3 facts in the opening line of the script. When a donor asks, the organization provides a representative's name with a street address or phone number, the tax-deductible amount of the gift, and where to get its financial statement, sent within 14 days of the request.
Print the state statement on every receipt and reminder
Every solicitation, confirmation, receipt and reminder from a registered organization carries this statement:
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
It includes the division's toll-free number, 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352), and its website. Printed solicitations, confirmations, receipts and reminders also show the organization's Florida registration number, so build both into the receipt template before the first shift.
Paid canvassers register, post a $50K bond and file notice 15 days ahead
A professional solicitor registers with FDACS before soliciting and files a $50K bond. At least 15 days before a solicitation campaign or event, it files a sworn solicitation notice with a copy of its contract with the charity, and everyone it hires to solicit is listed with FDACS within 5 days. Before asking, a paid canvasser gives the firm's registered name, the canvasser's legal name when the canvasser gives a name, and the charity's name, home state and purpose.
Other states
- 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 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
- FDACS: Solicitation of Contributions — registration, small-charity application, late fee, disclosure statement
- Florida Legislature: registration before soliciting — renewal and expiry
- Florida Legislature: professional solicitors — $50K bond, 15-day notice
- Florida Legislature: charity disclosures — at the door and on receipts
- Florida Legislature: paid solicitor disclosures — what a paid canvasser says before asking
Rules change. Check the official source before your program starts.