Door to Door solicitation in the Villages. A question.

[Talk Host]

There have been numerous discussions here about deed restrictions forbidding door to door solicitation of any kind in the Villages. We all know the general feeling of the residents is that they agree with the prohibition.

Here is the question. How can it be enforced? What agency will enforce it? What authority do they have to enforce it? Are nonresidents (salesmen-politicians-solicitors) bound by Villages deed restrictions? (deed restrictions are only for those who own property in the Villages) What can they be charged with?

The streets are public streets, how can anybody be refused access? If a salesman is asked by Neighborhood patrol to leave, and he doesn't comply, what will happen? It seems that it is up to the individual residents to post "no tresspassing" signs on their property, but signs are a violation

Please, make no mistake, I am as happy as anyone that we are being slammed by door to door pests. The issue is bound to come up and I am curious about who and how these deed restrictions will be enforced. There is no way to impose a penalty on a nonresident, is there?

[tonysaputo]

Easy to fix. Just arm the Neighborhood patrol guys with orders to shoot to kill! ;D
duh kidding talk guy

[Talk Host]

Easy to fix. Just arm the Neighborhood patrol guys with orders to shoot to kill! ;D


Sadly there is too much of this kind of thing actually happening in our country today. It's disheartening that thoughts turn to this as a solution to complications in our lives

[swrinfla]

I suspect that a good lawyer (maybe one from Philadelphia?) could help out here!

My instinct says to buy a tasteful "No Trespassing" sign, put it the window most visible from the street. When the unwanted solicitor rings your doorbell, call the sheriff's office via 911 first, then answer the door, keeping your unwanted visitor occupied until the law arrives, then charge the pest with trespassing! Unfortunately, this seems far more complicated than most of us would want to pursue, and time-consuming, too.

Maybe the good lawyer can expound upon the significance and enforceability of Deed Restrictions, etc.!?

SWR

[Rokinronda]

Last summer I contacted The Villages watch about being solicited. Major lawn care co.'s and several individuals were ringing my doorbell, often. I called because a tree man reeking of alcohol and a little scary looking, startled my quiet afternoon. I could only give a description of the vehicle. No, I did not want him doing any tree work for me! I have a tree service. A No soliciting sign was immediately posted at the guarded gate and it was suggested to get a business card or identification such as a license plate or company name and report back and they would take appropriate measures. Funny though, no one has bothered me since! I do have a WELCOME sign outside, but its for friends, family, neighbors, invited guests and hired vendors. NOT SOLICITORS! Wonder who gets my business and VOTE?

[mike warren]

I'm a "Philadelphia" lawyer from Woming who hopes to move to TV very soon. Most communities throughout the country have an ordinance called the "Green River" ordinance which prevents door to door salesmen and provides a fine for a violation. I do not know, however, if TV has any ordinances or if there are county laws which are similar in nature.
I assume that this information should be available at either TV headquarters or at the County attorneys' offices.

[Talk Host]

I'm a "Philadelphia" lawyer from Woming who hopes to move to TV very soon. Most communities throughout the country have an ordinance called the "Green River" ordinance which prevents door to door salesmen and provides a fine for a violation. I do not know, however, if TV has any ordinances or if there are county laws which are similar in nature.
I assume that this information should be available at either TV headquarters or at the County attorneys' offices.


The Villages is not a political subdivision or governmental entity. It cannot make or enforce ordinances. It encompasses three counties, so the laws would vary in each.