§ 34-33. Prohibited Acts.

(a)

It shall be unlawful for any public solicitor to solicit funds within Collier County without first filing a registration statement as provided by this Ordinance. Any person soliciting in Collier County must carry proof of having filed a registration statement, and upon request must show such proof.

(b)

No public solicitor subject to the provisions of this Ordinance, shall use or exploit the fact of registration so as to lead the public to believe that such registration in any manner constitutes an endorsement or approval by the Collier County Board of County Commissioners as required by Ordinance. Registration does not imply endorsement of a public solicitor for contribution.

(c)

No person shall, in connection with the solicitation of contributions for or the sale of goods or services of a person other than a charitable organization, misrepresent to or mislead anyone by any manner, means, practice or devise whatsoever, to believe that the person on whose behalf such solicitation or sale is being conducted is a charitable organization or that the proceeds of such solicitation or sale will be used for charitable purposes, if such is not the fact.

(d)

No person shall make any representation that he is soliciting contributions for or on behalf of a public solicitor or shall use or display any emblem, device or printed matter belonging to or associated with a public solicitor for the purpose of soliciting or inducing contributions from the public without first being authorized to do so by the public solicitor.

(e)

No public solicitor shall represent that he or she is a veteran of the military, or wear a military uniform or other indication of military service, when the solicitor is neither a present, nor a former member of the service indicated.

(f)

It shall be unlawful for any public solicitor to solicit funds within Collier County without having a sign which identifies:

(1)

The name of the public solicitor and the purpose for which contributions are being solicited; and

(2)

The principal address of the public solicitor and the address of any offices in this County. If the public solicitor does not maintain an office, the name and address of the person having custody of its financial records.

Such sign shall be prominently displayed at all times, and shall be no less than two square feet in size, and no more than four square feet in size.

(g)

It shall be unlawful for any public solicitor to solicit funds in Collier County on private commercial property without first obtaining the express written permission of the owner, lessee, agent or occupant of the property. Any person soliciting on private property in Collier County must carry proof of such written permission, and upon request must show such proof.

(h)

The County may, but it is not limited to, enforce this ordinance through the issuance of a citation, by a notice to appear in County Court, or by arrest as provided for in F.S. ch. 901.

(Ord. No. 76-57, § 7; Ord. No. 2010-12, § 1; Ord. No. 2012-01, § 2)