The Hallandale Beach City Commission on Nov. 5 voted unanimously to direct staff and the city attorney to review and recommend updates to the city's solicitation ordinance after commissioners raised a string of complaints about aggressive door‑to‑door sales and other predatory practices.

Commissioner Annabelle Lima Taub opened the discussion, describing repeated complaints in southwest Hallandale Beach involving solicitors who continue knocking after residents ask them to leave, who ignore posted "no solicitation" signs and who, she said, target older and economically vulnerable households. Taub told the commission she had reviewed state attorney general materials and Better Business Bureau complaints; she said some local incidents mirrored allegations in an ongoing state case against a roofing company.

Taub told the commission she had observed patterns — individuals wearing vests, aggressive sales tactics, and teams trained to pressure residents into signing documents — and cited anecdotal examples in which residents said they were scared or repeatedly targeted. She asked staff to research registration, permitting and other legal tools used by nearby cities and to return with specific ordinance language.

Why it matters: Commissioners and staff said the city must balance constitutionally protected activities such as political campaigning and registered charities with stronger protections for seniors and residents who do not want door‑to‑door visitors. Taub specifically asked that the city attorney and police review whether registration, identification, permitting or other regulatory tools could reduce fraud and unsafe encounters.

Action taken: The commission voted 4‑0 (Commissioner Butler absent) to direct staff to review the existing solicitation ordinance, evaluate registration or permit options, clarify exemptions (charities, campaigning), and return with recommended updates; Taub asked to be included in the review process.

Speakers quoted in this story: Annabelle Lima Taub, Commissioner; Vice Mayor Lazaro (remarks on exemptions); City manager (clarification that staff will research options).

Ending: Staff will research registration and permitting models used by other Florida cities and provide draft ordinance language and enforcement options for future commission consideration.