Understanding and Adhering to State Telemarketing Calling Rules*

*Last reviewed and updated: July 2025

National and local telemarketing call centers should be aware of and adhere to call-time laws to avoid fines. While federal laws cover all US jurisdictions, stricter, state-level regulations can supersede them. These calling restrictions cover the time of day, day of the week, and holidays. 

Ensuring that your call center agents know when you can and cannot call leads based on the day or the time of the day and the year is crucial. We have compiled this quick guide to help set you on the right path. This guide lists states with stricter sales calling hours and restricted state holidays. As always, please make sure you consult your local state regulations and review this list with your internal compliance team.

How early is too early, and how late is too late to call your prospects and internet leads?

Federal law allows marketing phone calls between 8 AM and 9 PM. However, some states place additional restrictions on telemarketing calling hours. For instance, Florida law SB 1120 limits telemarketing to three calls per number between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM. 

What days are off-limits for telemarketing calls?

Some states restrict specific days of the week and public holidays, as noted below.

Frequency Caps

Most states only tell you when you can place calls (time-of-day windows).
A handful also say how many times you may ring the same consumer within a rolling 24-hour period, that’s a frequency cap. It protects consumers from “lead-bombing”­style repeat dialing even within legal hours.

Current daily (or equivalent) limits

• Florida – No more than 3 solicitation calls per consumer per 24 hours on the same subject matter or issue. Fla. Stat. § 501.616(6)(b). The Florida Senate

• Oklahoma – No more than 3 solicitation calls per consumer per 24 hours on the same subject matter or issue. Okla. Stat. tit. 15, § 775C.4(A)(2). Justia Law

• Maryland – No more than 3 solicitation calls per consumer per 24 hours on the same subject matter or issue (Stop the Spam Calls Act of 2023, in force Jan 1 2024). Md. Code, Com. Law § 14-4502(c)(2). Maryland General Assembly

• Maine – 1 automated solicitation call per consumer every 8 hours (effectively three per day). Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 10, § 1498(3). Maine State Legislature

Florida, Oklahoma, and Maryland tie the cap to calls on the same subject matter or issue. Different campaigns can still add up if they pitch the same offer. If you pitch mortgage refi at 10 a.m. and solar panels at 2 p.m., you’ve technically made two separate “subject” calls. Maine’s rule is simpler: one auto-dialed solicitation per number per eight hours, subject-matter agnostic. Maine’s cap applies per number, regardless of subject.

See: How to Avoid Spam Flagging on Your Outbound Calls

Important Note: State-specific Do-Not-Call legislation is always changing. ClickPoint Software strongly recommends consulting with your legal department regarding rules and regulations for telemarketing calls for each state. The information outlined below does not constitute legal advice.

The table below lists states with stricter telemarketing call center rules than federal regulations.

Legal Holidays by State

Several states have additional Do Not Call restrictions depending on the legal holiday. 

Additional Details

Alabama: If any holiday falls on Sunday, the following day (Monday) is the holiday. If any holiday falls on Saturday, the preceding day (Friday) is the holiday. Ala. Code § 1-3-8(a).

Louisiana: This chart only includes DNC holidays identified by the Louisiana Public Service Commission. 
According to the PSC, there are no calling restrictions on other legal holidays (specified in La. Stat. § 1:55). The Governor may declare other holidays.

Mississippi: If any holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is a legal holiday. Miss. Stat. § 3-3-7.

Nebraska: Nebraska doesn't prohibit calls on Sundays or legal holidays. However, it does restrict the use of prerecorded messages from 1 pm to 9 pm on these days (subject to certain exceptions). Neb. Admin. Code Title 291 Ch. 11 § 3.

Rhode Island: If New Year's Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day, or Christmas falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the Monday after that is a legal holiday. R.I. Stat. § 25-1-1.

Utah: If any holiday falls on Sunday, the following day (Monday) is the holiday. If any holiday falls on Saturday, the preceding day (Friday) is the holiday. Utah Code § 63G-1-301.

Pennsylvania: The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office designates the following holidays as “legal holidays.” The Governor may declare other holidays; if any Independence Day, Christmas Day, or New Year’s Day falls on a Sunday, the following day shall be a legal holiday. 7 P.S. 113.

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States of Emergency

Louisiana and New York prohibit calling in areas under a state of emergency.

Conclusion

Staying informed and adhering to federal and state-specific regulations is the foundation of a reputable call center's operations. Compliance isn't just about adhering to the law but respecting your potential customers.

Non-compliance exposes your organization to legal and financial risks and impacts your company's reputation. An improperly timed call can quickly get your number flagged with a spam risk caller ID, lowering your contact rate. Stay diligent, stay informed, and revisit these guidelines as regulations evolve.

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