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Calling homeowners at the wrong time is one of the simplest telemarketing violations to avoid — and one of the easiest to commit when you call across time zones or states. Here's what contractors need to know.
This is general information, not legal advice. State rules change; verify current requirements for each state you call into.
The federal rule
Under federal rules, telemarketing calls may be made only between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. in the called party's local time. The window is based on where the homeowner is, not where your callers sit.
Stricter state rules
Several states set narrower windows or add other limits. Examples commonly cited:
- Florida — calls generally limited to 8 a.m.–8 p.m., with a cap on calls about the same subject within a 24-hour period.
- Oklahoma and Maryland — similar 8 a.m.–8 p.m. windows and call-frequency limits under their state telemarketing laws.
- Washington — telephone solicitations limited to 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
- Texas — restrictions that include no calls before noon on Sundays.
Other states restrict calls on Sundays or legal holidays, or require registration for telemarketers. If you call into many states, build your calling rules around the strictest ones that apply.
Time zone pitfalls
- Cell phone area codes don't reveal location. A homeowner with a Chicago area code may live in Phoenix.
- States with multiple time zones — such as Texas, Florida, Oregon, and others — need care.
- Daylight saving time shifts the window for some locations but not others.
A safe practice: call only when it's within the permitted window in both the time zone of the property address and the time zone of the phone number's area code.
Call frequency
Beyond hours, some state laws cap how many times you may call the same person about the same subject within 24 hours. Your follow-up cadence should respect those caps — see the follow-up cadence guide.
Leads who ask to be called late
Homeowners sometimes request a call at a specific time. Even so, staying within permitted hours is the safer practice unless you've confirmed with counsel how your state treats requested callbacks. Most homeowners are happy with "first thing tomorrow" — see after-hours leads.
Building it into your process
- Store each lead's property address and time zone in your CRM.
- Configure your dialer or calling list to block numbers outside permitted windows.
- Apply state-specific windows and frequency caps.
- Train callers on the rules and document it.
- Audit call logs periodically.
The broader framework — consent, Do Not Call, identification — is in TCPA compliance for contractors and Do Not Call rules.
Frequently asked questions
What time can telemarketers legally call?
Under federal rules, between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. in the called person's local time. Some states set narrower windows.
Which states have stricter calling hours?
Florida, Oklahoma, Maryland, and Washington are commonly cited for 8 p.m. cutoffs, and some states restrict Sunday or holiday calls. Check current rules for each state you call into.
Do calling hours apply to text messages?
Many state laws and best practices apply calling-hour limits to marketing texts as well. Treat texts like calls when scheduling.
Whose time zone counts for calling hours?
The called party's local time. Because area codes don't always match location, check both the property address and the phone number's time zone.
RunsForYou Team
Written by the team that runs outbound calling, homeowner qualification, and appointment booking for home service contractors at RunsForYou (Runs For You LLC).
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