On September 30, 2026, the FCC voted to let businesses pick one official opt-out method for texts, like replying STOP, and to let a STOP on an appointment reminder stop only that type of message instead of every text. A STOP on a marketing text still ends all marketing messages. The rule takes effect 30 days after it's published in the Federal Register, which hadn't happened as of October 12.

If you text customers about appointments, jobs, or promos, the opt-out rules just changed, and the change works in your favor if you set it up right.

What the FCC decided on September 30

The FCC adopted a Report and Order, FCC 26-67, under CG Docket No. 02-278, on September 30, 2026, and released it October 1 (FCC 26-67). Two changes matter for a home service business that sends automated texts: appointment reminders, "tech on the way" alerts, review requests, and promos.

First, you can now designate one official opt-out method, such as a key press, a reply with a standard word, or a link to a web page or phone number, as long as you clearly and conspicuously disclose it in every call or text. Once you do that, you're not on the hook for chasing down opt-outs that arrive some other way.

Second, the FCC split informational messages from marketing messages. A customer who replies STOP to an appointment reminder can be treated as opting out of that category only, not your entire texting program. A STOP on a promotional text, though, still revokes consent for all future marketing messages from you.

Some businesses told the FCC that the old "any reasonable method" standard for honoring opt-outs was being used to set up lawsuits, since there was no clear line for what counted as a valid opt-out request. That's a claim from commenters like the Ecommerce Innovation Alliance cited in the order, not a finding the FCC itself made, but it's part of why the agency moved to a clearer standard.

The 7 words you still have to honor

You can pick and disclose one standard word, like "stop," as your official method. But you still have to honor all seven FCC-recognized opt-out words if a customer uses them: stop, quit, end, revoke, opt out, cancel, and unsubscribe (FCC 26-67). Disclosing "stop" doesn't let you ignore "cancel." It just means you don't have to go hunting for opt-outs phrased some other way, like "please don't text me anymore."

Reminders vs. promos: why splitting them matters now

Under the new rule, how a customer's STOP gets interpreted depends on what kind of message they're replying to. Reply to a "tech on the way" text and the STOP can be scoped to informational messages. Reply to a discount offer and the STOP wipes out your whole marketing list.

If your texting platform sends a reminder and a promo in the same message, or your crew's texts blend both, you lose the benefit of that split. A customer who just wanted fewer promos could end up opted out of appointment reminders too, or vice versa, and you won't know which rule applies until it's a problem.

The 10-business-day rule and when this takes effect

The 10-business-day window to honor an opt-out hasn't changed, so that part of your process doesn't need to move. What has changed is pending: the new rule takes effect 30 days after it's published in the Federal Register, and as of October 12, 2026, that publication hadn't happened (Federal Register). Until there's a published effective date, today's rules still apply: honor an opt-out however a customer sends it. We'll update this page once the FCC issues its Public Notice with a specific date.

This isn't legal advice. Talk to your attorney about how these rules apply to your specific texting setup before you change anything.

A 5-step text audit for home service businesses

  • List every automated text your business sends. Appointment reminders, dispatch notifications, review requests, promos, and anything your CRM or field service software fires off on its own.
  • Add one clear opt-out line to every text, such as "Reply STOP to opt out," so you're positioned to use the FCC's new official-method rule once it's in effect.
  • Separate reminders from promos. Don't combine a "tech on the way" message with a discount offer in the same text.
  • Ask your texting software how it logs and categorizes opt-outs. You need to know it can tell an informational opt-out from a marketing one.
  • Run your plan by your attorney before the new rule's effective date lands, since the specifics of "clear and conspicuous" disclosure matter.

Matt's take

Most of the shops we work with text more than they realize once you add up reminders, dispatch alerts, and review requests. The businesses that get burned aren't the ones sending too many texts. They're the ones mixing message types so a customer's one complaint turns into a blanket opt-out.

Splitting reminders from promos sounds like extra work, but it's just better list hygiene, the kind that should have been in place already. Treat this FCC change as the deadline to finally separate "we need you to know this" messages from "we want to sell you something" messages, and you'll be in better shape no matter when the effective date lands.

FAQ

Do I have to honor "cancel" if my official opt-out method is "STOP"?
Yes. You can designate one method, such as replying STOP, as your official, clearly disclosed opt-out method. But you still have to honor all seven FCC-recognized opt-out words if a customer uses them: stop, quit, end, revoke, opt out, cancel, and unsubscribe.
Does replying STOP to a reminder text stop my promotional texts too?
Not necessarily. Under the FCC's new rule, a STOP in reply to an informational message, like an appointment reminder, can be treated as opting out of that category only. A STOP in reply to a marketing message revokes consent for all future marketing texts.
When does the new FCC opt-out rule take effect?
The rule takes effect 30 days after it's published in the Federal Register. As of October 12, 2026, that publication hadn't happened, so there's no confirmed effective date yet. Until then, the current rule applies: honor an opt-out however a customer sends it.
How long do I have to process an opt-out request?
Ten business days. That requirement didn't change under the new order.

Sources

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