Your Subscription Cancellation Rights by State (2026)
The FTC's Click-to-Cancel rule was struck down in 2025 (read the full story). But more than 30 states have their own laws governing automatic renewals, free trial conversions, and subscription cancellations — and several of them are stronger than what the federal rule would have required.
How to use this page: Find your state. Know what it requires. If a company isn't complying, you have grounds to complain to your state attorney general and to file a chargeback.
Tier 1 — Strongest Protections
These states have specific, enforceable automatic renewal laws with strong consumer-facing requirements.
California
- Online sign-up = online cancellation required
- Explicit consent required before any auto-renewal
- Clear disclosure of renewal terms at sign-up (not buried)
- Free trial → paid conversion requires separate, affirmative consent
- Price increases require advance notice + right to cancel penalty-free
- Strong private right of action — individuals can sue
Recent enforcement: $7.5M settlement with HelloFresh (Aug 2025), multiple gym enforcement actions.
View statute →Colorado
- Online sign-up = online cancellation required
- Cancellation must be "simple" — prominently displayed button
- Clear disclosure of renewal terms before sign-up
- Annual subscriptions: 30-day advance renewal reminder required
- Expanded 2025 amendments cover more subscription types
Virginia
- Online sign-up = online cancellation required
- Clear disclosure of auto-renewal terms required
- Explicit affirmative consent required for auto-renewal
- Renewal reminder required before annual renewals
New York
- Price increases require advance notice + affirmative consent
- Right to cancel penalty-free within 14 days of a price increase
- Prorated refund required if consumer cancels after price hike
- Clear renewal reminders required
Massachusetts
- New 2025 law covering automatic renewal disclosures
- Clear disclosure of renewal terms required at sign-up
- Cancellation must be as easy as sign-up
- Annual subscriptions: advance renewal notice required
Maine
- New 2026 law modeled on California CARL
- Online sign-up = online cancellation required
- Explicit consent required for auto-renewal
- Clear, prominent disclosure of renewal terms
Arkansas
- New 2025 automatic renewal law
- Clear disclosure required at sign-up
- Explicit consent before auto-renewal charges
- Easy cancellation mechanism required
Connecticut
- Significant auto-renewal law updates effective July 2026
- Aligns with California/Colorado online cancellation standards
- Enhanced disclosure and consent requirements
Tier 2 — Moderate Protections
These states have automatic renewal laws with meaningful protections but may not require online cancellation parity or have weaker enforcement.
Illinois
- Clear disclosure of auto-renewal terms required
- Annual contracts: 30–60 day advance renewal notice
- Consumer must be notified before renewal charge
Oregon
- Clear disclosure of auto-renewal terms
- Renewal notice required for annual plans
- Easy cancellation mechanism required
North Carolina
- Existing disclosure requirements for auto-renewals
- 2025 amendment bill (H188) expanding requirements — check current status
Vermont
- Auto-renewal disclosure requirements
- Renewal notice for annual subscriptions
Delaware
- Clear disclosure of automatic renewal terms
- Consumer must consent to renewal terms
Hawaii
- Automatic renewal disclosure requirements
- Annual plan: advance renewal notice required
Florida
- Automatic renewal disclosure required (service contracts)
- More limited scope than Tier 1 states
Georgia
- Existing service contract auto-renewal requirements
- 2025 bill (HB529) expanding consumer subscription coverage
Tier 3 — General Consumer Protection Only
These states rely on general unfair and deceptive trade practice (UDAP) statutes rather than specific automatic renewal laws. You still have rights — companies cannot engage in deceptive practices — but you don't have the specific protections of Tier 1 and 2 states.
All 50 states have UDAP laws. If a company makes cancellation impossibly difficult or charges you after confirmed cancellation, that may qualify as a deceptive trade practice under your state's general consumer protection law. Contact your state attorney general.
States in this tier include: Alabama, Alaska, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
Note: several of these states (NJ, TX, PA, WV, MS) had new ARL legislation introduced in 2025 that may be enacted — check your state legislature for current status.
Federal protections that apply everywhere
- ROSCA (Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act): Requires clear disclosure of auto-renewal terms and a simple cancellation mechanism. In effect nationwide.
- FTC Section 5: Prohibits unfair and deceptive trade practices. Used to secure the $2.5B Amazon settlement in 2025. Active enforcement tool.
- Fair Credit Billing Act: Gives you 60 days from the statement date to dispute unauthorized charges. See our chargeback guide.
This page is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws change — the 2025–2026 period has seen significant state legislative activity. Always check the current statute text before citing a specific provision. Last updated: April 2026.