Last updated: February 23, 2026
Starting a cleaning service in Florida is one of the most accessible businesses you can launch — the barrier to entry is low, demand is consistent, and you don’t need a state professional license. But “no state license” doesn’t mean no requirements. You still need to form your business entity, get local permits, carry the right insurance, and understand Florida’s specific sales tax rules for cleaning services.
This guide covers every requirement, cost, and step to legally start and operate a cleaning business in Florida, whether you’re a solo residential cleaner or launching a commercial janitorial operation.
Cleaning Service Requirements in Florida at a Glance
| Requirement | Agency | Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| LLC Formation (Articles of Organization) | FL Division of Corporations (Sunbiz) | $125 | 3–5 business days |
| Federal EIN | IRS | Free | Immediate (online) |
| County Business Tax Receipt | County Tax Collector | $25–$175 | 1–2 weeks |
| City Business Tax Receipt (if within city limits) | City Clerk / Licensing Dept. | $25–$100 | 1–2 weeks |
| Sales Tax Registration (commercial cleaning only) | FL Dept. of Revenue | Free (online) | 7–10 days for certificate |
| General Liability Insurance | Commercial insurer | $500–$2,000/year | Same day |
| Surety/Janitorial Bond (recommended) | Bonding company | $100–$350/year | Same day |
| Workers’ Comp Insurance (4+ employees) | Commercial insurer | ~$293/year per employee | Same day |
| DBPR License | N/A | Not required | — |
How to Start a Cleaning Service in Florida (Step by Step)
Step 1: Form Your Florida LLC
File your Articles of Organization online at Sunbiz.org. Total cost: $125 ($100 filing fee + $25 registered agent fee). Processing takes 3–5 business days.
Your LLC name must include “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” or “Limited Liability Company” and must be distinguishable from existing entities on file. You’ll need a Florida Registered Agent with a physical street address in the state — you can serve as your own registered agent if you have a Florida address.
If you want to operate under a different name (e.g., “Sunshine Clean Co.” instead of “Sunshine Clean Co. LLC”), file a Fictitious Name Registration for $50.
Step 2: Get Your Federal EIN
Apply for a free Employer Identification Number at IRS.gov. You’ll receive it immediately when applying online. You need this to open a business bank account, and it’s required if you plan to hire employees.
Step 3: Get Your Local Business Tax Receipts
Visit your county Tax Collector’s office to apply for a Local Business Tax Receipt. This is your primary local business license in Florida.
- Cost: $25–$175 depending on your county and business classification
- Home-based: Most counties offer a lower-cost home occupation category
- City license too: If you’re within an incorporated city, you’ll typically need both a county and a city business tax receipt
- Renewal: Annual, due by October 1
- Display: Must be visible at your place of business
Some municipalities also require a Certificate of Use or zoning approval (typically $25–$75) before issuing the business tax receipt.
Step 4: Register for Sales Tax (Commercial Cleaning Only)
This is a critical distinction for Florida cleaning businesses:
- Residential cleaning is EXEMPT from Florida sales tax
- Commercial/nonresidential cleaning (NAICS 561720) is TAXABLE at 6% + county surtax
If you perform any commercial cleaning work, register with the Florida Department of Revenue (free online). You’ll receive a Certificate of Registration by mail.
Important details:
- County discretionary surtax adds 0.5%–2.5% on top of the 6% state rate (only on the first $5,000 per transaction)
- Carpet cleaning (NAICS 561740) is a separate category and is not subject to Florida sales tax
- Pressure washing and exterior cleaning are generally not classified under the taxable 561720 category
- Failure to properly collect and remit sales tax on commercial cleaning is a frequent audit flag from the FL Department of Revenue
Step 5: Get Insurance and Bonding
General Liability Insurance
Not legally mandated, but practically essential. Most commercial clients, property managers, and government contracts require proof of coverage before hiring a cleaning service.
- Average cost in Florida: ~$768/year for a small cleaning business
- Range: $500–$2,000/year depending on size and services
- Typical coverage: $1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate
Janitorial Surety Bond
A bond protects your clients against employee theft and dishonesty. While not legally required, being bonded is a competitive advantage — many commercial and government clients only hire bonded cleaning companies.
- Cost: $100–$350/year (78% of cleaning businesses pay $100–$150)
- Coverage amounts: $10,000–$100,000
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Required in Florida for non-construction businesses with 4 or more employees (including LLC members and corporate officers).
- Average cost: ~$293/year per employee
- Important: Some cleaning work (building maintenance, exterior cleaning) may be classified as “construction” under Florida rules, which drops the threshold to 1 employee
- LLC members and officers count toward the employee threshold
- Owners can file for an exemption through the FL Division of Workers’ Compensation
Step 6: Set Up OSHA Compliance (If Hiring)
If you have employees handling cleaning chemicals, you must comply with OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200). This is one of OSHA’s most-cited violations nationally — take it seriously.
Required elements:
- Written Hazard Communication Program — A documented plan describing how your business handles chemical safety
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS) — Maintain an SDS for every cleaning chemical you use; must be accessible to all employees at all times
- Chemical Inventory — Complete written list of all hazardous chemicals
- Proper Labeling — All chemical containers must have GHS-compliant labels
- Employee Training — Required at hire and whenever a new chemical is introduced. Must cover: how to read SDS/labels, hazards of chemicals used, required PPE, emergency procedures
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): You must provide chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, and appropriate footwear at no cost to employees.
Penalties for non-compliance: Up to $16,550 per serious violation and up to $165,514 for willful/repeated violations.
Step 7: Handle Employer Requirements (If Hiring)
If you hire employees beyond the OSHA and workers’ comp requirements above, you’ll also need to:
- Register for Florida Reemployment Tax — new employers pay 2.7% on the first $7,000 of wages per employee
- Complete Form I-9 for every employee
- Report new hires to the Florida New Hire Reporting Center within 20 days
Cost to Start a Cleaning Service in Florida
Solo / Small Residential Cleaning Business
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| LLC Formation (Sunbiz) | $125 | One-time |
| Fictitious Name (DBA) | $50 | Optional, valid 5 years |
| Federal EIN | Free | Online at IRS.gov |
| County/City Business Tax Receipt(s) | $25–$175 | Annual renewal |
| General Liability Insurance | $500–$1,000/year | Strongly recommended |
| Janitorial Bond | $100–$250/year | Recommended |
| Cleaning Equipment & Supplies | $200–$800 | Vacuum, mop, chemicals, etc. |
| Marketing / Website / Cards | $300–$1,500 | Optional at start |
| Sales Tax Registration | Free | Only if doing commercial work |
| Estimated total: $1,300–$3,900 | ||
Small Commercial Operation (1–5 Employees)
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| LLC Formation + EIN | $125 | One-time |
| Fictitious Name (DBA) | $50 | Optional |
| County/City Business Tax Receipt(s) | $50–$200 | Annual |
| General Liability Insurance | $768–$2,000/year | Required by most clients |
| Workers’ Comp Insurance | $585–$1,500/year | Required at 4+ employees |
| Janitorial Bond | $150–$350/year | Recommended |
| Commercial Equipment & Supplies | $2,000–$10,000 | Industrial grade |
| Commercial Auto Insurance | $1,200–$3,000/year | Required for business vehicles |
| Marketing / Website / Uniforms | $500–$3,000 | Professional presence |
| Estimated total: $5,400–$20,200 | ||
Related Florida Business Guides
← Back to all Florida business guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to start a cleaning business in Florida?
Florida does not require a state-level DBPR license for cleaning or janitorial services. You do need a Local Business Tax Receipt from your county (and city, if applicable), which functions as your business license. Cost is typically $25–$175.
Is cleaning taxable in Florida?
Commercial (nonresidential) cleaning is taxable at 6% plus your county’s discretionary surtax. Residential cleaning is exempt from Florida sales tax. If you do any commercial work, you must register with the Florida Department of Revenue to collect and remit sales tax.
Do I need insurance for a cleaning business in Florida?
General liability insurance is not legally mandated for solo operators, but it’s practically required — most commercial clients, property managers, and residential clients with valuable property expect proof of coverage. Workers’ comp is legally required once you have 4 or more employees (non-construction).
What’s the difference between bonded and insured?
Insurance (general liability) protects against accidents — property damage, bodily injury, etc. Bonding (a surety bond) protects clients against employee theft and dishonesty. Being “bonded and insured” is the gold standard that most commercial clients look for.
How much does it cost to start a cleaning business in Florida?
A solo residential cleaning business can launch for approximately $1,300–$3,900, including LLC formation, local permits, insurance, and basic equipment. A small commercial operation with employees typically costs $5,400–$20,200 due to additional insurance, equipment, and compliance requirements.
Do I need OSHA compliance for a cleaning business?
If you have employees handling cleaning chemicals, yes. OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard requires a written chemical safety program, Safety Data Sheets for all products, employee training, and proper PPE. Violations can result in fines up to $16,550 per incident.