How to start a cleaning business in Florida

Last Updated on February 23, 2023 by The ZenMaid Team

Why start a cleaning business in Florida?

Aside from feeling like you’re living in vacationland (hello, land of Disneyworld, sandy beaches, and palm trees!), there are many advantages to starting a cleaning business in Florida. Wondering what the main benefits are? Well, for starters, LLCs, sole proprietorships, and S corporations are exempt from paying state income tax. The government also awards small businesses over $31,979.00 million of grants and funding each year. 

If that alone doesn’t convince you, running a cleaning business in Florida means working in the booming market of vacation homes, hotels, and Airbnbs that all need cleaning. This article will provide all the essential information you need to know on how to start a home cleaning company in the state of Florida, including necessary permits, training for staff, equipment needed, insurance requirements, and more. Let’s get started!

Read this guide first: How to Start a Cleaning Business

For an overview and general guide, including a checklist, to starting a cleaning business, start here: How to Start a Cleaning Business in 10 Steps. 

We suggest you read that first if you haven’t already, then return to this guide to continue with the specific requirements for Florida.

Choose a Business Structure for your Cleaning Business 

This is an important step that cannot be skipped. Go here for more information on the different legal structures and which one to choose for your cleaning business.

Do I need a cleaning license in Florida?

While the state of Florida does not require residential cleaners to have a business license, most of its cities and counties do. Be sure to check with your city or county clerk’s office to learn if your area requires a license. 

Apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number) for Florida

You can apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for your home cleaning business in the state of Florida by following these steps:

1. Determine if you need an EIN: An EIN is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the IRS to identify a business for tax purposes. You may need an EIN if you have employees or if your business is a partnership or corporation.
2. Gather the necessary information: To apply for an EIN, you will need your legal business name and address, as well as the name and Social Security number of a principal officer.
3. Apply online: The quickest and easiest way to apply for an EIN is online through the IRS’s website. You can fill out the online application form and receive your EIN immediately.
4. Apply by mail or fax: You can also apply for an EIN by mail or fax by completing Form SS-4 and sending it to the IRS. This process can take several weeks.
5. Apply by phone: You can also apply by phone by calling the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933.

Please make sure you have all the documents ready and also check the state laws in Florida as well for any additional requirements.

Here are the steps for an online application:

1. Visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov/businesses and select the option to “Apply for an EIN online.”
2. Complete the online application form, providing information about your business, such as the name and address of the business, the type of business entity, and the name and Social Security Number of the business owner.
3. Submit the application.
4. Once your application has been processed, the IRS will provide you with your EIN.

File/Register your business with Florida

You will likely need to register your cleaning business with the Florida Department of State, the IRS, and the Florida Department of Revenue. You can search for your business licensing requirements here at The State of Florida’s Official Business Information Portal.

Costs for licensing range from $8.75 to $900. For a full list of costs to expect, head over here. 

To search for your county’s specific licensing and registration requirements, search in this database of Flordia county websites. 

Business License Requirements in Florida

Florida does not require a business license for general house cleaning businesses. But as policies can change, check with the state’s licensing needs when registering a new business. 

Be sure to also check with your individual county, city, or local municipality. Requirements can vary and some may need a general business tax, licensing, or other filing requirements for business. 

Call your local municipality office and inquire if this is required.

Get Business Insurance 

For a breakdown of why you need insurance, the different kinds of insurance to consider, plus the difference between insurance and bonding, read this guide first.

In the cleaning industry, business insurance is always worth it since you’re usually entering someone else’s property. That said, your business may have unique needs and need different categories covered than the cleaning business down the street. Check out this resource to compare different business insurance companies in Florida. 

More Resources

Florida Chamber of Commerce

The ZenMaid Mastermind

Check these guides out next:

How to get more cleaning clients

Ways to market your cleaning service for free

How to price your cleaning services 

Free cancelation policy templates

5 automations to grow your cleaning business (that cost less than $100/month)

Still have questions or looking for advice from a fellow cleaning business owner? Ask your question in The ZenMaid Mastermind.