Florida does not require a special cleaning license for residential cleaning businesses. You must register with the Florida Department of State. You also need a local business tax receipt and must collect sales tax. Florida is one of the few states that taxes cleaning services.
What Licenses Do You Need for a Cleaning Business in Florida?
Florida keeps things simple for cleaning businesses. You do not need a state cleaning license. But you do need a few basic permits.
Here is what every Florida cleaning business needs:
- State business registration — register your business name with the Florida Department of State
- Local business tax receipt — your city or county issues this permit to operate
- Sales tax registration — Florida charges sales tax on cleaning services
- Employer Identification Number — required if you hire workers or form a limited liability company
Required Versus Optional Licenses
Some permits are required by law. Others are optional but helpful. This table shows the difference.
| License or Permit | Required? | Where to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| State business registration | Yes | Florida Department of State |
| Local business tax receipt | Yes | City or county tax office |
| Sales tax registration | Yes | Florida Department of Revenue |
| Employer Identification Number | Sometimes | Internal Revenue Service website |
| General liability insurance | Recommended | Any insurance provider |
| Workers' compensation insurance | Yes, with 4 or more employees | Any insurance provider |
| Surety bond | Optional | Bonding company |
Florida does not have a state income tax. This saves you money, but you still must collect and pay sales tax on cleaning services.
How Do You Register Your Cleaning Business with Florida?
You must register your business before you start working. The process depends on your business type.
Choose Your Business Structure
Most cleaning businesses start as a sole owner or a limited liability company. A sole owner is the simplest option. A limited liability company protects your personal assets.
Register with the Florida Department of State
- Pick your business name — search the Florida Division of Corporations website to make sure it is available
- File your paperwork — sole owners file a fictitious name registration, while limited liability companies file articles of organization
- Pay the filing fee — a fictitious name costs $50, and a limited liability company costs $125
- Get your confirmation — you will receive a filing number after the state approves your paperwork
Get Your Local Business Tax Receipt
Every city and county in Florida requires a business tax receipt. This used to be called a business license. Visit your local tax collector's office to apply.
Bring your state registration paperwork and a photo identification card. The cost ranges from $25 to $200 depending on your city.
Does Florida Charge Sales Tax on Cleaning Services?
Yes. Florida is one of the few states that taxes cleaning services. Most states only tax goods, not services. Florida is different.
How the Sales Tax Works
The state sales tax rate is 6 percent. Most counties add a local surtax on top. The total rate ranges from 6 to 8.5 percent depending on your county.
You must collect this tax from your clients. Then you send it to the Florida Department of Revenue.
How to Register for Sales Tax
- Visit the Florida Department of Revenue website — apply online for a sales tax certificate
- Complete the application — provide your business name, address, and expected sales
- Receive your certificate — registration is free and takes a few days
- Start collecting tax — add the tax to every cleaning invoice
Filing Your Sales Tax Returns
You must file sales tax returns on a set schedule. The state assigns you a filing period based on your sales volume.
- Monthly filing — if you collect more than $1,000 per month in sales tax
- Quarterly filing — if you collect $500 to $1,000 per month
- Twice a year filing — if you collect less than $500 per month
Florida offers a collection allowance. If you file and pay on time, you keep 2.5 percent of the tax you collect, up to $30 per month. This reward makes it worth filing early.
What Insurance Is Required for Cleaning Businesses in Florida?
Insurance protects your business from costly mistakes and accidents. Some types are required by law.
General Liability Insurance
This is the most important coverage for cleaners. It protects you if you break something in a client's home. It also covers you if someone gets hurt on a job.
Most policies cost $300 to $600 per year for a small cleaning business. Read our full cleaning business insurance guide for more details.
Workers' Compensation Insurance
Florida law requires workers' compensation insurance if you have four or more employees. This covers medical bills if a worker gets hurt on the job.
Even with fewer than four workers, many clients ask for this coverage. It costs about $0.50 to $2.00 per $100 of payroll.
Commercial Auto Insurance
If you drive a vehicle for work, you need commercial auto insurance. Your personal auto policy may not cover business use. A commercial policy costs $1,200 to $2,400 per year.
Bonding
A surety bond is optional in Florida. But it builds trust with clients. A bond protects clients if an employee steals from their home. Bonds cost $100 to $500 per year.
Do You Need an Employer Identification Number in Florida?
An Employer Identification Number is like a Social Security number for your business. The Internal Revenue Service issues it for free.
When You Need One
You need an Employer Identification Number if any of these apply:
- You hire employees — required for payroll taxes
- You form a limited liability company — the state requires it
- You open a business bank account — most banks ask for one
- You want to keep personal and business taxes separate — it makes filing easier
How to Get One
Apply on the Internal Revenue Service website. The process is free and takes about 10 minutes. You get your number right away after you finish the online form.
Sole owners with no employees can use their Social Security number instead. But getting an Employer Identification Number is still a good idea for privacy.
What Are Local Permit Requirements in Major Florida Cities?
Each city in Florida has its own rules. Some cities have extra permit steps beyond the state requirements. Here is what to expect in major Florida cities.
| City | Business Tax Receipt Cost | Extra Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Miami | $50 to $150 | Certificate of use from zoning department |
| Tampa | $50 to $100 | Home occupation permit if you run from home |
| Orlando | $25 to $100 | Zoning verification letter |
| Jacksonville | $50 to $150 | Business tax receipt from both city and county |
| Fort Lauderdale | $45 to $125 | Business tax receipt plus fire inspection if renting office space |
| Naples | $30 to $75 | Collier County business tax receipt required separately |
Always call your local city hall before you start. Rules can change. Ask about any special permits for home-based businesses.
Read our full guide on how to start a cleaning business in Florida. It covers everything from pricing to finding your first clients.
How Much Do Florida Cleaning Business Licenses Cost?
Starting a cleaning business in Florida is affordable. Here is a full cost breakdown for all licenses and permits.
| Item | Cost | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Fictitious name registration | $50 | Every 5 years |
| Limited liability company filing | $125 | One time |
| Limited liability company annual report | $138.75 | Every year |
| Local business tax receipt | $25 to $200 | Every year |
| Sales tax registration | Free | One time |
| Employer Identification Number | Free | One time |
| General liability insurance | $300 to $600 per year | Every year |
| Surety bond | $100 to $500 | Every year |
Total startup costs range from $200 to $600 for a sole owner. A limited liability company adds about $125 to $265 more. These costs are among the lowest in the country.
What Are the Renewal and Compliance Deadlines?
Staying legal means renewing your permits on time. Missing a deadline can lead to fines or a forced shutdown.
Annual Renewals
- Local business tax receipt — renews every year on October 1 in most Florida cities
- Limited liability company annual report — due by May 1 each year, with a $138.75 fee
- General liability insurance — renews on your policy anniversary date
- Workers' compensation insurance — renews on your policy anniversary date
Sales Tax Filing Deadlines
Sales tax returns are due on the first of the month or the twentieth of the month after the filing period ends. The exact date depends on your filing schedule.
Late filing brings a penalty of 10 percent of the tax owed. Interest also adds up each day you are late. File on time to avoid these extra costs.
Fictitious Name Renewal
If you registered a fictitious business name, it expires after five years. You must renew it before it expires. The renewal fee is $50.
Use a calendar reminder 30 days before each deadline. This gives you time to gather paperwork and avoid late fees. Check our Florida cleaning prices guide to make sure your rates cover all these costs.