Starting a cleaning business is an exciting venture, but navigating the legalities of what licenses are needed to start a cleaning business can be daunting. This guide aims to simplify the process, ensuring you step into the cleaning industry confidently and legally equipped.
Understanding Licensing for Cleaning Businesses
Licensing for your cleaning business isn't just about ticking a box; it's a crucial step toward legal compliance, building customer trust, and establishing operational legitimacy. Each state has its regulations, and understanding these is key to starting your business on the right foot.
General Licensing Requirements
Business Registration
The first step in securing a license is registering your business. This process typically involves choosing a business structure (e.g., LLC, sole proprietorship) and registering your business name with the state.
- Key Takeaway: Early registration secures your business name and establishes your legal presence.
Insurance and Bonding
Obtaining insurance and bonding offers protection for your business and your clients, covering potential damages or losses.
- Helpful Tip: General liability insurance and a surety bond are common requirements. They not only protect you but also enhance your credibility with clients.
State-Specific Licensing Guides
Licensing requirements can vary significantly from one state to another. For instance, some states may require a special cleaning business license, while others might mandate a general business license.
- Key Takeaway: Check with your state's business licensing department for specific requirements.
Jump To Your State
Alabama
To start your cleaning business in Alabama, you must apply for a business license with the Secretary of State.
Start by filing your business with the county probate office. Follow tax regulations and pay income and business taxes as required.
Alaska
In order to start your cleaning business in Alaska, apply for a business license with the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development.
Begin by registering your business and getting a state business license. Pay any necessary licensing fees associated with your registration.
Arizona
To get start your cleaning business in Arizona, you must register your business with the Arizona Secretary of State (SOS).
To set up your business in Arizona, register for a tax ID number and register with the Arizona SOS.
Arkansas
To get your cleaning business license in Arkansas, you must apply through the local county Clerk.
Begin by registering your business with the county clerk’s office. Follow tax regulations by registering for and paying sales taxes through the Arkansas Taxpayer Access Point.
California
To get your cleaning business started in California, you must apply through CalGold and the California Franchise Tax Board.
Start by registering your business with the county and city. Next, register with the California Franchise Tax Board.
Colorado
To start your cleaning business in Colorado, register through Colorado’s business registry portal, and your county clerk’s office.
Start by registering your business name through the MyBizColorado platform. Next, apply for a business license in the county where you plan to work. Note that you can apply in more than one county.
Connecticut
To start your cleaning business in Connecticut, you must register with the Secretary of State (SOS).
You can register your business with the SOS. Make sure you check with your local city or county requirements.
Delaware
To start your cleaning business in Delaware, you can register for a business license through the Delaware One Stop Business Portal.
To establish your cleaning business in Delaware, start by registering with the Delaware One Stop Business Portal. Next, select an LLC or other appropriate business structure to establish your company’s legal status and operational capabilities.
Florida
To start your cleaning business in Florida, you can register your business with the Florida Department of State Division of Corporations.
After you register your business with the Department’s online portal, Sunbiz, make sure to check with your county requirements before starting work.
Ready to start? Get a step by step breakdown of starting a cleaning business in Florida.
Georgia
To get your cleaning business started in Georgia, register your business with the Georgia Secretary of State (SOS).
To get a business license in Georgia, you need to register your new business with the Georgia SOS. This registration can be done through the Georgia Tax Center website.
Hawaii
To start your cleaning business in Hawaii, register with Hawaii Business Express.
Here’s where you can apply for a business license using the Hawaii Business Express website.
Idaho
In order to get your cleaning business started in Idaho, you must apply for a business license with the Idaho Secretary of State.
Register your business with the SOS. You may also need to apply for specific region licenses or permits depending on the area you’re working in. This process can be started through the Idaho Business Registration System.
Illinois
To get your cleaning business started in Illinois, register with the Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) and My Tax Illinois.
To set up a business in Illinois, register with the SOS, and obtain a tax ID number from My Tax Illinois.
Indiana
To start your cleaning business in Indiana, register with the State Government’s Business Division and the County Recorder’s Office.
First, register your company, and if applicable, obtain an assumed business name certificate from the County Recorder’s Office. Make sure you also check city or county requirements
Iowa
To get your cleaning business started in Iowa, register with the Iowa Secretary of State (SOS).
First, register your company with the SOS, acquire an employee identification number (EIN), and review your county or city requirements.
Kansas
To start your cleaning business in Kansas, register with the Kansas Secretary of State and the Kansas Department of Revenue.
Register your business with the SOS, then register with the Kansas Department of Revenue, and make sure you check your city or country requirements.
Kentucky
To start your cleaning business in Kentucky, register for a business license through the One Stop Business Portal.
Begin the process through the One Stop Business Portal and acquire the necessary licenses and permits, excluding those for methamphetamine cleanup businesses. Make sure you review city or county requirements for any additional licenses or permits.
Louisiana
To begin your cleaning business in Louisiana, all you need to do is apply for the license and permits through the Louisiana Secretary of State. You can register for your business license here.
Maine
To start your cleaning business in Maine, register with the Maine Secretary of State (SOS) and local government offices.
You can get a business license from the SOS. Make sure you check the local tax requirements and other local regulations.
Maryland
To start your cleaning business in Maryland, register with Maryland Business Express.
You can get a state business license from the Maryland Business Express website. Review the requirements with county and city regulations, too.
Massachusetts
To get your cleaning business license in Massachusetts, register with the Massachusetts Secretary of State (SOS).
First, register with the SOS, then sign up with Massachusetts Tax Connect. Check for any local licenses or permits, and consult your county clerk’s office.
Michigan
To start your cleaning business in Michigan, register with the Michigan Secretary of State (SOS).
Start by registering with the SOS, then register for a tax ID on Michigan Treasury Online, and check your county clerk’s office for any additional requirements.
Minnesota
To get your cleaning business started in Minnesota, register with the Minnesota Secretary of State (SOS).
You can register your business with the SOS and pay the appropriate taxes with the Minnesota Department of Revenue. Make sure you check all local requirements.
Mississippi
To get your cleaning business started in Mississippi,register with the Mississippi Secretary of State (SOS).
Register with the SOS and fulfill sales and tax obligations with the Mississippi Department of Revenue.
Missouri
To get your cleaning business started in Missouri, register with the Missouri Secretary of State (SOS).
To get started, file your business with the SOS, then register for taxes with the Missouri Department of Revenue, and consult your local county clerk’s office for any additional documentation needed.
Montana
To get your cleaning business started in Montana, register with the Montana Secretary of State (SOS).
Start by registering with the SOS. File all necessary taxes with the Montana Department of Revenue, and consult with your county clerk.
Nebraska
To start your cleaning business in Nebraska, register with the Nebraska Secretary of State (SOS).
Register your business, acquire a business license, and adhere to tax laws using Nebraska’s one-stop-shop website.
Nevada
To begin your cleaning business in Nevada, register with the Nevada Secretary of State (SOS).
You can use the NV SilverFlume web portal to complete the entire registration process online, including filing for licenses, permits, and taxes.
New Hampshire
To start your cleaning business in New Hampshire, register with the New Hampshire Secretary of State (SOS).
To get started, use New Hampshire Quick Start to register your business, and complete your business formation and tax filings.
New Jersey
To get your cleaning business license in New Jersey, register with the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Municipality Websites.
Start by applying for a business license with the SOS, register with the Department of Revenue and Enterprise Service, and consult with your local county clerk’s office for any other requirements.
New Mexico
To get your cleaning business started in New Mexico, register with the New Mexico Secretary of State (SOS).
You can register with the SOS website, then file for sales tax, paycheck withholdings, and estimated income tax with the Taxation & Revenue Department. Make sure you check with the county clerk in your city or county for any other requirements.
New York
To start your cleaning business in New York, register with the New York Department of State (SOS).
Use the State of New York’s Business Wizard for all business registration, and tax documents. Make sure you check for local requirements where you’ll be working.
North Carolina
To begin your cleaning business in North Carolina, register with the North Carolina Secretary of State (SOS).
First, register with the SOS website, then register with the NC Department of Revenue and obtain an Assumed Name at the Register of Deeds Office. Check for business license requirements with your local city or county.
North Dakota
To start your cleaning business in North Dakota, register with the North Dakota Secretary of State (SOS).
To start, register with the SOS, then pay tax through the Taxpayer Access Point. Make sure you check with your local city or county for any more requirements.
Ohio
To begin your cleaning business in Ohio, register with the Ohio Secretary of State (SOS).
First, register with the SOS website and pay the necessary taxes. You must also get a vendor’s license from the county auditor. Check for business license requirements with your local city or county.
Oklahoma
To get your cleaning business license in Oklahoma, register with the Oklahoma Secretary of State and city or county websites.
Start by registering with the SOS website, paying taxes through the OK Taxpayer Access Point, and then checking for business license requirements with your city or county.
Oregon
To start your cleaning business in Oregon, register with the Oregon Secretary of State (SOS).
Register for a business license from the SOS, and apply for a Business Identification Number. Check for any more requirements with your city or county.
Pennsylvania
To get your cleaning business license in Pennsylvania, register with the Pennsylvania Department of State.
Start by registering for your license through the Department of State’s website, and register for taxes through PA 100 Online Tax Registration. Check for additional requirements with your city or county.
Rhode Island
To start your cleaning business in Rhode Island, register with the Rhode Island Secretary of State.
Register for a business license with the SOS. You can use Rhode Island Business Assistant and Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns for further guidance. Make sure you check all local requirements, too.
South Carolina
To start your cleaning business in South Carolina, register with the South Carolina Secretary of State (SOS).
You can register your business with the SOS. Make sure you check all local requirements for further steps in order to get your business started.
South Dakota
To get your cleaning business started in South Dakota, register with the South Dakota Secretary of State (SOS).
Register with the SOS. Then, file for a sales tax license with the Department of Revenue. Check with your city or county government for any additional licensing requirements.
Tennessee
To get your cleaning business started in Tennessee, register with the Tennessee Secretary of State (SOS)
Register with the SOS and then register for sales and use tax with the Department of Revenue. Check with your city or county clerk for any more business licensing requirements.
Texas
To get your cleaning business license in Texas, register with the Texas Secretary of State (SOS).
Start by choosing a business name and registering it with the SOS. Register for sales and use tax with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Check with the city or county government for any additional licensing requirements.
Utah
To get your cleaning business started in Utah, register with the Utah Department of Commerce.
You can register with the Utah Department of Commerce and file for a sales tax license with the Utah State Tax Commission. Check with your city or county government for any further licensing requirements.
Vermont
To get your cleaning business started in Vermont, register with the Vermont Secretary of State (SOS).
Register with the SOS and register for sales and use tax, and if you have employees, you must register with the Vermont Department of Taxes and the Vermont Department of Labor. Make sure you check with your local town clerk for any more licensing requirements.
Virginia
To get started with your cleaning business in Virginia, register with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (VSCC).
First, register VSCC and then register for sales and use tax. If you have employees, register for employer withholding taxes and unemployment insurance with the Virginia Department of Taxation and the Virginia Employment Commission. Make sure you check with your city or county government for any more licensing requirements.
Washington
To start your cleaning business in Washington, register with the Washington Secretary of State (SOS).
Register with the SOS and then register for a Unified Business Identifier (UBI). Then, file for a state business license with the Washington State Department of Revenue. Check with your city or county government for any other licensing requirements.
West Virginia
To start your cleaning business in West Virginia, register with the West Virginia Secretary of State (SOS).
Register your business with the SOS and then register for sales and use tax, withholding taxes, and unemployment taxes with the West Virginia State Tax Department and the West Virginia Division of Labor if you have employees. Check with your city or county government for any regional licensing requirements.
Wisconsin
To get your cleaning business started in Wisconsin, register with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI).
Register with the DFI and register for a state Employer Identification Number (EIN). If applicable, file for a seller’s permit with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. Make sure you check with the city or county government for other requirements.
Wyoming
To start your cleaning business in Wyoming, register with the Wyoming Secretary of State (SOS).
You can register with the SOS. Then, register for sales and use tax with the Wyoming Department of Revenue. Check with your city or county government for any extra licensing requirements.
Navigating Local Regulations and Permits
Zoning and Home-Based Business Permits
Your business location must comply with local zoning laws, which can affect where you can operate. Home-based cleaning businesses may need a home occupation permit.
- Helpful Tip: Contact your local zoning office to ensure your business location is compliant.
Health and Safety Compliance
Cleaning businesses must adhere to health and safety regulations to protect employees and clients. This includes proper training and the use of approved cleaning substances.
- Key Takeaway: Familiarize yourself with OSHA standards relevant to the cleaning industry.
Steps to Apply for a Cleaning Business License
- Gather Necessary Information: Prepare all required personal and business information before you start the application.
- Complete the Application: Fill out the application form provided by your state or local government.
- Pay the Fee: Submit the application along with the necessary fee, which can vary by location and business type.
- Await Approval: Processing times can vary, so be prepared to wait for your license to be approved.
- Helpful Tip: Keep copies of all documents submitted for your records.
Renewing Your License and Staying Compliant
Regularly renewing your business license and staying updated on legal requirements is vital for ongoing compliance.
- Key Takeaway: Mark renewal dates on your calendar and stay informed about any changes in regulations that might affect your business.
Leveraging Your License for Business Growth
Having the appropriate licenses not only ensures legal operation but can also be a significant marketing tool. It reassures potential clients of your professionalism and commitment to quality service. Helpful Tip: Highlight your licensed status in marketing materials to build trust with your target audience.
Conclusion
Securing what licenses are needed to start a cleaning business is a fundamental step toward establishing a reputable and compliant cleaning service. By following this state-by-state guide and adhering to both general and local regulations, you can launch your cleaning business with confidence, ready to clean up in the industry both literally and figuratively.