Starting a cleaning business in Florida typically costs $1,000 to $5,000 depending on your business structure and insurance needs. Each state has different rules for registration, taxes, and workers' compensation. This guide covers everything you need to start a cleaning business in Florida, including filing fees, licenses, insurance, labor laws, and local tips.
Why Start a Cleaning Business in Florida?
Florida is the third most populated state. Over 22 million people live there. That means millions of homes and buildings need cleaning.
The demand for cleaning services stays strong all year.
Florida stands out for three big reasons:
- No state income tax — You keep more of what you earn. Florida has no personal or corporate income tax
- Massive tourism and snowbird market — Millions of visitors and seasonal residents arrive each year. Vacation rentals and seasonal homes need constant cleaning
- Residential cleaning is tax-exempt — You do not collect sales tax on house cleaning. This makes your prices more attractive to homeowners
Florida also has lower startup costs than many states. There is no special cleaning license required. The rules are simple and clear.
Read our general How to Start a Cleaning Business guide first. This Florida guide adds the state-specific steps you need on top of those basics.
How Do You Choose a Business Structure?
Your first step is picking a business structure. Florida offers two main choices for new cleaning companies.
Sole Proprietorship
This is the easiest way to start. You do not file anything with the state. Florida treats you as a sole proprietor when you begin working.
You may want a business name. If so, file a Fictitious Name Registration. You file this with the Florida Division of Corporations.
It costs $50 and is good for five years.
The downside is personal risk. If something goes wrong, your personal savings are not protected.
Limited Liability Company
This is the better choice for most cleaning businesses. It keeps your personal money separate from your business. If someone sues your company, your personal assets stay safe.
To form one in Florida, file Articles of Organization. You do this at sunbiz.org. The total fee is $125.
This covers $100 for filing and $25 for the registered agent.
You must also file an annual report each year. This costs $138.75 and is due by May 1. Missing the deadline adds a $400 late fee.
Choose a limited liability company. The $125 filing fee is a small price for protecting your personal assets. You go into people's homes every day — the liability protection is worth it.
- sunbiz.org — File your limited liability company or search existing business names
- dos.fl.gov — Florida Department of State — Division of Corporations
How Do You Get an Employer Identification Number and Tax Accounts?
An Employer Identification Number is a free number from the federal government. You need it to open a business bank account and file taxes. Apply for free at the Internal Revenue Service website.
You get your number right away online.
No State Income Tax
Florida has no personal income tax. It also has no corporate income tax for most small businesses. This is one of the biggest reasons to start a business in Florida.
You keep more of your earnings than in most other states.
You still pay federal income tax. But the state takes nothing from your profits.
Sales Tax on Cleaning Services
This is the most important tax rule for Florida cleaners. The state treats residential and commercial cleaning differently.
- Residential cleaning is exempt — You do not charge sales tax on house cleaning, apartment cleaning, or maid services for homes
- Nonresidential cleaning is taxable — Office cleaning, store cleaning, and other commercial jobs are taxed at 6% plus your local surtax. Local surtax rates range from 0.5% to 2.5%
- Some services are always exempt — Carpet cleaning, furniture cleaning, and air system cleaning are exempt for both homes and businesses
If you clean any commercial spaces, register with the Florida Department of Revenue. You must collect and send in the sales tax.
Reemployment Tax
If you hire employees, you pay reemployment tax. This is Florida's version of unemployment tax. New employers pay 2.7% on the first $7,000 each worker earns per year. Most established employers pay as low as 0.1%.
- irs.gov — Apply for a free Employer Identification Number (never pay for this)
- floridarevenue.com — Florida Department of Revenue — sales tax and reemployment tax
What Licenses and Permits Do You Need?
Florida does not require a state license for cleaning businesses. This makes starting up faster and cheaper than in many other states.
However, most cities and counties require a local business tax receipt. This is what Florida calls a business license. The cost and process vary by location.
Local Business Tax Receipts by City
Each Florida city has its own rules. Here are some examples:
- Miami — Local business tax receipt from the city
- Jacksonville — Two business tax receipts: one from the city and one from Duval County
- Orlando — Business tax receipt plus a certificate of use
- Tampa — City business tax receipt plus Hillsborough County receipt
Contact your city and county clerk to find out what you need. Fees are usually $25 to $150 per year.
Sales Tax Registration
If you clean commercial spaces, register with the Florida Department of Revenue. You need a sales tax certificate. This is free.
It lets you collect and send in sales tax on taxable services.
If you only clean homes, you do not need this registration.
- floridarevenue.com — Register for a sales tax certificate if you clean commercial spaces
- sunbiz.org — File a fictitious name registration if using a business name
What Insurance Do You Need?
Insurance protects your business from one bad day. Florida has specific rules about workers' compensation. Here is what you need:
- General liability insurance — Covers property damage and injuries at a client's home or office. Costs $400 to $1,200 per year. Every cleaning business needs this
- Workers' compensation insurance — Required in Florida when you have four or more employees. Construction businesses need it with just one employee. The penalty for not having it includes fines and stop-work orders
- Surety bond — Protects clients if an employee steals something. Not required by the state, but many clients ask for it. Costs $100 to $500 per year
- Commercial auto insurance — Needed if you drive to job sites for business. Florida requires minimum auto insurance, but business use needs a commercial policy
Limited liability company members can choose to exempt themselves from workers' compensation coverage. But your employees must still be covered once you reach four workers.
For more details on each type of coverage, read our Cleaning Business Insurance Guide.
- myfloridacfo.com/division/wc — Florida Division of Workers' Compensation — employer requirements
What Are Florida Labor Laws?
Florida's labor laws are simpler than many other states. But you still need to follow them from day one.
Minimum Wage
The Florida minimum wage is $14.00 per hour. It rises to $15.00 per hour on September 30, 2026. After that, the rate adjusts each year for inflation.
Florida does not let cities set their own rates. The state rate applies everywhere. This makes it easier to plan your labor costs.
Tipped employees earn a lower base rate. The current tipped minimum wage is $10.98 per hour. The tip credit is $3.02 per hour.
Most cleaning workers are not tipped employees.
Reemployment Tax
When you hire employees, you pay reemployment tax. New employers pay 2.7% on the first $7,000 each worker earns per year. This rate drops over time.
About 65% of Florida employers pay the lowest rate of 0.1%.
Worker Classification
Florida does not have a law as strict as some states about worker classification. But federal rules still apply.
Your cleaners should be employees if you control when, where, and how they work. Misclassifying workers leads to back taxes and penalties.
- floridajobs.org — Florida Commerce — minimum wage and labor information
- floridarevenue.com — Reemployment tax rates and registration
What Safety Rules Apply in Florida?
Florida does not have its own state safety agency. Federal workplace safety rules cover private employers in Florida. You must follow federal standards for your cleaning business.
Hazard Communication
You must keep Safety Data Sheets for every cleaning chemical you use. Train your workers on what chemicals they handle. Show them how to use products safely.
Explain what to do if a spill or skin contact happens. This training must happen before they use any product.
Personal Protective Equipment
Give your workers the right safety gear. This includes gloves, eye protection, and masks when needed. You must provide this equipment at no cost to your employees.
Heat Safety
Florida's heat is a real workplace hazard. Train your workers on heat safety. Provide water and rest breaks.
Watch for signs of heat illness during summer months. This is especially important for workers who clean outdoor spaces or non-air-conditioned areas.
- osha.gov — Federal workplace safety standards that apply in Florida
- osha.gov/heat — Heat illness prevention guidance for employers
How Do You Set Cleaning Prices in Florida?
Florida has a wide range of markets. Prices in Miami and Naples are much higher than in smaller cities. Factor in your costs and local demand when setting rates.
Typical pricing ranges in Florida:
- Home cleaning (hourly) — $30 to $60 per hour depending on your area
- Home cleaning (flat rate) — $120 to $350 for a standard 3-bedroom home
- Deep cleaning — $200 to $500 depending on home size
- Move-in or move-out cleaning — $250 to $550 or more
- Vacation rental turnover — $75 to $200 per turnover
- Office cleaning — $0.07 to $0.15 per square foot
Premium markets like Miami Beach, Naples, and Palm Beach command the highest rates. Central Florida and smaller cities fall at the lower end of these ranges.
Use our Price Calculator to find the right rate for your area. For detailed pricing methods, read our Pricing Guide.
For detailed city-by-city pricing data, see our full Cleaning Business Prices in Florida guide.
What Cleaning Niches Are Profitable in Florida?
Florida has cleaning niches that do not exist in most other states. The tourism, weather, and population create unique demand. Here are the top options:
Vacation Rental Turnover Cleaning
Florida is one of the top vacation rental markets in the country. Orlando, Miami Beach, the Keys, and the Gulf Coast have thousands of short-term rentals. Hosts need fast, reliable turnover cleaning between guests.
You can earn $75 to $200 per turnover. The work is steady and often last-minute.
Snowbird Home Maintenance
Millions of seasonal residents leave Florida each summer. They need someone to clean and check on their homes while they are away. Offer monthly or quarterly cleaning visits.
Add mold prevention checks to your service. This niche gives you steady income during slower summer months.
Post-Hurricane Cleanup
Hurricane season runs from June through November. Storms create demand for mold cleanup, debris removal, and water damage restoration. This specialty pays premium rates.
Having cleanup supplies ready before storm season gives you an edge over competitors.
Condo Association Cleaning
Florida has more condos than almost any other state. Condo associations need cleaning for lobbies, hallways, pool areas, and fitness centers. One condo contract can provide steady weekly income.
Build relationships with property managers to land these accounts.
Retirement Community Cleaning
Florida has a large senior population. Many retirees need regular home cleaning. They value reliable, trustworthy service.
This niche offers steady, recurring clients who stay with you for years.
Snowbird season (October through April) is the busiest time for Florida cleaners. Plan your marketing push for September. Seasonal residents are just arriving and need cleaning help.
How Do You Market a Cleaning Business in Florida?
Getting clients in Florida follows many of the same steps as other states. But a few strategies work especially well here.
Google Business Profile
This is the most important free marketing step. Set up your Google Business Profile with your city name, services, and photos. Ask every happy client for a Google review.
Most Florida residents search online before hiring any service.
Nextdoor and Local Facebook Groups
Florida residents are very active on Nextdoor and local Facebook groups. Join groups for your service area. Share helpful cleaning tips.
When someone asks for a cleaner, your name will come up. Focus on being helpful first.
Partner with Property Managers
Florida has a huge rental market. Property managers need cleaning between tenants. Condo associations need common area cleaning.
Offer them special rates or a referral bonus. One good partnership can keep you busy for months.
Connect with Vacation Rental Hosts
Reach out to Airbnb and vacation rental hosts in your area. Join local host groups on Facebook. Offer reliable turnover cleaning at fair rates.
Hosts talk to each other. One happy host can send you ten more.
Retirement Communities
Post flyers at community centers and clubhouses. Ask for permission to present at homeowner meetings. Word of mouth spreads fast in these communities.
One happy client can fill your schedule quickly.
For a complete marketing plan, read our Marketing Your Cleaning Business guide. Also check out How to Get Cleaning Clients Fast.
How Much Does It Cost to Start in Florida?
Florida is cheaper to start in than many other states. There is no state income tax, no special cleaning license, and no extra registration fees. Here is a breakdown:
- Limited liability company filing — $125 (one-time, at sunbiz.org)
- Annual report — $138.75 per year (due May 1)
- Local business tax receipt — $25 to $150 per year (varies by city)
- General liability insurance — $400 to $1,200 per year
- Workers' compensation insurance — Varies (required with 4 or more employees)
- Cleaning supplies and equipment — $200 to $500 to start
- Marketing (initial) — $100 to $500
What Is on Your Florida Startup Checklist?
Follow this list step by step. Complete each item before moving to the next:
- Choose your business structure — Form a limited liability company at sunbiz.org ($125)
- Get an Employer Identification Number — Apply free at irs.gov
- Open a business bank account — Keep personal and business money separate
- Get your local business tax receipt — Apply through your city or county clerk
- Register for sales tax — Only needed if you clean commercial spaces
- Buy general liability insurance — Get at least $1 million in coverage
- Buy cleaning supplies — Start with the basics and upgrade as you grow
- Set your prices — Use our Price Calculator and factor in Florida costs
- Set up your Google Business Profile — This is your most important marketing tool
- Book your first clients — Tell friends, post on Nextdoor, join local groups
- Get workers' compensation insurance — Required before your fourth employee starts
- File your annual report on time — Due May 1 each year at sunbiz.org ($138.75)
What Are the Best Tips for Florida?
Here are practical tips from successful Florida cleaning business owners:
- Start with residential cleaning — It is tax-exempt in Florida. You avoid the hassle of collecting and paying sales tax until you add commercial clients
- Prepare for hurricane season — Stock up on mold prevention supplies before June. Offer post-storm cleanup services. Clients pay premium rates for fast response
- Target snowbird communities — Market to seasonal residents in September and October. They need cleaning when they arrive and maintenance while they are away
- Watch for mold — Florida's humidity makes mold a constant problem. Learn to spot it and offer mold prevention as an add-on service
- Build vacation rental relationships — Reach out to short-term rental hosts in tourist areas. They need reliable, fast cleaning and will pay well for it
- File your annual report early — The $400 late fee is harsh. Set a reminder for April to file before the May 1 deadline
- Plan your routes for traffic — Florida traffic can be heavy, especially in South Florida. Group clients by area to save time and fuel
- Get your systems in place early — Use software like MaidProfit for scheduling, quoting, and invoices. This lets you focus on cleaning and growing
What Are the Guides for Nearby States?
Thinking about expanding to a nearby state? Each state has different rules and fees. Check our other guides below.
- How to Start a Cleaning Business in Georgia — Low filing fees, large Atlanta market
- How to Start a Cleaning Business in Alabama — Simple licensing, low startup costs
- Georgia Cleaning Prices — Hourly rates and city-by-city pricing for Georgia
- Alabama Cleaning Prices — Hourly rates and city-by-city pricing for Alabama
Where Do You Find Florida Government Resources?
Here is a complete list of every government website mentioned in this guide. Bookmark these for easy access.
- Florida Division of Corporations — sunbiz.org — Register your business, file articles, search names, file annual reports
- Florida Department of State — Business formation and filing information
- Florida Department of Revenue — Sales tax registration, reemployment tax, tax information
- Florida Commerce — Minimum wage, labor laws, reemployment assistance
- Florida Division of Workers' Compensation — Workers' compensation requirements for employers
- Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration — Workplace safety standards that apply in Florida
- Internal Revenue Service — Free Employer Identification Number application
- Small Business Administration — Free counseling and local assistance for small businesses
What Other Guides Can Help Your Business?
These free guides cover topics every cleaning business owner needs. They work hand-in-hand with this state guide.
- How to Price Cleaning Services — Set profitable rates with flat-rate and hourly formulas
- Cleaning Business Insurance Guide — General liability, bonding, and the coverage you need
- How to Get Cleaning Clients Fast — Fill your schedule with paying clients
- Marketing Your Cleaning Business — Online and offline strategies that bring real results
- Cleaning Business Taxes and Deductions — Every deduction you can claim and how to file
- How to Get Cleaning Contracts — Find and win residential and commercial contracts
- How to Hire and Train Cleaning Staff — Where to find workers and how to keep them
Start Your Florida Cleaning Business Today
Florida is one of the best states for a cleaning business. No income tax and no state cleaning license make it simple. A huge market makes it an ideal place to start. The startup costs are lower than most states.
Start by forming your limited liability company and getting your Employer Identification Number. Get insured, grab your local business tax receipt, and set prices that fit your market. Then focus on getting your first clients through Google, Nextdoor, and local partnerships.
Every successful cleaning company in Florida started with one owner and one first client. The steps in this guide give you a clear path to follow. Take action today.