Learn which licenses, permits, and registrations are required to start a cleaning business in Florida, including state registration, city and county requirements, sales tax rules, and insurance considerations.
Florida is a popular state for starting a cleaning business due to its population density and demand for services. While Florida does not issue one statewide cleaning business license, cleaning companies must still complete certain registrations and comply with local rules. This guide explains what is required for both residential and commercial cleaning businesses in Florida.
Do Cleaning Businesses Need a Business License in Florida?
Florida does not issue a statewide business license. Instead, cleaning businesses must register at the local level and obtain what the state refers to as a Business Tax Receipt (BTR). This document is issued by the county and sometimes also by the city where your business is located. Most cleaning businesses operating in Florida will need both:
- A county BTR
- A city BTR (if located within city limits)
Common counties requiring BTRs include Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Orange, Hillsborough, and Pinellas.
State-Level Business Registration Requirements
Cleaning business owners must register their business entity with the Florida Division of Corporations when operating as anything other than an unregistered sole proprietor.
Single-owner cleaners often register as a sole proprietorship or LLC, while LLCs are popular for liability protection.
Registration portal:
https://dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz/
City and County Licensing Rules in Florida
Florida requires local registration through county tax collectors’ offices. Some businesses must also register with the city, depending on operations and zoning. For example:
- Miami-Dade County requires a BTR plus city-level registration.
- Orlando requires a city BTR for businesses operating within city limits.
- Tampa requires a local BTR but does not require a separate specialty cleaning permit.
Local zoning rules can apply if operating from a home address, but most residential cleaners are approved without difficulty.
Do Cleaning Businesses Need to Collect Sales Tax in Florida?
Yes. Florida considers cleaning services taxable services, and businesses offering cleaning must collect and remit sales tax. This applies to:
- Residential cleaning
- Commercial janitorial services
- Move-in/move-out cleaning
- Deep cleaning and disinfecting services
Cleaning businesses must:
- Register for a Florida Sales Tax Certificate
- Collect sales tax from customers
- File regular tax returns
Registration link:
https://floridarevenue.com/taxes/registration
Home-Based Cleaning Businesses in Florida
Florida allows home-based cleaning businesses as long as the business does not substantially alter the character of the residential neighborhood. Businesses run from a residence may need:
- A home occupation approval
- A Business Tax Receipt for county and/or city
- Limited storage of chemicals (household cleaning products are acceptable)
Florida does not prevent home-based cleaning businesses from servicing customer locations.
Do Cleaning Businesses in Florida Need Insurance?
Insurance is not required by Florida law to start a cleaning business, but it is strongly expected by commercial clients. Most Florida cleaning businesses carry:
- General liability insurance (property protection)
- Workers compensation insurance if hiring employees
- Bonding for commercial or government contracts
Residential cleaners commonly begin without insurance, but coverage improves trust and contract eligibility.
Do Cleaning Businesses in Florida Need Certifications?
Certifications are not legally required in Florida, but they increase credibility and can support pricing and marketing. They are especially useful for offices, healthcare facilities, and government cleaning. Certifications can be pursued after launch and are optional, not mandatory.
How to Get a Business License for a Cleaning Business in Florida
Florida licensing involves local registration rather than a single statewide permit. Here is the simplified process:
- Choose your business structure (sole proprietor or LLC)
- Register with the Florida Division of Corporations if forming an LLC
- Apply for a Business Tax Receipt through your county
- Apply for a city BTR if applicable to your location
- Register for sales tax with the Florida Department of Revenue
- Open a business bank account
- Consider liability insurance, especially for commercial work
Once these steps are complete, your business is compliant and ready to offer cleaning services.
Compliance Snapshot (Florida Cleaning Business)
| Requirement | Required in Florida? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State Business License | No | Registration handled locally |
| County Business Tax Receipt | Yes | Required in most counties |
| City Business Tax Receipt | Often | Depends on city boundaries |
| Sales Tax Registration | Yes | Cleaning services are taxable |
| Home Occupation Approval | Sometimes | Varies by municipality |
| Insurance | Not state-required | Expected commercially |
| Certifications | Optional | Helpful for marketing |
Do Commercial Cleaning Contracts Require Insurance in Florida?
Insurance is commonly required in Florida by commercial clients, not by the state itself. Businesses bidding on large facility work or office contracts will usually need proof of liability coverage and sometimes bonding. Workers compensation becomes necessary if you hire employees in Florida. Residential services may not require insurance, but coverage greatly improves credibility.
Final Thoughts
Florida is business-friendly and offers a straightforward process for starting a cleaning business. The key steps are registering locally, securing appropriate Business Tax Receipts, registering for sales tax, and complying with zoning when home-based. Insurance is not legally mandatory but is necessary to earn commercial accounts. Once these basics are in place, cleaning entrepreneurs can confidently begin servicing clients in Florida.
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