So, you’re thinking about starting a cleaning business in the Sunshine State? That’s a fantastic idea. I’ve started three businesses myself, and I can tell you that Florida is a unique beast. It’s not just about the beaches and the palm trees. It’s about a massive, growing population of people who are often too busy or too tired to scrub their own floors in 90-degree heat.
Whether you want to clean houses in the suburbs or handle high-end condos in Miami, the opportunity is everywhere. You don’t need a fancy degree or a massive bank account to get going. You just need a solid plan, a bit of grit, and the right information to stay on the right side of the law. I’m going to walk you through exactly how to get your Florida cleaning business off the ground.
What makes starting a cleaning business in Florida different
Florida isn't like New York or Ohio. The first thing you’ll notice is "The Sand Factor." Because so much of our state is coastal or built on sandy soil, sand gets into everything. It’s abrasive and acts like sandpaper on hardwood floors. You’ll need to educate your customers on why frequent cleaning is a necessity to protect their home’s value, not just a luxury.
Then there’s the humidity. Florida is basically a giant swamp that we decided to build houses on. This means mold and mildew are constant battles. As a cleaner here, you aren't just getting rid of dust; you’re managing moisture. You’ll need to know which products kill spores without damaging the air quality in a tightly sealed, air-conditioned home.
Finally, you have the "Snowbird Cycle." From January to April, the state is packed. Every rental is full, and every seasonal resident needs a deep clean. But come May, a lot of those folks head north. You have to build a business that can handle the winter rush while staying profitable during the quieter, hotter summer months.
What it costs to start
You can get started in Florida for much less than you might think. The biggest upfront cost is usually your legal setup. To form a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Florida, the state filing fee is $125 (source). This is done through a website called Sunbiz, which is run by the Florida Department of State. It usually takes about 5 to 10 business days if you do it online.
Next, you’ll need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. The good news is that this costs exactly $0. You can get it in about five minutes on the IRS website. Don't let anyone charge you to do this for you. It’s a simple form that basically gives your business a social security number so you can open a bank account.
Beyond the paperwork, you’ll need supplies. A good vacuum with a HEPA filter is your best friend here because of the allergens in our air. Budget about $200 for a solid vacuum and another $100 for a "starter kit" of mops, microfibers, and sprays. Insurance is also surprisingly affordable. Typical general liability insurance for a solo cleaner in Florida can run between $5 and $60 a month, though you might pay 20% to 30% more if you’re doing exterior work like pressure washing.
Florida-specific regulations you need to know
Florida is generally very business-friendly, but there are some rules you can't skip. One of the best things about our state is that we have no state income tax. That means you get to keep more of the money you earn compared to most other states. However, you still have to play by the rules when it comes to reporting your existence to the state every year.
Every Florida LLC has to file an Annual Report with the Division of Corporations. This is due by May 1st every single year. The fee is $138.75. If you miss that May 1st deadline, the state hits you with a $400 late fee immediately. They don't send many reminders, so I always tell people to put a giant red circle on their calendar for April 15th to get it done early.
When it comes to sales tax, Florida is a bit interesting. Generally, the state does not charge sales tax on pure cleaning services for residential homes. However, if you provide "pest control" services or if you sell cleaning products directly to your customers, that changes. Always check the latest updates on floridarevenue.com to make sure your specific service doesn't fall into a taxable category.
Because Florida is a "high risk" state for certain legal disputes, I have to give you a bit of a warning. Before you start signing complex service contracts with commercial buildings or large property management groups, please consult a licensed attorney. It’s very easy to sign away your rights in a bad contract. Having an attorney or a licensed professional review your basic service agreement can save you from a massive headache down the road.
How much cleaning pays in Florida, by city
The amount you can charge depends heavily on where you are parked. In Miami and Fort Lauderdale, the cost of living is high, and the demand for premium service is even higher. Many residential cleaners in these areas charge between $45 and $65 per hour — verify local market rates before setting your prices. If you’re cleaning high-end condos in Brickell or South Beach, flat rates for a one-bedroom often start at $150 or more.
Moving up to Orlando, the market is a mix of suburban homes and a massive number of short-term rentals near the theme parks. For standard residential work, you’re looking at $35 to $55 per hour. If you specialize in "AirBnB turns," where you have to be fast and very detailed between guests, you can often negotiate higher flat rates because the owners are on a tight schedule.
In the Tampa and St. Petersburg area, the market is very steady. You can expect to earn between $35 and $50 per hour. Jacksonville is a bit more affordable, so your rates might hover between $30 and $45 per hour. If you’re over in Naples or Sarasota, where there is a lot of retired wealth, you can often push those rates back up toward the $60 mark, especially for deep cleaning or move-out services.
Handling the Florida humidity and "The Sand Factor"
In Florida, you aren't just a cleaner; you are a technician. One of the biggest complaints Florida homeowners have is that "sticky" feeling on their floors. This usually happens because the high humidity in the air interacts with the cleaning chemicals people use. If you use too much soap, it never fully dries, and it attracts more dirt. You’ll want to focus on "low-residue" or "no-rinse" cleaners to keep floors looking sharp.
You also have to be the expert on mold prevention. When you’re cleaning a bathroom or a kitchen, you should always check the seals around the tubs and sinks. If you see black spots, that’s a sign of moisture getting behind the walls. Reporting these little things to your customers makes you more than just a person with a mop; it makes you a valuable partner in maintaining their home.
The sand we talked about earlier requires a two-step process. You can't just mop up Florida sand; you’ll just be scratching the finish on the tile or wood. You have to be incredibly thorough with your vacuuming or dry-mopping first. Use a high-quality microfiber dust mop that actually lifts the grains off the floor instead of just pushing them around. Your customers will notice the difference when their floors don't feel "gritty" under their bare feet.
Licensing and permits
There is no "Statewide Cleaning License" in Florida. This confuses a lot of people who think they need to pass a big test at the state capital. Instead, licensing is handled at the local level. Most counties and cities will require you to get something called a Business Tax Receipt (BTR). This used to be called an "occupational license," and it’s basically just a local tax you pay to do business in that area.
If you live in a city like Orlando but you clean houses in the surrounding county, you might actually need two BTRs—one for the city and one for the county. They usually cost between $30 and $100 per year. It’s a simple process of filling out a form at the tax collector’s office. They will usually ask to see your LLC papers from Sunbiz and your EIN from the IRS before they issue the receipt.
Don't forget about your vehicle. If you’re wrapping your van with your business name and logo, some cities have rules about where you can park it overnight. Always check your local zoning laws if you plan on running the business out of your home. Most residential areas are fine with a cleaning business, as long as you aren't storing massive amounts of chemicals or having employees show up to your house at 6:00 AM.
Getting your first 10 customers
Getting those first 10 customers is the hardest part, but in Florida, word of mouth travels fast. Start with the "Neighbors First" strategy. Download the Nextdoor app and join the groups for your specific zip code. Don't just post an ad; offer a "New Neighbor Special" for people who have just moved into the area. Florida has thousands of new residents every week, and they all need a cleaner.
Another great trick is the "Sandwich Board Strategy." When you are cleaning a house, put a neat, professional-looking sign in the yard that says "Currently Cleaning This Home." People walking their dogs will see it, and they’ll know you are already trusted by someone on their street. It’s the easiest way to get three or four houses in the same neighborhood, which saves you a ton of money on gas and travel time.
Finally, don't overlook Facebook Groups. Join local "Mom" groups or "Community" groups in cities like Lakeland or Boca Raton. People are constantly asking for recommendations. When you see someone ask for a cleaner, don't just say "I do it." Instead, tell them why you’re different. Mention that you specialize in removing Florida sand or that you use pet-safe products. That little bit of extra detail will get you the phone call.
Seasonal calendar for Florida
January through April is your "High Season." This is when the weather is beautiful, the snowbirds are here, and everyone wants their house perfect for guests. You will likely be overworked during this time. I suggest charging a "premium" for any last-minute bookings in these months. This is also the best time to ask for reviews and referrals to build up your base for the rest of the year.
May through August is the "Heat Stretch." This is when the seasonal residents leave, and the locals are trying to stay cool. Business might slow down a bit, so this is a great time to offer "Deep Clean Specials" or "Hurricane Prep Cleans." In Florida, we spend all summer indoors with the AC blasting, which means dust and pet dander build up fast. Remind your customers that their indoor air quality depends on a clean house.
September through December is "Holiday Prep." As the weather finally starts to break in October, people start thinking about Thanksgiving and Christmas. This is a massive second wave of business. You should start booking your December slots as early as October. If you wait until December to find customers, you’ll be turning people away. Keep a waitlist so if someone cancels, you can fill the spot in minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Q? Do I really need an LLC to start cleaning in Florida? While you can technically work as a "sole proprietor" using just your name, I don't recommend it. An LLC protects your personal stuff—like your house and your car—if something goes wrong with the business. In Florida, it only costs $125 to set one up, which is a small price to pay for peace of mind. It also makes you look much more professional to your customers.
Q? What kind of insurance should I get for a Florida cleaning business? You want General Liability insurance at a minimum. This covers things like a customer slipping on a wet floor or you accidentally breaking an expensive vase. In Florida, expect to pay around $45 a month for a basic policy. If you plan on hiring people later, you will also need Workers' Comp insurance, but for just you, General Liability is the place to start.
Q? Do I have to pay sales tax on my cleaning services? For most residential cleaning, the answer is no. Florida doesn't tax the labor of cleaning a home. But, if you start doing "non-residential" work or if you include things like pest control, the rules might change. If you sell a bottle of your "special cleaner" to a client, you definitely have to collect sales tax on that sale. Always check the Florida Revenue website to be safe.
Q? How much should I charge for a "Deep Clean" versus a "Standard Clean"? A deep clean usually takes twice as long, so you should charge at least 50% to 100% more than a standard clean. In Florida, a deep clean often involves scrubbing baseboards where sand collects and cleaning out sliding door tracks. Because those tracks are magnets for Florida dirt, they take time. Most cleaners charge a flat fee for the first visit and a lower "maintenance" fee after that.
Q? What are the best banks for a small business in Florida? I usually recommend Chase or Wells Fargo because they have branches everywhere in the state. If you want a more local feel, Seacoast Bank is great for Florida small businesses. When you go to open the account, make sure you bring your LLC papers from Sunbiz, your EIN letter, and a photo ID. Most will ask for a small deposit of $50 to $100 to get started.
Q? Can I run my cleaning business out of my apartment? Generally, yes, as long as you aren't having customers come to your door. Most Florida cleaning businesses are "mobile," meaning you go to them. Just be careful about storing too many flammable supplies in a small space. Also, check your lease or HOA rules to make sure they don't have a ban on commercial vehicles being parked in the driveway or parking lot overnight.
Q? Do I need to be "Bonded and Insured"? Being "insured" is the big one, but being "bonded" is a nice extra. A bond is basically a type of insurance that protects the customer if one of your employees steals something. If you are working alone, you might not need a bond right away, but customers love seeing that word. It builds trust, especially in high-end Florida neighborhoods where security is a big concern for homeowners.
Q? How do I handle the "Annual Report" for my Florida LLC? You do this online at Sunbiz.org between January 1st and May 1st. You just verify that your address and owners are still the same and pay the $138.75 fee. If you miss that May 1st deadline, you will be hit with a $400 penalty. It is one of the strictest rules in Florida business, so I always tell people to get it done in January so they don't forget.
Starting a cleaning business is a great way to take control of your future. It’s hard work, but the freedom of being your own boss in a state like Florida is worth it. At Ruunly, we make the "business" side of things easier by handling your billing and giving you a professional website for just $19/mo. This lets you focus on the cleaning while we handle the tech stuff.