/ BLOG

Florida cleaning business license and insurance requirements

Jun 17, 2023 · 6 minutes to read

Do you want to start a cleaning business in Florida? It’s crucial to start your business correctly. If you don’t follow the rules, you could face fines and penalties.

You can avoid unpleasant surprises by obtaining the correct Florida cleaning licenses.

This article will walk through some of the common steps that you must take to start a business, regardless of where you are located in the state. You may also need to take into consideration city-specific requirements.

Remember that regulations are subject to change. Consult the state and local government to find out the latest requirements for Florida cleaning businesses.

Starting a cleaning company in Florida: 5 easy steps

Are you ready for your cleaning business to take off? Here are 5 easy steps to start your cleaning business the right way.

1. Register your business with the state of Florida

You must file your business with the state unless you are a sole proprietor. A filing fee is required.

  • LLC – $125
  • Corporation – $70
  • General Partnership – $50
  • Limited Partnership – $1,000

2. File a fictitious statement of business

You must file an “acting as” form, or a “fictitious business declaration”, with the Florida Department of State if you are a sole proprietor and want to run your business under a different name than your legal one.

Not a sole proprietor? A DBA is also required by corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies operating under a name other than their legal name.

Florida fictitious names registration costs $50.

3. Get an employer identification number

You need an EIN if you have employees, run a multimember LLC, belong to a partnership, or are a corporation.

IRS does not require single-member LLCs or sole proprietorships to have EINs. However, having an EIN makes it easier to separate business and personal finances. It also shows that you are serious about your business – it is not just a hobby.

You won’t pay anything to get an EIN. You can request one by completing the form SS-4, faxing or mailing it to the IRS.

4. Acquire a business license

Florida does not require residential cleaners to have a license. However, you will need a business license for mobile detailing in many counties and municipalities within the state. You can check with the county or city clerk’s office in the area where you intend to start your business.

5. Obtain a sales tax permit

A tax permit isn’t required if you only plan to include residential homeowners in your client list. It will only be required if you also serve commercial clients.

There is no registration fee if you register online. However, if you choose to register by mail there will be a $5 charge.

Florida local cleaning business license requirements

It’s also important to meet local regulations after meeting state requirements. Find out from the city clerk or county clerk in the area where you plan to start your business what licenses and permits are required.

1. Miami-Dade County

You’ll need an occupational license if you plan to open a business in Miami County.

You will also need both a receipt for local business taxes from the city and the county if your business is located in a county municipality.

Depending on the location of your business within the county you may require two tax receipts.

2. Jacksonville

Do you plan to serve the Jacksonville region? You’ll need a tax receipt before you can start accepting clients. This license is proof that you have paid all taxes required to run a business in Jacksonville.

3. Tampa

If you run a business in Tampa you will need two tax receipts – one from the City of Tampa, and another from Hillsborough County. This license proves that you have paid all the taxes required to operate your business legally within the city and the county.

4. Orlando

You must pay an operating tax before you can start a business in Orlando. When you pay your business tax, the city will issue a receipt.

You’ll need to have a local tax receipt and a Certificate of Use to show that you are allowed to run your business in the location where your business is located.

Florida Cleaning Businesses Insurance Requirements

If you have enough policy limits and the essential types of Florida Business Insurance, it can protect your company from financial losses. Consider these common insurance types.

Workers’ compensation

This protects you in the event of an injury or illness at work. This type of insurance is required if your cleaning business has more than four employees. Otherwise, it’s optional. It may still be worth purchasing even if you are exempt from buying workers’ compensation coverage. You can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses if an employee or you are injured or sick at work.

General Liability

This is one of the most popular types of insurance for businesses. It covers third-party injury and property damage claims.

Tools, equipment, and supplies

This is an add-on policy to your general liability insurance that will pay to replace or repair damaged equipment or supplies or if someone steals or damages them.

Commercial Auto

You’ll need to travel to and from the offices and homes of your clients. If you are in an accident when driving for your job, you won’t be covered by your personal auto policy, but a Commercial Auto Policy will.

Bonds for Florida cleaning companies

If you are not working with a government agency, you probably don’t need a bond to operate your cleaning company. However, it can make you more attractive to clients who only hire bonded firms.

You may wish to consider two different types of bonds for your business.

  1. Surety Bond. This bond protects your clients against theft. If an employee steals from a customer, the surety company (the one that issued the bond) pays to replace the item.
  2. Bonds for licenses and permits. Government agencies often require this kind of bond. This bond lets your client know that you comply with all laws and regulations applicable during your work.

How BizInsure can help cleaning businesses

Get insurance for your cleaning business quickly, easily, and affordably with BizInsure.

Get a quote today.


This information is a general guide only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs.
As with any insurance, coverage will be subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions contained in the policy wording. The information contained on this guide is general only and should not be relied upon as advice. The number of quotes provided varies between products, occupations and other underwriting factors determined by the insurers.
© Copyright 2023 BizInsure LLC, 2015 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BizInsure LLC; CA DBA: Simple, Smart, BizInsure Insurance Agency LLC; NY DBA: BizInsure Services LLC; NH DBA: Simple, Smart, BizInsure Insurance Agency; PA DBA: BizInsure Services LLC. 2950 Buskirk Ave Suite 300, Walnut Creek CA 94597. License #0H81929

Let's find

The coverage you need for your business

Professional Liability Insurance

Professional Liability Insurance

Get a quote

General Liability Insurance

General Liability Insurance

Get a quote

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

Get a quote

Workers Compensation Insurance

Workers Compensation Insurance

Get a quote

Let's find

The coverage you need for your business

Professional Liability Insurance

Professional Liability Insurance

Get a quote

General Liability Insurance

General Liability Insurance

Get a quote

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

Get a quote

Workers Compensation Insurance

Workers Compensation Insurance

Get a quote

So very easy. What a great service.
Cherice Williams is the best and very easy to talk to 😊
The process was easy to maneuver.
Good service
Jennifer was amazing, informative and guided me to exactly what was needed to cover my business. Highly recommend.
First of all the agent I spoke with was very kind and helpful. Her name is Andrea. I appreciate the easy and quick online application to purchase my insurance.
I worked with Amy on getting professional insurance and she was fantastic! Some of the best customer service I’ve experienced in a long time. She was diligent and supportive, but never pushy.
The process was smooth and everyone answered questions along the way as needed. Andrea’s follow-up was excellent. Thank you!
Jen was awesome
I have been with Bizinsure for many years and they are always up to date with the latest policy information and the most competitive rates!
My interaction with the agent was very pleasant and she answered my questions. She also responded very quickly when I had questions.
BizInsure understood exactly what I needed and provided an affordable quote. The process was easy and I'm glad I used their services!
Our company has been with BizInsure since 2020. we are very happy with the service they provide.
Just started but the process was easy. Agent was kind and the price was great.I will see how the service is going forward, but starting was very easy and inexpensive.
Customer service was great! I got the help I needed!
Super A rated and affordable coverage.
Dina and Ashleih were so helpful! They made our package work for us. Grateful for the quick service.
I want to thank you for making my insurance search so simple and efficient. I also appreciated the easy communication options, which helped me make the right purchase decision. I'm really grateful for your company's support!.
Jenifer S. was the agent that I worked withi to secure general liability insurance. She was very knowledgeable, helpful and worked diligently to ensure that.my coverage needs were met and for a great price. I would definitely recommend her to others as she was a pleasure to work with.
The agent was very knowledgeable and was very quick in handling my request.
Good customer service
Fast friendly professional service
Jennifer was fabulous. Quick & easy quote for GL/PL coverage and saved me money over previous policy. My wife referred me - she's always right!!
Representative was very kind, helpful, and educated me well. I especially appreciate their professionalism and patience.
Been with this company for about 4 years. They have provided me with excellent coverage, user-friendly technology and very low rate. As an accountant, they are my first choice for my small business clients.
Absolutely the easiest, absolutely the fastest, the best I can tell the lowest cost. For many businesses, Insurance is a dirty word, because it's complicated and we're actually so busy minding our business that when complicated insurance issues get in the way, it slows us down. But not with these guys. Biz Insure LLC has figured it out and thank goodness they have...
Thanks, you for your service
I want to say thank you for all the hard work the agent put in with me. She was glad to hear from me. Very pleasant to deal with and solved my needs
Thank you for your professionalism and patience and helpfulness with my insurance needs for my new business. Thank you, Amy Raley as well for all of your help - you are sincerely appreciated and you are an asset to BizInsure LLC!
I have been using Bizinsure for several years and find the ease of renewing as well as generating additional insured certificates to be easy and useful, especially as a sole prop. thank you
Agent was precise and clear with explanation. Getting a quote was fast and easy. Thank you
Easy to renew Policy
BizInsures insurance is easy and affordable. Employees are well courteous and professional.
js_loader
Google Rating
4.7
Based on 368 reviews
×
js_loader





    This will close in 0 seconds