How to Start a Cleaning Business in Florida | The Ultimate Guide

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Florida Cleaning Business

Are you considering starting a cleaning business in Florida? If so, you’re not alone. According to Market Research Future, the cleaning industry is growing, with an expected annual growth rate of 7% between 2021 and 2026. With the increasing demand for cleaning services, now is the perfect time to launch your Florida LLC in the cleaning business.

In this comprehensive guide, Webinarcare Editorial Team will walk you through the process of starting a cleaning business, including the necessary steps, legal requirements, and best practices to follow. By the end of this article, you will clearly understand How to Start a Cleaning Business in Florida.

How to Start a Cleaning Business in Florida

What is a Cleaning Business?

A cleaning business in Florida is a professional service provider that offers various cleaning solutions to clients within the state. Depending on the business’s niche, these services can include residential, commercial, and specialty cleaning. Residential cleaning involves cleaning homes, apartments, and condos, while commercial cleaning caters to offices, retail spaces, and other business establishments. Specialty cleaning services can include carpet, window, and post-construction cleaning.

Cleaning businesses in Florida must follow the state’s legal requirements if you will form an LLC, such as registering the business with Florida’s Secretary of State, obtaining necessary licenses and permits, and adhering to tax regulations. Furthermore, these businesses must develop a solid business plan, invest in high-quality equipment and supplies, employ and train staff, and create effective marketing strategies to grow and succeed in the local market.

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How to Start a Cleaning Business in Florida

To start a cleaning business in Florida, you must follow the guidelines that include identifying your niche, developing a business plan, registering your business with the Florida Secretary of State, obtaining the necessary license and permit, purchasing equipment and supplies, setting your prices, develop a marketing strategy, and hiring and training staff. 

Step 1: Identify Your Niche

The first step to starting a cleaning business in Florida is identifying your niche. Various cleaning services include residential, commercial, and specialty cleaning. Residential cleaning involves cleaning homes, apartments, and condos, while commercial cleaning involves cleaning offices, retail spaces, and other business establishments. Specialty cleaning services include carpet cleaning, window cleaning, and post-construction cleaning.

Residential CleaningCommercial CleaningSpecialty Cleaning Services
HousesOfficesCarpet Cleaning
ApartmentsRetail SpacesWindow Cleaning
CondominiumsPost-Construction Cleaning

Choosing a niche that aligns with your skills, interests, and the demand in your local market is essential. Research your competition and determine the type of underserved cleaning services in your area. Focusing on a niche will help you attract your target customers and set your business apart. If you will create a rental property LLC in Florida, it is better to know about starting Florida cleaning business as well.

Step 2: Develop a Business Plan

A solid business plan is crucial for the success of your Florida cleaning business. A business plan will help you outline your business goals, identify your target market, and develop a marketing strategy. It will also help you estimate your startup costs and plan your finances. Here are the key components of a cleaning business plan:

  • Executive Summary: Provide an overview of your cleaning business, including your mission statement, goals, and objectives.
  • Company Description: Outline the structure of your business, the services you will offer, and your target market.
  • Market Analysis: Research your local market and competition, and explain how your cleaning business will stand out.
  • Marketing and Sales Strategy: Describe how you will attract new clients and retain existing ones, including your pricing and promotional strategies.
  • Operations Plan: Explain how your cleaning business will operate, including your staffing requirements, equipment, and supplies.
  • Financial Projections: Estimate your startup costs, projected revenue, and expenses for the first few years of your business.

Step 3: Register Your Cleaning Business

Before starting your cleaning business in Florida, you must register your business with the Florida Secretary of State. Here are the necessary steps to register your cleaning business:

Choose a Cleaning Business Name

Selecting a name for your Florida cleaning business is essential to forming. There is a complete guide on Florida Business Name Search for you to have a proper Florida cleaning business name. 

In Florida, if you do not wish to file your cleaning business right away but want to hold the name that you have decided on, then you can reserve your cleaning business name for 120 days. You must file a name reservation application with the Florida Secretary of State to keep the name. 

You can check the availability of your desired business name by searching the Florida Department of State Division of Corporations‘s website.

Hire a Registered Agent

A Registered Agent is a person or entity responsible for receiving legal documents and official notices for your Florida cleaning business. In Florida, your Registered Agent must:

  • Be a resident of Florida or a business entity authorized to do business there.
  • Have a physical address in Florida (P.O. boxes are not acceptable)

Choosing a reliable and responsible Registered Agent is essential, as failure to receive and respond to legal documents can seriously affect your business. 

You can serve as your Registered Agent or appoint a friend or family member or hire the Best Florida Registered Agent Services.

Recommended: Professional services will ensure your business gets legal notices and critical mail. With LegalZoom’s Registered Agent Services, they offer peace of mind and expert support for businesses, ensuring compliance and seamless communication with state authorities. That’s why we recommend using –

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File For Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation

If you form an LLC for your cleaning business, you must file the Florida Articles of Organization, which costs $100. However, if you form Florida Corporation for your cleaning business, you must file the Articles of Incorporation. The Articles of Incorporation filing fee costs $35 for filing in-person and by mail. It is crucial to provide accurate and complete information on this document, as errors or omissions may result in delays or rejection of your filing.

  • Online Filing: Get the online form from Secretary of State, fill it up, and submit. Don’t refresh the page during the process. It will erase everything.  
  • Offline filing: Send the form by mail to New Filing Section, Division of Corporations, P.O. Box 6327, Tallahassee, FL 32314

Recommended: Filing the Articles of Organization and the Articles of Incorporation is easy and hassle-free if you hire a professional service. We recommend using –

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Create an Operating Agreement

An Operating Agreement is a document that contains all of your company’s organizational details. It is optional to draft an operating agreement in most states. Yet, having one as an internal document is strongly advised. Creating the Florida Operating Agreement includes information like-

  • About Business
  • Members and management
  • Capital contribution
  • Profit Distribution
  • Change of membership
  • Dissolution

Recommended: Creating an Operating Agreement is like having a personal legal guide at hand; it’s efficient, thorough, and ensures the smooth and compliant operation of your business. With LegalZoom’s operating agreement, it will protect your rights as an owner, keeping misunderstandings at bay and your business on the path to success. That’s why we recommend using –

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Obtain an EIN 

Register your business with the Florida Secretary of State and obtain the necessary licenses and permits. Before that, you must obtain an Employer identification number (EIN) in Florida to open a business bank account or hire an employee for your Florida cleaning business. 

The application of an EIN in Florida can be through the following:

  • Apply Online- The online EIN application is the preferred method for customers to apply for and obtain an EIN.
  • Apply by Fax- Taxpayers can fax the completed Form SS-4 application to the appropriate fax number), after ensuring that the Form SS-4 contains all of the required information.
  • Apply by Mail- The EIN application Form SS-4 can be filed via mail. The processing time frame to receive the mail is four weeks.
  • Apply by Telephone-International Applicants – International applicants may call 267-941-1099 (not a toll-free number) from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday to obtain their EIN.

Recommended: Professional services have the EIN included in their LLC formation package. We recommend using –

LegalZoom – ($0 + State Fee for LLC formation)

Register for State and Local Taxes

Depending on your business structure and location, you may need to register for state and local taxes, such as sales and income taxes.

Florida Sales Tax

Florida sales tax is a government-imposed tax on the sale of goods and services. It is generally added to the price of a product or service at the point of sale and paid by the consumer. The tax is collected by the retailer or service provider, who then remits the collected tax amount to the relevant government authority. In Florida, the sales tax rate is 6.00%. 

Florida State Income Tax

State income tax in Florida is calculated based on a progressive tax rate, which means that individuals with higher incomes pay a higher tax rate. The tax rates in Florida vary depending on income levels, with the highest rate imposed on those with the highest incomes. The revenue generated from state income tax funds various public services and programs in Florida.

Step 4: Obtain the Necessary Licenses and Permits

In addition to registering your cleaning business in Florida, you must obtain the necessary licenses and permits. Some of the common licenses and permits required for cleaning businesses include the following:

  • Florida Sales Tax Permit: If you sell products, such as cleaning supplies, you may need Florida Sales Tax Permit from the Florida Department of Revenue.
  • Occupational License: Florida requires an occupational license specific to the cleaning industry. 
  • Workers’ Compensation Insurance: If you plan to hire employees, you must obtain workers’ compensation insurance to comply with Florida law. As well as the EIN.
  • Business License: Your local city or county government requires a business license in Florida. The business license fee in Florida ranges from $50 – $300.

Step 5: Purchase Equipment and Supplies

You must purchase the necessary equipment and supplies to start your cleaning business in Florida. Some of the essential tools and equipment for a cleaning business include:

  • Vacuum cleaners
  • Carpet cleaners
  • Mops and buckets
  • Brooms and dustpans
  • Cleaning chemicals and solutions
  • Microfiber cloths and towels
  • Sponges and brushes
  • Protective gear, such as gloves and masks
  • Ladders and step stools

Investing in high-quality equipment and supplies is essential to ensure efficient and effective Florida cleaning services. You can purchase these items from local retailers or online suppliers specializing in cleaning products.

Step 6: Set Your Prices

Determining the prices for your cleaning services can be challenging, especially if you’re new to the industry. For you to set the prices for your Florida cleaning services, research the prices of your competitors in Florida to get a general idea of the going rates for cleaning services, calculate the cost of labor, including your hourly wage and that of your employees, and determine the profit margin you want to achieve and factor that into your pricing.

It’s crucial to strike a balance between competitive pricing and ensuring profitability. Consider hiring an accountant for bookkeeping. 

Step 7: Develop a Marketing Strategy

A well-planned marketing strategy is essential for the success of your cleaning business in Florida. Here are some effective marketing tactics for your cleaning business:

  • Create a Professional Website: A website is essential to showcase your Florida cleaning services, share client testimonials, and provide contact information.
  • Leverage Social Media: Create business pages on popular social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, to connect with potential clients and share updates about your cleaning business.
  • Utilize Local Advertising: Advertise your Florida cleaning services in local newspapers, magazines, and community bulletin boards.
  • Offer Promotions and Discounts: Attract new clients by offering promotional discounts and referral incentives.
  • Network with Local Businesses: Establish relationships with local businesses and property management companies to generate referrals and create strategic partnerships.

Step 8: Hire and Train Staff

As your cleaning business grows, you may need additional staff to accommodate the increasing workload. Investing in your Florida cleaning business is better, but it is best to invest in your employees. Ensure they receive the proper compensation and training for their welfare and your company. 

Benefits of Forming a Cleaning Business

Forming a cleaning business can be a wise entrepreneurial decision as it offers a range of benefits. Here is the list of benefits to consider before you form one.

  • High Demand: With the increasing population of Florida, which is currently 22,359,251, there is a growing need for cleaning services. This translates to a high demand for cleaning businesses.
  • Flexibility: Florida cleaning businesses offer flexible work hours, which allows you to work around your schedule. You can choose to work part-time or full-time.
  • Low Start-up Costs: Starting a cleaning business is relatively inexpensive compared to other businesses. You can start with just a few cleaning supplies and grow your business as you gain more clients.
  • Recurring Revenue: Florida cleaning businesses offer recurring revenue since most clients require regular cleaning services.
  • Personal Satisfaction: Florida cleaning businesses offer a sense of personal satisfaction since you get to see the results of your work immediately.
  • Diverse Clientele: Florida cleaning businesses can cater to a diverse clientele, including residential, commercial, and industrial clients.
  • Growth Potential: Florida cleaning businesses have a high growth potential since you can expand your services to include additional cleaning services or target new markets.
  • Low Overhead Costs: Florida cleaning businesses have low overhead costs since you can operate from home and do not require expensive equipment or inventory.

FAQs

Do I need a license to start a cleaning business in Florida?
Yes, you need a license to start a cleaning business in Florida.
How do I get a cleaning business license in Florida?
You can get a cleaning business license by applying for it with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
What types of cleaning businesses can I start in Florida?
You could start a commercial cleaning business, housekeeping service, or a maid service in Florida.
Do I need insurance to start a cleaning business in Florida?
Yes, it is a good idea to get insurance when starting a cleaning business in Florida to protect yourself from any damages, accidents, or potential lawsuits.
How much does insurance cost for a cleaning business in Florida?
The cost of insurance for a cleaning business in Florida will vary based on the size of the business, the type of insurance needed, and other factors.
What taxes do I need to pay as a cleaning business owner in Florida?
You may need to pay sales tax on cleaning services in Florida and other taxes like business income tax, and franchise tax.
How do I register my cleaning business in Florida?
To register your cleaning business in Florida, you need to choose a name for your business, select a business structure, get a tax ID. You can register with the Florida Department of State.
Can I start a green cleaning business in Florida?
Yes, you can start a green cleaning business in Florida.
Do I need any certifications to start a cleaning business in Florida?
No, certifications are not required to start a cleaning business in Florida, but having certifications will make your business stand out in the competition.
How much does it cost to open a cleaning business in Florida?
The cost of starting a cleaning business in Florida will depend on various factors including the type of cleaning business you are starting.
How much can I earn running a cleaning business in Florida?
Earnings depend on the type of cleaning service or a housekeeping service your company offers, your competition, and the amount of work you put into running the business.
How can I find clients for my cleaning business in Florida?
You could advertise on social media platforms, create flyers to be distributed within your local community, or give references.
Can I hire employees for my cleaning business in Florida?
Yes, having employees can help your business expand, however, workers’ compensation insurance will be required.
How many employees can I have for my cleaning business in Florida?
The number of employees for your cleaning business in Florida depends on the size and the scope of your operations.
Do I have to pay overtime to my employees if they work more than 40 hours a week in Florida?
Yes, employees in Florida must be compensated for overtime if they work more than 40 hours a week.
How do I set my rates for my cleaning business in Florida?
You can charge your client either hourly, per area, per room, or a flat rate based on the estimates of your costs.
What’s should I consider when naming my cleaning business in Florida?
Pick a memorable name and carefully consider a unique name that is not already taken.
Where do I get cleaning equipment in Florida?
You can purchase cleaning supplies and equipment in several retail stores, maintenance suppliers, or wholesalers in Florida.
What safety precautions do I need to take in my cleaning business in Florida?
Wear proper protective equipment while cleaning and take care that all hazardous chemicals are safely locked away.
How do I invoice and handle payments in a cleaning business in Florida?
You can use accounting software to stay on top of billing and tracking revenues.
What’s the biggest challenge of running a cleaning business in Florida?
The competition is high, and only a few startups have to struggle to keep their business running over the long term.
How often should I clean and sanitize commercial spaces in Florida?
The cleaning and disinfecting frequency requirement varies with use, amount of time, and the density of occupation of such buildings.
Where can I learn about running my cleaning business efficiently in Florida?
There are various resources for education and training in cleaning, such as certification or trade associations.
What happens if cleaners damage items while cleaning a client’s home or commercial space in Florida?
Cleaners are held liable for damages and loss resulting from negligence or malice.
Can one local municipal office handle all permits and licenses necessary to start a cleaning business in Florida?
A local office may handle some permits, but you will need to check with other state offices and agencies for certification.
Can I subcontract other cleaning businesses or individual cleaners to handle work requests in Florida?
You can group your service and expand to other business spaces and operations to appropriate parties, but still, hold overall supervision to avoidance of cyber flaws.
Do I need uniform for my employees while they are delivering cleaning services in Florida?
No law states especially manner of garment for display for dedicated settings in Florida. However, regular brand logo shirt would act for style and advertisement.
How does starting a cleaning business allow me to own my own time?
Building your service business’s wage sound income streaming would allow you start scheduling your workload. The wealth freedom to dedicate hours requires exceptional dedication, consistency, and solid footing.
How can I maximize profitability in a cleaning business in a saturated market in Florida?
Par about quality employee recruitment, sales generation, fair pricing, re-gaining the trust of customers within discounts or guarantee and creating innovative ideas and creativity. Call potential clients if possible.
What are the legal requirements to start a cleaning business in Florida?
In Florida, all cleaning businesses are required to obtain a state business license and register with the Department of Revenue.
Is it necessary to have insurance for a cleaning business in Florida?
Yes, Florida requires that all businesses have general liability insurance at a minimum.
What types of cleaning services can I provide in Florida?
You can offer commercial, residential or industrial cleaning services in Florida.
How do I set my cleaning rates in Florida?
Cleaning rates in Florida vary by region, your target market, and the services offered by your business.
Is it essential to have some experience to start a cleaning business in Florida?
No, you don’t need to have any experience, but it always helps.
Can I run my cleaning business from my home in Florida?
Yes, you can run a cleaning business from your home in Florida, but you should confirm with zoning in your city.
Can undocumented immigrants start a cleaning business in Florida?
No, undocumented immigrants are not allowed to operate a cleaning business in Florida.
What steps can I take to make my cleaning business stand out in Florida?
Offer high-quality services, have excellent client support, and do not compromise on professionalism.
How many people do I need to start a cleaning business in Florida?
You need one person to start, but it is recommended that you start small with one or two employees and grow your business from there.
Do I have to have a website to start a cleaning business in Florida?
No, you don’t necessarily need a website to start a cleaning business, but it can help increase your visibility.
What is the median salary of a cleaning business owner in Florida?
There are variations by geographic region & customer base, and one will have decided on how large the business will grow, but generally, business owners in Florida make upwards of $25,000 annually.
How can I compete with established cleaning companies already in Florida?
Build a targeted online presence and focus on delivering high-quality service promptly with value for your customers.
What is the first step to starting my cleaning business in Florida?
Develop a business plan, study it a few times then revise until only the best chance of survival.
How do I make my Florida cleaning business more eco-friendly?
Use organic and/or non-toxic supplies, to reduce the number of chemicals that clients near sensitive water or ecological zones face.
Do customers like brands in the Florida cleaning business?
Building a brand creates both confidence when yielding new customer growth to a company and contributes to repeat business by standing out in the sector.
Are FL cleaning franchises better than starting my own Florida cleaning business?
With options of unique customers’ needs comes unique infrastructure needs, just because franchising has worked for a similarly themed business doesn’t mean it will necessarily work for everyone; for example, one company may prefer to remain a startup.
Can I outsource cleaning technicians in Florida for my business?
Yes, some cleaning services in Florida use business models that only hire a group contractors working together, rather than everyone being a W-2/employee
Do Florida companies ask cleaning service providers for legal contracts?
Yes, some don’t want just oral or a loose agreement because that may appear to an outsider as flimsy.
Is the Florida cleaning business witnessing cultural touchstones similar to post-pandemic protocol refinement among operations?
Yes, occasionally large cleaning broker websites showcasing certified cleaning service businesses or listing FL sustainable practices do so.
Where can I find small business resources for Florida cleaning companies?
Local governments websites & the chamber of commerce typically offer advice normally budget accommodating Florida entrepreneurs.
Should I have to incorporate scheduling into a business plan while in the process of converting a Florida janitorial business to managing a set-up subcontract chain?
Decisions requiring managerial time and financial advice or get advice may include that and business aspect.
What are some practical SEO basics for Florida cleaning web startups?
Include targeted meta-description & Orlando or Tallahassee content targeted keywords properly in the Title Page.
What is cleaned up ad targeting?
This simply covers keeping an appropriate Geographic & language targeting account while placing relevant information in ads that may catch customers interested in employing a new site’s cleanup services.
What are two potential tips for starting a Florida cleaning e-commerce type sub-contractor app?
Firstly, streamline individual sub-contractors facilitating customer interactions on your platform, also ensuring prompt communication between any staff as factoring that will be critical to providing positive restaurant, gymnasium, hotel or commercial, with latter as B2B opportunities constantly requiring relations geared towards prompt responses. Secondly, extend the pool on credible quick hiring that may have customers satisfied.
Is Florida known for any cleaning franchise?
MaidPro involves separate franchise ownership in every region of Florida statewide.
Can my cleaning company get former office cleaning clients back based in Florida by attentive communication strategies?
Responsive communication including aspects highly praised you provide to such communication as email, text messaging, or putting succinct social media updates will entertain clients, which may eventually lead to mending an inclined for a long term loyal visitor relationship again even in that highly competitive and demarcated classic cleaning market keeping organizable awareness of the pain points and strengths.
How fiscally underwritten am I attempting starting a FL cleaning business?
That can fluctuate among locations, and other key factors, a small business loan agent would typically prefer that monthly bills be under 80% of stable business income.

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Conclusion

Starting a cleaning business in Florida can be rewarding and profitable if you follow the right steps and adhere to the legal requirements. By identifying your niche, developing a solid business plan, registering your business, obtaining the necessary licenses and permits, purchasing high-quality equipment and supplies, setting competitive prices, developing a robust marketing strategy, and hiring and training a reliable staff, you will be well on your way to launching a successful cleaning business in Florida.

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