Do I Need a License to Clean Houses in Florida?
If you are considering opening a house cleaning business in the Sunshine State, one of the first questions that could come up would have to be, "Do I need to be licensed to clean houses in Florida?" The short answer is no—the state of Florida does not require any type of license specifically for residential cleaning businesses. There are, however, some other steps you will need to take to operate legally.
Registering Your Cleaning Business in Florida
You do not need to acquire any special cleaning license, but you will have to register with the State of Florida. This procedure varies slightly depending on your business structure:
Sole Proprietorship: If you are operating under a name different than your own, then you should file for a Fictitious Name Registration with the Florida Department of State for $50.
LLC: File Articles of Organization with the Florida Department of State. The filing fee is $125.
Corporation: File Articles of Incorporation The filing fee is $70.
Partnership: File a Partnership Registration for $50 general to $1,000 limited.
Get Control of Your EIN and Sales Tax Permit
Next, you'll need to apply for an Employer Identification Number with the IRS if you have employees, or if you're a multi-member LLC, corporation, or partnership. If you are a single-member LLC or sole proprietor, you are not technically required to have an EIN; however, it will make things much easier on you personally and professionally to help you keep your business and personal finances completely separate.
Also, if you are going to have commercial clients, you'll be required to get a sales tax permit. There is no charge to register online; by mail is $5.00
Florida House Cleaners: Local Licensing Requirements
While conducting a cleaning business in Florida, there is no requirement for a statewide cleaning license; however, it is often subject to local regulation. For example:
Miami-Dade County: Requires an occupational license, and if you have your business based in some municipality inside the county, then you will be required to have both city and county business tax receipts.
Jacksonville: Requires a local business tax receipt to ensure all applicable taxes are covered.
Tampa: Both the City of Tampa and Hillsborough County require business tax receipts.
Orlando: A Certificate of Use must be obtained along with an operating tax receipt/certificate to operate the business legally.
Take, for example, Sparkly Maid Miami: their efficient, legal business will never be set up for failure in the competitive market of Miami because they abide by local licensing and tax requirements. Be sure to contact your local city or county clerk's office for specific information on what is required in your area.
Insurance to Protect Your Cleaning Business
While it's not legally mandated to do so, getting the right insurance for your house cleaning business is pretty important. General liability insurance protects your business from third-party claims regarding property damage or bodily injury. Janitorial bonds protect your clients against theft by your employees. Workers' compensation insurance is important as well if you have a team.
Enhancing Credibility through Certifications
Although not strictly speaking mandatory, further certifications enhance your professional image and marketability. Consider courses like the ISSA's Cleaning Industry Management Standard or House Cleaning Technician certification to promote to clients your expertise.
The Bottom Line
Even though Florida does not require licensing for a house cleaning business, there are crucial steps to follow in running the business legally: registering your business entity, obtaining local permits and tax receipts, and insurance to protect your venture. By doing these, you set a real foundation on which to grow your Florida house cleaning business.
Our Deep Cleaning Seattle was in a position to build on its attention to legal and operational details. This is how one may be assured of not just protection but also good standing and dependability for the long-term success of our business.
