How to get a cleaning business license in Florida
Florida does not issue a single statewide 'cleaning license' through DBPR. Instead, to operate a legal residential or commercial cleaning company in Florida, you form a Florida LLC with Sunbiz ($125 state fee), obtain a federal IRS EIN, register for a Local Business Tax Receipt (BTR) with your county tax collector and city under Chapter 205, Florida Statutes, and—if you clean commercial offices or nonresidential buildings—register with the Florida Department of Revenue (Form DR-1) to collect sales tax on nonresidential cleaning services under Fla. Stat. § 212.05(1)(i).
Verified against the Florida Division of Corporations on Oct 21, 2026
- Form your Florida LLC on Sunbiz: $125 state fee, and designate a Florida Registered Agent.
- Get your federal IRS EIN: and open a business bank account.
- Register with the Florida Department of Revenue (Form DR-1): if offering commercial/janitorial cleaning (NAICS 561720).
- Obtain your county and city Business Tax Receipt: in Miami-Dade, Broward, Orange, Hillsborough or your local county.
- File your workers' comp exemption and insure: $0 non-construction LLC member exemption on myfloridacfo.com plus general liability/bonding.
| Factor | Residential House & Maid Cleaning | Commercial Office & Janitorial Cleaning (NAICS 561720) | Short-Term Rental / Vacation Turnover Cleaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida LLC & County BTR Required? | BTR yes; LLC recommended | BTR yes; LLC recommended | BTR yes; LLC recommended |
| Florida Sales Tax (F.S. § 212.05(1)(i)) | Generally exempt | Taxable (6% + county surtax) | Check with DOR |
| Workers' Comp Exemption Needed for Contracts? | Sometimes | Often | Sometimes |
| Typical Insurance / Bonding | General liability + bond | General liability + bond | General liability |
Residential vs. Commercial Cleaning Sales Tax in Florida (Fla. Stat. § 212.05(1)(i))
Florida taxes nonresidential cleaning services, such as offices and commercial buildings. Cleaning of private residences is generally not taxed. If you do any commercial work, register with the Department of Revenue before you start.
Register with DOR (Form DR-1) before your first commercial job.
Local Business Tax Receipts (BTR) in Miami, Orlando, Tampa & Across Florida
Most counties and many cities each require their own Business Tax Receipt. Apply with the county tax collector and, if inside city limits, the city as well.
- Nonresidential cleaning services are taxable under § 212.05. Official source
- Local business taxes are governed by Chapter 205. Official source
- Register for Florida taxes with the Department of Revenue. Official source
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How do I get a cleaning license in Florida?
There is no statewide cleaning license; get local Business Tax Receipts and, ideally, form an LLC.
Do I have to charge sales tax on cleaning services in Florida?
On nonresidential (commercial) cleaning, yes; residential cleaning is generally exempt.
How much does it cost to open a cleaning LLC in Florida?
$125 in state fees plus our package price (Starter $299, Pro $449, Complete $749) and local BTR fees.
Do I need workers' comp for a single-owner cleaning LLC in Florida?
A member owning at least 10% can usually file a free non-construction exemption; clients may still ask for proof.