Florida Cleaning Business Start-up Laws

This article provides three key state business start-up requirements for self-employed sole proprietors and general partners who run residential house cleaning businesses.

Information from the Secretary of State, the Florida Department of Revenue and selected city and county government sources were used to research this article.

Be aware that sole proprietor and general partner start-up requirements in this state are always changing. Some requirements even vary from county to county.

It is important that you call or visit your local county or city government in person or online to find out local requirements for residential house cleaning businesses and home-based businesses.

This article is not intended to be exhaustive or a substitute for qualified legal or tax advice.

Business Name Registration

Sole proprietors and general partners who want a business name that does not include the owner(s) full names (for example, Janice Smith’s Cleaning Service or Martha Harris and Tom Graham’s Maid Service) need to find out whether the name they want to use is available in the state of Florida.

Start with a statewide corporate business name search to avoid legal problems and customer confusion.

Do Your Own Search Online For Business Names

Then do an online search for names similar to the one you plan to use. For example, if you want to use the name, Crystal Clean Maid Service, do simple online searches for “Crystal Clean Maid Service+Florida” plus Crystal Clean Maid Service+your county” and “Crystal Clean Maid Service+your town or city”.

Search beyond the first page of results. Go at least five pages deep into the search results to see if the name you want or similar names are being used in your state, county or city.

Related:

Name Registration Details

Publish Your Business Name

In the State of Florida, if you choose to register a fictitious name, you must certify on your application that the Fictitious Name you are registering has been advertised at least once in a newspaper located in the same county where your business will be located (or where you reside).

Name Rights

In the state of Florida, filing a Fictitious Name or DBA (“doing business as” name) does not guarantee a business sole rights to the use of that name.

Other businesses in the state may also register the same fictitious name. Registered businesses are expected to legally defend their trade names.

Business License Registration

Sole Proprietors are not required to register with the state. Sole Proprietors should check with their local county court clerk for registration requirements.

Find a County Court Clerk in Florida.

In many Florida cities and counties, another name for business license is Business Tax Receipt.

If your business is based in a city or town, check with that city or town for licensing.

If your business is based in an unincorporated part of the county, check with the county for licensing.

To find out how to get a business tax receipt or license in your city or county, do an online search. Do a simple online search for “Business License+your city or county”.

If your city or town doesn’t require business licensing, then contact your county about licensing. In many cases, you will need a local business license or tax receipt from both city and the county in which you do business.

You may also need a business license or business tax receipt for each county where you do business. It’s a good idea to contact each county where you plan to do business.

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General Partner Licensing

In Florida, a general partnership is created when two or more owners form an oral or written agreement to start a business together.

General partnerships of two or more persons must register with the Division of Corporations.

It is advisable for general partnerships to file for a Fictitious Name and a Statement of Partnership Authority.

A Statement of Partnership Authority authorizes one partner as the primary contact person to the State of Florida, local taxing authorities and banks. A written partnership agreement drawn up by a lawyer is important for both or all partners.

👥 Start a solid partnership with help from the Business Partnership Portal.

How an EIN Helps

Sole proprietors and general partners may apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS even if they do not plan to hire employees.

Getting an EIN may make it easier to open a bank account and reduce your risk of identity theft.

You can apply for an E I N online.

In addition, some business registration forms will require a a NAICS business classification number for the house cleaning industry.

A Deep Guide to Cleaning Business Insurance

Protect your house cleaning business from the start with liability insurance and bonding. Also find out:

what types of coverage you need.
the difference between bonding and insurance?
how to find a commercial agent.

Go to the Guide

Business Tax Registration

Residential house cleaning services are not taxable in Florida. Cleaning services do not have to collect and send sales taxes to the Florida Department of Revenue.

State Estimated Tax

Florida has no personal income tax or self-employment income tax. Sole proprietors and general partners do not have to file estimated self-employment income taxes in Florida similar to the way self-employment taxes are paid to the federal government.

Sole proprietors and general partners do not have to file Florida Corporate Income/Franchise Tax Returns.

State Partnership Tax

Florida general partnerships that file a Federal partnership information Form 1065, may need to file state income tax Form F-1065. Get more information from a CPA or qualified tax preparer to find out if your partnership must file those returns.