Photo: Professional cleaning equipment - a key startup investment
Thinking about starting a cleaning business in Pasco County? You're looking at one of the most accessible businesses to start in Florida. We've been operating Affordable Cleaning Today in the Tampa Bay area since 2022, and we're sharing the exact costs you'll face - no fluff, just numbers.
Why Trust This Guide?
These aren't theoretical numbers from a business blog. We actually paid these fees, bought this equipment, and built a successful cleaning company in your area. We update this guide annually with current pricing.
One-Time Startup Costs (What You'll Pay Upfront)
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Florida LLC filing fee (Sunbiz.org) | $125 |
| Annual report (due each year) | $138.75 |
| Free from IRS.gov | FREE |
| Pasco County occupational license | $50 |
| General liability ($1M coverage) | $600 |
| Surety bond for client protection | $150 |
| Vacuum, mops, buckets, caddy | $800 |
| 3-month supply of cleaning products | $300 |
| Business cards, flyers, initial ads | $500 |
| Domain + basic hosting/builder | $200 |
| Branded shirts/aprons | $150 |
| Scheduling/invoicing software (annual) | $240 |
| TOTAL STARTUP COST | $3,253.75 |
1. LLC Formation in Florida ($125)
While you can operate as a sole proprietor, we strongly recommend forming an LLC. It protects your personal assets if something goes wrong (like accidentally damaging a client's expensive flooring).
- File online at Sunbiz.org - Florida's official business registration site
- Filing fee: $125 (as of 2026)
- Annual report: $138.75 due each year to maintain your LLC
- Processing time: Usually 2-3 business days online
2. Pasco County Business License (~$50)
Pasco County requires a Local Business Tax Receipt (what they used to call an "occupational license"). This is separate from your state LLC.
Where to apply: Pasco County Tax Collector's Office
Website: pascotaxes.com
Cost: Approximately $50 (varies by business type)
3. Insurance - Don't Skip This ($600-$750/year)
Insurance isn't optional if you want to be taken seriously. Most residential clients and ALL commercial clients will ask for proof of insurance.
General Liability
Covers property damage, injuries, and accidents at client homes.
$500-$600/year
Surety Bond
Protects clients against theft by you or employees.
$100-$150/year
Pro tip: Get quotes from Next Insurance, Thimble, or Hiscox. They specialize in small cleaning businesses and offer monthly payment options.
4. Equipment & Supplies ($800-$1,100)
You don't need commercial-grade equipment to start. Here's our recommended starter kit:
Essential Equipment List
Vacuum Cleaner
Shark or Bissell Pro - $200-$300
Mop System
Spin mop with bucket - $40-$60
Cleaning Caddy
Carry supplies room to room - $25
Microfiber Cloths
50-pack assorted colors - $30
Spray Bottles
Heavy-duty, labeled - $15
Scrub Brushes
Various sizes - $20
Monthly Operating Costs
Once you're up and running, expect these recurring expenses:
| Monthly Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Liability insurance (monthly) | $50 |
| Restocking cleaning supplies | $100 |
| Fuel for service vehicle | $200 |
| Ongoing ads/promotions | $150 |
| Scheduling software | $20 |
| Business phone line | $50 |
| TOTAL MONTHLY | $570/mo |
When Will You Actually Make Money?
Let's do the math. In Pasco County, the going rate for residential cleaning is:
- Standard cleaning: $120-$180 per home (2-3 hours)
- Deep cleaning: $200-$350 per home
- Your hourly cost: If you pay yourself $25/hr, a 3-hour job costs you $75
- Supplies per job: Roughly $5-$10
Example: First Month Profit Calculation
10 standard cleanings @ $150 avg = $1,500 revenue
Minus supplies ($80) and gas ($150) = $1,270 gross
Minus monthly overhead ($570) = $700 profit
At 10 jobs/month, you'd recover your startup costs in about 4-5 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start a cleaning business with no money?
Technically yes, but we don't recommend it. At minimum, you need insurance ($50-$100/month) to protect yourself. Many cleaners start part-time while employed elsewhere to fund their startup costs.
Do I need to be certified to clean houses in Florida?
No certification is required for residential cleaning. However, certifications from ISSA or ARCSI can help you stand out and charge premium rates.
Should I buy a franchise instead?
Franchises like Merry Maids cost $100,000+ to start. For residential cleaning in Pasco County, an independent business is usually more profitable. You keep 100% of your earnings instead of paying franchise fees.
What about hiring employees?
Start solo first. Once you're consistently booked, you can add employees. Just know that Florida requires Workers' Compensation insurance once you have 4+ employees (or 1+ in construction).