If You Clean It, Fix It, Install It, or Maintain It—Read This First
If you’re in the field—trucks on the road, tools in hand, customers in buildings or backyards—then Florida’s licensing game applies to you.
This isn’t a paperwork suggestion.
It’s your legal right to operate.
Whether you’re cleaning pools, servicing HVAC systems, repairing storefront glass, pressure washing HOA sidewalks, or doing recurring facility maintenance—you need to be licensed. And you need to be licensed right.
Here’s how to handle the red tape before it becomes a revenue problem.
1. Already Registered? Good. If Not—Go Back First.
Your legal business entity should already be registered with the state.
LLC, Corporation, or DBA—filed through Sunbiz, with your Florida Document Number in hand.
If that’s not done, stop here.
You can’t get a business license, open accounts, or pull permits without it.
Registering Your Business in Florida
2. Sales Tax Certificate (If You Provide Taxable Services)
Website: https://floridarevenue.com
If you sell parts, materials, or anything taxable alongside your labor (like pool chemicals, filters, replacement components, etc.), you may need to collect sales tax.
Common in:
- Pool service companies selling chemicals
- Pressure washing with bundled equipment fees
- Commercial maintenance invoicing parts with markup
- Field repair services
The DOR decides what’s taxable. Not you. Register to be safe.
3. Get Your Local Business Tax Receipts (City + County)
Also called: Business license, occupational license
You’ll need:
- One from your county
- One from the city (if you operate inside city limits)
This applies whether you run a warehouse, a home office, or you’re 100% mobile.
Common red-flag industries:
- Janitorial and commercial cleaning
- Pool service and pool repair
- Window tint and pressure washing
- Landscaping and lawn care
- General handyman and home repair
- Facility maintenance subcontractors
- Low-voltage cable or camera installers
Where to go:
Search “[Your County] business tax receipt” or visit your local tax collector’s site.
Even if you’re based in a rural zip code and never see walk-in traffic—you still need this.
4. Know What DBPR Regulates
Website: https://myfloridalicense.com
For many trades, especially ones tied to public safety or structural work, the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) controls your license.
You’ll need this if you:
- Touch electrical systems
- Handle gas or pool equipment
- Contract jobs over $2,500
- Do renovation, plumbing, or structural work
- Want to advertise as “licensed and insured”
DBPR Applies To:
- Certified and Registered General Contractors
- Pool/Spa Service Contractors (CPO not enough—this is a state license)
- Residential and Commercial Electricians
- HVAC/Mechanical Contractors
- Roofers, Drywall, Glass & Glazing
- Home Inspectors and Mold Assessors
If you’re quoting jobs for resorts, apartment complexes, or commercial properties—your clients may require a DBPR license on file before awarding contracts.
Bonus: Many licenses under DBPR allow you to subcontract work (legally) and pull permits without needing to piggyback on another company’s credentials.
What DBPR Handles:
- Licensing exams
- Background checks and insurance verification
- Renewals
- Public license lookup (used by commercial clients)
- Investigations and fines (if someone reports you)
Pro tip: If you’re using subcontractors, make sure they are licensed too—or you’re the one exposed when the inspector shows up.
Think unlicensed work doesn’t affect you? It already has. Here’s what you need to know.
5. Other Industry-Specific Permits (If Applicable)
Not everything runs through DBPR. Depending on what you offer, you might also need:
- DOH Permits: For any services touching water treatment or sanitation (rare for pool service, but possible)
- DOT or FDACS: For pest control, fuel storage, or operating large landscape rigs
- Fire Marshal Approval: If you store hazardous chemicals or fuel onsite
- Auto Dealer License (DHSMV): If you flip fleet trucks or sell used vehicles as part of your ops
If your equipment, fleet, or storage presents safety risks—somebody regulates it.
Florida Licensing Checklist for Service Operators
✅ Business formed through Sunbiz.org
✅ Sales tax certificate from FloridaRevenue.com (if applicable)
✅ City and County Business Tax Receipts
✅ DBPR license (if you’re in a regulated trade)
✅ Zoning and Fire compliance (for shop or yard locations)
✅ Confirm subcontractor licenses and coverage
Final Word
In Florida, it’s easy to get started.
But if you’re in the trades, servicing property, or handling chemicals, electricity, or construction?
You don’t just need permission—you need the right permissions.
This isn’t just about staying out of trouble.
It’s about winning bigger jobs, bidding on contracts, and protecting your business when something goes sideways.
Because when it does?
The first thing they’ll ask for is your license.
So handle it now—while it’s easy.
Before it gets expensive.