How to Start a Pressure Washing Business in Florida in 2023

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A pressure washing business is a business that makes use of pressure washers to carry out cleaning services. A pressure washer or power washer as it is also called, is a high-pressure mechanical sprayer that is used to remove dirt like clogged oil, greasy stains, unwanted graffiti, loose paint, mold, grime, dust, mud, and dirt from surfaces and objects like building facilities, vehicles, and concrete surfaces.

Usually, high-pressure water mixed with special cleaning chemicals aids in the removal of stubborn stains such as greasy stains, clogged oil, graffiti, loose paints et al especially when the water is hot.

Available data shows that in 2020, the global High-Pressure Washer market size was USD 3973.8 million and it is expected to reach USD 5055.8 million by the end of 2027 at a CAGR of 4.2%. It is important to state that the growth potential of the pressure washing industry is positive because the industry rakes in over $9 billion annually in the United States with an annual growth rate projected at 0.5 percent.

Steps on How to Start a Pressure Washing Business in Florida

Table of Contents
Conduct Market Research

The first step in the market research process for your pressure washing business in Florida is to develop market-based research questions in line with your overall business goal and objective.

In this regard, you should source information that will help you maximize your business, help you find out what your potential market will be looking out for from a pressure washing business, and also help you operate your pressure washing business with less stress and of course, build the business to profitability within the shortest time frame.

a. Who is the Target Market for Pressure Washing Business in Florida?

The public sector; government ministries, agencies, and parastatals
Organized private sector
Households
Facility managers
Restaurants
Hotels and Motels
Residential areas
Religious Centers
Warehouses
Retail locations
Educational Facilities
Lounges
Casinos
Medical Facility
Bars

b. Is Pressure Washing Business a Profitable Business in Florida?

The pressure washing business is very profitable in Florida. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 4 percent during the period 2019-2025. The implementation of stringent health and safety regulations by government and healthcare bodies around the world is fueling the demand for pressure washers.

Over the last 10 years, the industry is projected to improve its contribution to the United States economy by 3.6 percent. In some regions, professionals working with power and pressure washers can hope to earn between $40 to $60 per hour and if you provide environmental services, you could command a price of $80 to $100 and above.

c. Are There Existing Niches in the Industry?

No, there are no existing niches when it comes to the pressure washing business.

d. Who are the Major Competitors?

Top Dawg Power Washing
Top Down Exterior Cleaning
TRT Pressure Washing & Window Cleaning
Best Boca Raton Pressure Washing
Over the Top Roof Cleaning and Pressure Washing
Sunshine Pressure Washing Services
Wrightlook Pressure Washing Company LLC
Jones Pressure Cleaning of West Palm Beach
iShine Pressure Washing
Wesley Chapel Pressure Washing LLC
Peter’s Pressure Washing
Premier Pro Wash & Seal, LLC
Miami’s Pressure Washing Services
Trinidad Pressure Washing, LLC
Florida Pressure Kings – Pressure Washing and Paver Sealing of Oviedo
Naples Pressure Washing
Patrick’s Pressure Washing LLC
Holliday’s Pressure Washing Services
Green Earth Powerwashing Headquarters
DPI Pressure Washing, LLC.

e. Are There County or State Regulations or Zoning Laws for Pressure Washing Business in Florida?

Yes, there are county or state regulations and zoning laws for pressure washing businesses in Florida, and players in this industry are expected to work with the existing regulations governing such businesses in the county or state where their business is domiciled.

f. Is There a Franchise for Pressure Washing Business?

Yes, there are franchise opportunities for the pressure washing business. Here are some of them;

Men In Kilts Franchise Services, Inc.
911 Restoration, Inc.
Araya Clean
COIT Services, Inc.
Sparkle Wash
A1 Pressure Washing
Renew Crew
H2GO Mobile Wash
Green Earth Power Washing.

g. What Do You Need to Start a Pressure Washing Business in Florida?

A Feasibility Report
Business and Marketing Plans
Business Licenses and Permits
A Well-Equipped Pressure Washing Facility
EIN (Employer Identification Number) / Federal Tax ID Number.
A Corporate Bank Account
Employees
Startup Inventory

Choose a Memorable Business Name

When looking to start a business, before you can begin to file the necessary documents with the constituted authorities or start your website, it is necessary that you come up with a name that you will be recognized with. It is essential that the name you come up with can easily be pronounced, is unique and easily memorable.
Some of the catchy business name ideas suitable for a pressure washing business are;

Creative Pressure Washing Business Name ideas

Power Jack® Pressure Washing Company, Inc.
Lehigh Acres® Pressure Washing Company, Inc.
Clean Nation® Pressure Washing Company, Inc.
Rick Nelson™ Pressure Washing Company, Inc.
Prince Wallace® Pressure Washing Company, Inc.
Gray Street® Pressure Washing Company, Inc.
Frank Jonhson® Pressure Washing Company, Inc.
Palm Bay® Pressure Washing Company, LLC
Lincoln Wash® Pressure Washing Company, Inc.
Wash Master® Pressure Washing Company, Inc.
Ralph Williams® Pressure Washing Company, Inc.
Bourn Mort® Pressure Washing Company, LLC
Colly Bonny® Pressure Washing Company, Inc.
Pembroke Pines® Pressure Washing Company, LLC
Daniel Bruce® Pressure Washing Company, Inc.
Coral Springs® Pressure Washing Company, Inc.
Partee Parley® Pressure Washing Company, Inc.
Port St. Lucie® Pressure Washing Company, LLC
Straus Gabby® Pressure Washing Company, Inc.
Cape Coral© Pressure Washing Company, Inc.

Register Your Business

a. What Type of Business Structure is Best for Pressure Washing Business in Florida?

Even though there are several options when it comes to the business structure for a pressure washing business in Florida, the one that most players in this line of business consider is an LLC. It is common to consider an LLC because providers want to protect themselves from lawsuits.

Please note that an LLC will need an EIN if it has employees or if it will be required to file any of the excise tax forms listed below.

b. Steps to Form an LLC

Choose a Name for Your LLC.
File Articles of Organization.
Choose a registered agent.
Decide on member vs. manager management.
Create an LLC operating agreement.
Comply with other tax and regulatory requirements.
File annual reports.

c. What Type of License is Needed to Open a Pressure Washing Business in Florida?

General Business License
Fire and Safety Permit (Fire certificates)
Zonal Permits
Signage Permit
State Occupational Licenses
Operational State Facility Inspections (Building Permits)

d. What Type of Certification is Needed to Open a Pressure Washing Business in Florida?

You don’t need any certifications to open a pressure washing business.

e. What Documents are Needed to Open a Pressure Washing Business in Florida?

DBA
EIN
Business and liability insurance
Federal Tax Payer’s ID
State Permit and Building Approval
Federal Export Licenses
Certificate of Incorporation
Business License
Business Plan
Employment Agreement (offer letters)
Operating Agreement for LLCs
Insurance Policy
Online Terms of Use
Online Privacy Policy Document
Contract Document
Company Bylaws
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

f. Do You Need a Trademark, Copyright, or Patent?

If you are considering starting a pressure washing business in Florida, usually you may not have any need to file for intellectual property protection or trademark. This is so because the nature of the business makes it possible for you to successfully run it without having any cause to challenge anybody in court for illegally making use of your company’s intellectual properties.

Cost Analysis and Budgeting

a. How Much Does It Cost to Start a Pressure Washing Business in Florida?

When it comes to starting a pressure washing business, the startup costs vary and could range from $100,000 to over $350,000.

b. What are the Costs Involved in Starting a Pressure Washing Business in Florida

The total fee for registering a business in the United States of America – $750.
Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and as well as the accounting services totaling – $3,500.
Marketing promotion expenses – $3,500
The cost for hiring a business consultant (writing of business plans inclusive) – $2,500.
Insurance (general liability, workers’ compensation, and property casualty) coverage – $5,400.
The cost of accounting software, CRM software, and Payroll Software – $1,500
The cost for payment of rent and business office – $72,000.
The cost for facility remodeling – $50,000
The cost for equipping the pressure washing facility – $120,000
Other start-up expenses including stationery – $1,500
Phone and utility deposits will cost – ($2,500)
Operational cost for the first 3 months (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $30,000
The cost for start-up inventory – $18,000
The cost for store equipment (cash register, security, ventilation, signage) – $3,150
The cost for the purchase of office furniture and gadgets – $8,000.
The cost of launching an official website – $600
Miscellaneous – $2,500

c. What Factors Determine the Cost of Opening a Pressure Washing Business in Florida?

The size of the pressure washing business
The choice of location
The required licenses and permits
The cost for branding, promotion, and marketing of the pressure washing business
The cost of furnishing and equipping the pressure washing facility
The cost of the insurance policy covers
The cost of registering the business
Source of your supplies and ongoing expenses
Cost of recruiting and training your staff
The cost for the purchase and customizing of uniforms

d. Do You Need to Build a Facility? If YES, How Much Will It Cost?

It is not compulsory to build a new facility for your pressure washing business.

e. What are the Ongoing Expenses of a Pressure Washing Business?

The ongoing expenses for a pressure washing business include the labor costs, lease payments for the equipment and the van(s), insurance, purchase of supplies, telephone and internet subscription, fueling, and the amount allocated to the monthly marketing efforts.

f. What is the Average Salary of your Staff?

Manager (Owner) – $55,000 Per Year
Accountant (Cashier) – $35,000 Per Year
Pressure Washing Machine Operators – $30,100 Per Year
Utility Truck Driver -$30,000 Per Year

g. How Do You Get Funding to Start a Pressure Washing Business?

Raising money from personal savings and sale of personal stocks and properties
Raising money from investors and business partners
Sell shares to interested investors
Applying for a loan from your bank/banks
Pitching your business idea and applying for business grants and seed funding from the government, donor organizations, and angel investors
Source for soft loans from your family members and friends.

Write a Business Plan

a. Executive Summary

Rick Nelson™ Pressure Washing Company, Inc. is a standard pressure washing company that is located in a full-service state-of-the-art facility that has the following features: a seventy-foot fully automatic tunnel; 3 high-pressure wand self-service bays; and 5 vacuum stations complete with fragrance and carpet shampoo dispensing machines,

Insulator washers with a pump pressure of about 1000 psi and a nozzle pressure between 500 and 750 psi, centrifugal water pump, stainless steel water storage tank, high-pressure water hose, high-pressure dead-man type water wash gun and Electrical grounds for the wash gun and washing system

We will offer both in-station and out-station services.

b. Products and Service

Swimming pool cleaning and maintenance
Parking lot sweeping
Graffiti removal/washing
Drain and gutter cleaning
Ventilation duct cleaning
Chimney sweep services
Window washing
Drain, duct, and gutter cleaning
Pool maintenance
Parking lot and driveway washing
Chimney sweep services
Providing other outdoor maintenance services
Other related industrial cleaning services.

c. Mission Statement

Our mission is to establish a world-class pressure washing business that will make available excellent pressure washing services at affordable prices to the residents of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Vision Statement

Our vision is to establish a standard pressure washing business that will be among the top 5 pressure washing businesses in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

d. Goals and Objectives

The goals and objectives of a pressure washing business are to deploy pressure washing machines that are used to remove dirt like clogged oil, greasy stains, unwanted graffiti, loose paint, mold, grime, dust, mud, and dirt from surfaces and objects like building facilities, vehicles, concrete surfaces, etc.

e. Organizational Structure

Manager (Owner)
Accountant
Pressure Washing Machine Operators
Utility Truck Driver

Marketing Plan

a. SWOT Analysis

Strength:

Ideal location
Excellent operational history
Availability of the latest and easy-to-operate pressure washing machine and equipment
Accurate estimates with no hidden costs
Excellent customer testimonials

Weakness:

Not enough existing clientele to run at full capacity immediately
We will need a loan to build our pressure washing facility and to purchase the equipment and related accessories
The owner is currently running the business solo and will need to manage construction/build out the existing business
Lack of economies of scale.

Opportunities:

Build upon existing clientele
Online market, new services, new technology, and of course the opening of new markets.

Threat:

Loans diminish profitability until they are paid off
The first year will be financially tight while we gain customers and pay off loans
Competition in the area could increase
Management of employees requires time, money, and efforts
The transport department could change its regulatory status and decide to enforce strict regulations that can strangulate new businesses.

b. How Do Pressure washing businesses Make Money?

Pressure washing businesses make money from offering the following services;

Swimming pool cleaning and maintenance
Parking lot sweeping
Graffiti removal/washing
Drain and gutter cleaning
Ventilation duct cleaning
Chimney sweep services
Window washing
Drain, duct, and gutter cleaning
Pool maintenance
Parking lot and driveway washing
Chimney sweep services
Providing other outdoor maintenance services
Other related industrial cleaning services.

c. Payment Options

Payment via bank transfer
Payment with cash
Payment via credit cards
Payment via online bank transfer
Payment via check
Payment via mobile money transfer

d. Sales & Advertising Strategies

Introduce your pressure washing business by sending introductory letters alongside your brochure to corporate organizations, factories, households, and other key stakeholders throughout the city where your pressure washing business is located.
Advertise on the internet on blogs and forums, and also on social media like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to get your message across
Create a basic website for your business so as to give your business an online presence
Directly market your pressure washing services
Join local pressure washing business associations for industry trends and tips
Provide discount days for your customers
Advertise your business in community-based newspapers, local TV and radio stations
List your business on yellow pages ads (local directories) and online directories
Encourage the use of word-of-mouth marketing (referrals)

Financial Projection

a. How Much Should You Charge for your Product/Service?

It depends, but generally, high-pressure cleaning costs $150 for 1 – 30 square meters, $180 for 40 square meters, $200 for 50 square meters, and $325 for 100 square meters. Price also depends on the area to be cleaned: $200 for a driveway, $150 for patio paving, and $350 for the exterior of your home.

b. How Much Profit Do Pressure Washing Business Owners Make a Year in Florida?

Many factors can affect pressure washing business income, but on average, it can start from $41,000 per year to over $68,000 per year.

c. What Factors Determine the Amount of Profit to Be Made?

The capacity of the pressure washing business
The location the pressure washing business is covering
The management style of the pressure washing business
The business approach of the pressure washing business
The advertising and marketing strategies adopted by the pressure washing business.
The number of years the pressure washing business is in business

d. What is the Profit Margin of a Pressure Washing Business Product/Service?

The profit margin of a pressure washing business is not fixed; to a large extent, it will depend on factors that are unique to your location and of course, the men, machines, and materials needed to carry out the job.

e. What is the Sales Forecast?

Below is the sales forecast for a pressure washing business. It is based on the location of the business and other factors as it relates to such startups in Florida;

First Fiscal Year: $280,000
Second Fiscal Year: $340,000
Third Fiscal Year: $400,000

Set Up your Shop/Office

a. How Do You Choose a Perfect Location for Pressure Washing Business in Florida?

The demography of the location
The demand for pressure washing services in the location
The purchasing power of businesses and residents of the location
Accessibility of the location
The number of pressure washing businesses in the location
The local laws and regulations in the community/state
Traffic, parking and security et al

b. What City is Best to Open a Pressure Washing Business in Florida?

Jacksonville, Florida
Hialeah, Florida
Riverview, Florida
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Miami, Florida
Saint Cloud, Florida
Pompano Beach, Florida
Tallahassee, Florida
Pensacola, Florida
Bradenton, Florida.

c. What Equipment is Needed to Operate a Pressure Washing Business?

Commercial Pressure Washer
Water Tank
Vacuum Cleaner
Steam Cleaner
Buffer
Buffer Heads
Set of Microfiber Cloths
Washing systems, such as a conveyor tunnel or self-service wands.

Hire Employees

When it comes to hiring employees for a standard pressure washing business, you should make plans to hire a competent manager (owner), accountant, pressure washing machine operators, and truck drivers.

Launch the Business Proper

In recent times, no pressure washing business opens its door for business without first organizing an opening party to officially launch the business. You can choose to do a soft opening if you are operating on a low budget or you can go for a grand opening party.

With a proper launching of the pressure washing business, you will officially inform people in your city that your pressure washing business is open for business.

a. What Makes a Pressure Washing Business Successful?

Choose a good location and facility to launch the business
Install easy-to-use pressure washing equipment and machines
Be deliberate with your marketing sales approach
Encourage the use of word of mouth to promote your pressure washing business
Leverage all available online and offline platforms to promote your pressure washing business

b. What Happens During a Typical Day at a Pressure Washing Business?

The facility is opened, cleaned, and arranged
The stocks are taken and washing supplies are replaced
The facility is then opened for business
When customers walk in they are attended to and if they want out-of-station services, the truck takes the required equipment, machines, and manpower to the site.
The office facility is closed for the day and accounts are balanced and the workers go home hoping to resume the next day.

c. What Skills and Experience Do You Need to Build a Pressure Washing Business?

Attention to details
Customer services skills
Interpersonal skill
Accounting and bookkeeping skills
Business management skills
Bargaining and bidding skills
Work experience in a pressure washing business environment
Experience in managing people
Experience in business administration.