Do You Need a License to Run a Pressure Washing Business? Here’s What Most Contractors Get Wrong About Licensing

Trudi Weickum
Jul 19
2 min read

Man holding pressure washer on a license with blue text: "Pressure Washing License," "License No. 123456," "Expiration 12/31/2025." — Pressure Washing License

One of the most common questions I get from new contractors is this:

“What kind of license do I need to pressure wash legally?”

And the answer surprises a lot of people.

👉 In most states, there is no specific “pressure washing license.”

That’s right. There usually isn’t a dedicated license category just for pressure washing or soft washing.

But that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook.

Let’s break down what you do need — and what happens if you skip this step.

So… What Is Your Business Actually Licensed As?

Here’s what most states require:

✅ A General Business License

This allows you to operate a service-based business legally in your state, county, or city. In many areas, it falls under a “janitorial,” “contractor,” or “maintenance” category.

Check with your local business licensing department or Secretary of State website to see how pressure washing is classified.

✅ A Sales Tax Permit (in applicable states)

If your state charges sales tax on services (some do, some don’t), you’ll need to register with the Department of Revenue to collect and remit those taxes properly.

✅ A Contractor’s License (in some cities/states)

In a few areas — especially places like California, Florida, or certain large municipalities — pressure washing may fall under a broader contractor license requirement.

That might include:

A background check
Insurance verification
Exams or certifications

Check your local contractor licensing board to be safe.

✅ A Water Discharge or Reclamation Permit

Some cities and counties — especially near protected waterways — may require a stormwater permit or a wash water recovery system to prevent runoff from entering storm drains.

This is especially important if you’re:

Soft washing roofs
Cleaning commercial properties
Working near landscaping, lakes, or drainage systems

What Happens If You Operate Without the Right License?

Here’s the risk if you skip this step:

🚫 Fines from the city or county.

🚫 Shut-down orders mid-job.

🚫 Ineligibility for insurance claims.

🚫 Loss of trust with customers who check your credentials.

🚫 Trouble securing large commercial contracts.

It’s not just about legality — it’s about credibility.

So What Should You Do?

✅ Step 1: Look up your city and state’s business license requirements.

✅ Step 2: Register your business officially (LLC, Sole Prop, etc.)

✅ Step 3: Apply for any local licenses, tax permits, or environmental certifications.

✅ Step 4: Get general liability insurance, and keep a copy on your truck.

✅ Step 5: Display your license number (if required) on your website, quotes, or vehicles.

We Cover This — and More — at the Panhandle Pressure Washing Expo

When you attend the Panhandle Expo, you’ll learn from real contractors and industry experts who’ve done it all the right way — and sometimes the hard way.

We talk about: