If you’re tired of answering to someone else at work, maybe it’s time to branch out on your own. Operating your own business in Florida can be incredibly daunting, or not. Depending on you. With the country likely heading into a recession, and gas prices at all time highs, risking a lot of money right now might not be the best move. So today we’re going to look at businesses with less than $10,000 start up costs. Some of these may include things you already have and could bring the initial costs all the way to zero. GoBankingRates helped compile this list which I have adapted to better reflect our home here in Florida, but most of this info would work just about anywhere in the United States. If you’re not looking for a different job, but rather another job, check out “The 11 Best Side Gig To Help Pay For Gas And Rent“. It’s full of smaller Florida Businesses ideas that won’t make you enough income to quit your job, but it will help you get by.

As with any big decision, do your research. You should never just take one piece of info and run with it. The figures used here are approximations that are meant only to get you started. For many of these it’s also a good idea to have a website. Good luck with your new gig!

Florida Businesses

• Day Care Owner

  • Approximate investment: $1,000
  • Potential earnings: $1,000 to $5,000 per month

  To run a daycare you’ll need a license, insurance, and supplies. Here is the link to get you started on getting the proper license. Since it’s YOUR business, you could also make this into a side gig by limiting your hours of operation to mornings, evenings, or weekends, based on the schedule of your other job.

• Lawn Care

  • Approximate investment: $1,000 to $3,000
  • Potential  earnings: $2,000 to $5,000 per month

  You really just need a lawnmower, and hedge trimmers to get started. You can build from there with a trailer and more equipment. Take a look here at insurance for your business. The biggest thing to keep in mind here as how hot it gets here in the SWFL summer. I do my own lawn/hedges/and landscaping and after 90 minutes in the July heat I am dripping in sweat.

• Court Transcript Proofreader

  • Approximate investment: $2,500
  • Potential earnings: $2,000 to $3,000 per month

  You can get started on this by using Google Docs but to really do it you’ll need software and equipment. If you’re serious, here’s a course you can take. Here’s a video that better explains the job:

• Bookkeeper

  • Approximate investment: $1,000 to $2,000
  • Potential earnings: $3,000 to $4,000 per month

  You actually don’t need a degree to do this but some online courses couldn’t hurt. Learn Quickbooks. Next, become an Enrolled Agent via the IRS. You’ll need insurance, and also a business license. I’ve provided the links.

• Real Estate Agent

  • Approximate investment: $1,500
  • Potential earnings: $2,000 to $10,000 per month

  This is a super competitive business right now, but if you think you have what it takes to rise above the rest, you’ll need to pay upfront costs for coursework, license and agency costs. After that, you’ll need to constantly market yourself to get new clients. That’s the downside on this one. Your repeat business is a lot more limited. 

• Freelance Writer

  • Approximate investment: $0
  • Potential earnings: $2,000 to $3,000 per month

  Just need a computer and internet to get started. Then it’s all on your skills as a writer. Create a WordPress website or something similar to show your work. Update your Linkedin.

• Natural Childbirth Educator

  • Approximate investment: $1,000
  • Potential earnings: $1,000 to $2,000 per month

  Your job here is to teach expectant mothers about natural childbirth. You’ll need ‘childbirth educator certification’. There’s several different places where you can get the training / certification.

• Retail Arbitrageur

  • Approximate investment: $3,000
  • Potential earnings: $1,000 to $2,000 per month

  Buying cheap stuff and reselling it on Amazon and ebay. One of the methods I’ve seen used for this is buying something in bulk from China and selling the items individually at a substantial markup. The risk here would be getting stuck with a bunch of items. A shady way of working this hustle without inventory is to sell items on Amazon for more than what you can buy them for. ie selling a bottle of Ocean Spray Cranberry on Amazon for $3.59, then buying that same item on the Walmart site for $2.29 and take advantage of Walmart’s free delivery. You pocket the difference without even seeing the item you sold. Don’t sleep on estate sales, either. There’s a lot of them here in the retirement capitol of Florida.

• Photographer or Videographer

  • Approximate investment: $5,000
  • Potential earnings: $3,000 to $6,000 per month

  I actually have the job I’m doing now because the girl who quit left to go shoot wedding photography. Huge business here in SWFL. You’ll want an expensive looking camera to wow the clients, even if you could take some of the pictures with your iphone. You’ll also need editing software at home, I use Adobe Creative Cloud which has plans starting at 10 bucks a month. Also, don’t be afraid to chase after jobs that are above your level. You can rent the additional equipment you need. You don’t have to tell the client you rented some of the gear, you’ll just look like a pro with all the toys. Fake it til you make it , right?

• Virtual Assistant

  • Approximate investment: $200
  • Potential  earnings: $3,000 to $6,000 per month

  Remember Microsoft Clippy? You can be Clippy!  Not really, but the job description really is simple. Know how to get things done, and do it. You could be answering emails, arrange travel, specialize in social media, and a lot more. Here’s a better idea of what the job is.

• Info Product Salesperson

  • Approximate investment: $300
  • Potential earnings: $2,000 to $3,000 per month

  Making videos that teach, or sell things to others. How often have you gone to Youtube and typed “How do I ______”. Someone made that video, and they’re collecting revenue when you watch it. What are you really good at? What’s you special skill?

• Dog Walker and Sitter

  • Approximate investment: $600
  • Potential  earnings: $1,500 to $3,500 per month

  People in Southwest Florida love their pets, and they also love to travel. So who takes care of the puppies and kitties when they’re gone? That’s you!

• Personal Trainer

  • Approximate investment: $4,200
  • Potential earnings: $2,500 to $7,500 per month

  Well, you need to be in shape for this one, and annoyingly energetic. Personal trainers need to be certified, here’s how to do that. Most personal trainers advertise on social media, which cuts down on expenses. You can make some extra money by making customized exercise and eating plans.

• Estate Sale Manager

  • Approximate investment: $400
  • Potential earnings: $2,000 to $5,000 per month

  You just need some liability insurance and the ability to convince people to hire you. It’s all marketing. You keep a commission on what you sell, usually 20-50%. Make a website so you look professional and find a way to advertise and get the word out that you’re the person who can get top dollar for the items. In some instances you may be selling items for a family that’s out of town. That’s why you need the pro looking website to get the clients.

• Good luck!

  

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