For entrepreneurs looking for a steady, service-based venture in Florida, buying a coin laundry (laundromat) can be a smart investment option. Coin laundries provide an essential service – people always need clean clothes, and not everyone has access to laundry facilities at home. In many Florida communities, especially in areas with a lot of apartment renters, college students, or tourists (think beachside vacation rentals and RV parks), laundromats enjoy consistent demand year-round. If you’ve ever considered owning a relatively hands-off business with stable cash flow, an existing coin laundry might be worth a closer look.
One of the primary advantages of a coin laundry business is its simplicity and resilience. Laundromats typically have lower labor requirements compared to other businesses – customers do most of the work themselves. You might only need one attendant on-site for customer assistance and cleaning, or even none for certain hours if the facility is designed for self-service. This can keep payroll costs low. Additionally, laundry is often considered recession-resistant: no matter the economic climate, people still need to wash clothes regularly. In Florida’s climate, with year-round outdoor activities and tourism, the constant turnover of visitors and seasonal residents means a continuous stream of potential customers needing laundry services.
Buying an established laundromat versus starting one from scratch offers immediate benefits. The location is already proven; successful coin laundries are usually located in high-traffic, densely populated areas. You’ll also inherit existing commercial laundry machines, which are a major upfront cost if you were to open new. Commercial washers and dryers are built to last, but they eventually require maintenance or replacement – so as a buyer, check the condition and age of all equipment. An existing business should come with maintenance records and established supplier relationships for detergent, parts, and coin or card systems. Take note of whether the laundromat has modern payment options (many Florida laundromats now accept card or app payments in addition to coins, which can attract more customers).
Another factor to consider is additional revenue streams. Many laundromats earn extra income from vending machines (selling soap, fabric softener, or snacks), arcade games, or offering wash-and-fold laundry services for customers willing to pay a premium for convenience. If the business you’re eyeing doesn’t currently offer these, you might see potential for growth by adding them. Also, check the facility’s lease terms if the property is rented – Florida retail rents can vary, so ensure the lease is favorable and long enough to secure your investment.
Before purchasing a coin laundry, due diligence is key. Verify the financials: utility bills are a major expense (water and electricity usage), so review those closely. Observe the business at different times of day to gauge foot traffic. Speak with customers if possible, and ensure the premises are safe and in a good location. To fully understand the opportunity, it helps to have guidance from someone experienced in evaluating small service businesses. Truforte Business Group’s brokers have helped many buyers assess Florida laundromats and other cash-based businesses. They can provide insight on fair pricing, equipment evaluation, and local market demand. With the right due diligence – and possibly the right broker by your side – buying a coin laundry in Florida can indeed be a clean path to steady profits.
