Best Low-Cost Franchises in Florida Under $100k (2026)

By The Franchise Browser Editorial

Many "low-cost franchise" lists repeat marketing claims or old numbers. This one is built from each brand's current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), as filed with the Minnesota Department of Commerce CARDS database, a public state registry of franchise filings. To make the list, a brand had to meet two tests:

• the low end of its Item 7 estimated initial investment is under $100,000, and
• its Item 20 outlet table reports franchised units in Florida at the end of 2025.

For each brand we say whether the whole range is under $100,000 or only the low end. Item 7 is the franchisor's estimate, not a quote, and nothing here is a recommendation. For a wider view of the state, see our Florida franchise hub.

How we checked these brands

Under the FTC Franchise Rule, Item 5 discloses initial fees, Item 7 the estimated initial investment, and Item 20 outlet counts by state. The FTC's Consumer's Guide to Buying a Franchise explains each item. For every brand we used the latest Clean FDD posted to Minnesota CARDS as of October 2026. We cite the CARDS document number and the issuance date printed in the FDD. We used no sales or earnings figures.

The list: 12 franchises with Florida units starting under $100k

Florida units are not the same as open territory

A brand's Item 20 can show Florida units even when no new territory is available in the state. Existing franchisees may already hold the territories you'd want. Pet Butler is a good example. Its 2026 FDD reports 3 Florida franchised outlets at the end of 2025, and its Item 7 starts at $96,325. Budget Blinds reports 99 Florida franchised outlets in its 2026 FDD. Unit counts like these tell you a brand operates in Florida, not that a territory is still open for a new franchisee. Before you rely on it or spend money on due diligence, confirm availability with the franchisor or a franchise broker, ask in writing which Florida territories are open, and get a map of the territory you're offered.

What the FDDs say about each brand

Under $100k across the whole range

• Cruise Planners. The fee depends on your travel-industry experience: $10,995 for a new advisor, $6,995 or $3,995 with some experience, and $695 for a seasoned advisor (Item 5). Florida had 781 franchised outlets at the end of 2025, more than any other brand here.
• WIN Home Inspection. On top of the $21,000 fee, you pay $9,500 for a Startup Launch Program when you sign. The FDD says fees it actually collected in 2025 ranged from $14,250 to $15,000, and it offers a discount program for veterans and first responders (Item 5). Florida had 15 franchised outlets at the end of 2025, down from 21.
• Image One. The fee covers an "Affiliate Franchise" for a single territory. Optional cleaning supplies and equipment cost $2,000 to $6,000. Location marketing costs $1,500 to set up and then $1,500 a month (Item 5). It's a small Florida presence: 4 franchised outlets at the end of 2025.
• Challenge Island. The standard fee is $49,900. Educators get 10% off, and there are lower fees for additional franchises (Item 5). Florida had 17 franchised outlets at the end of 2025.
• TruBlue. The $54,900 fee covers a territory of 175,000 to 200,000 people. Above 200,000, you pay an extra $500 per 1,000 people. The Item 7 total excludes real estate costs (Items 5 and 7).
• The Alternative Board. Besides the $44,000 fee, you pay $24,500 for initial training and $2,500 for marketing in your first three months. Eligible veterans get 10% off the franchise fee (Item 5).

Only the low end is under $100k

• Brightway Insurance. Brightway is based in Jacksonville. You can pay the fee as a $25,000 lump sum, or pay $35,000 in total through a $10,000 deposit and a promissory note (Items 1 and 5). Florida is its largest market on this list, with 173 franchised outlets at the end of 2025.
• Soccer Stars. Along with the $49,500 fee, you buy a starter kit of equipment from an affiliate for about $2,300 to $4,000 (Item 5). Don't confuse it with Soccer Shots, which is a different company.
• HouseMaster. The fee is $42,500 for a typical territory of 75,000 owner-occupied homes (Item 5). Its Item 7 table shows $73,878 to $132,689, but the cover page gives a high end of $130,661. Ask the franchisor which is right.
• Sandler. The fee is a uniform $65,000, with a $5,000 discount for honorably discharged U.S. veterans (Item 5).
• Dryer Vent Wizard. The minimum fee is $49,900. In 2025, the fees franchisees actually paid ranged from $22,977 to $54,725 (Item 5).
• Fresh Coat. The $54,900 fee works the same way as TruBlue's: $500 more per 1,000 people above 200,000. A territory reservation requires a $10,000 deposit (Item 5). Florida had 37 franchised outlets at the end of 2025, up from 31.

Florida rules: no franchise registration, but an FDACS exemption filing

Florida doesn't register franchises or review FDDs the way Minnesota does. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) says franchise sellers "are no longer required to file registration documents" with the department.

There is still a filing requirement. Florida's Sale of Business Opportunities Act exempts a franchise only if it meets the FTC's franchise definition and the franchisor files a notice with the department before offering or selling in Florida (Fla. Stat. 559.802). The notice must state that the franchisor substantially complies with the FTC Franchise Rule, the fee can't exceed $100, and the exemption must be renewed every year (also for a fee of no more than $100). "The department" means FDACS (s. 559.801). FDACS confirms that the franchise exemption filing remains in place and must be filed every year. The notice asks only for basic identifying details, such as the franchisor's name, the franchise name, its business address and its federal employer identification number (s. 559.802(3)).

Florida's franchise misrepresentation statute, Fla. Stat. 817.416, covers intentional misrepresentation of a franchise's chances of success or its known required total investment. Federal rules apply too: you must get the FDD at least 14 days before you sign or pay (FTC).

How to use this list

1. Read past the total. Item 7 notes may exclude real estate, vehicles or extra territory, and territory-based fees rise with population.
2. Check the Florida trend. Item 20 shows Florida openings, terminations and closures. WIN went from 21 to 15 Florida outlets in 2025, while Fresh Coat grew from 31 to 37.
3. Confirm open territory. Existing units in a state don't mean a territory is still open. Confirm availability with the franchisor or a broker.
4. Call Florida franchisees listed in Item 20, and rely only on Item 19 for any earnings information (FTC).
5. Ask about the Florida exemption filing, and have a franchise attorney review the agreement.

If you're thinking about a food concept with a bigger budget, our guide to pizza franchise opportunities in Florida compares 2026 FDD costs that start around $125,000 and run past $1 million.

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