How Much to Charge for Car Detailing in St. Petersburg?2026 Local Rates & Calculator
The St. Petersburg metro area has approximately 103,323 households - potential car detailing clients within a 15-mile radius. Clients here value reliability and quality, creating room for pros who deliver both.
Calculate Your Car Detailing Price
Enter Your Details
Suggested: $42/hr based on St. Petersburg wages
Your Pricing
Recommended Price
Range: $95 - $126
2h estimated
Standard (Full Interior/Exterior)- + Interior wipe, tire dressing
Cost Breakdown
St. Petersburg Car Detailing Market Intelligence
Pricing models, earning potential, and market comparison for car detailing in St. Petersburg.
Car Detailing Pricing Breakdown
| Pricing Model | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic wash | $26 | $53 | $79 |
| Interior detail | $79 | $131 | $210 |
| Full detail | $158 | $236 | $368 |
| Per hour | $32 | $42 | $63 |
Prices adjusted for St. Petersburg cost of living (105% of national average).
How Much Can You Earn Doing Car Detailing in St. Petersburg?
Estimates based on St. Petersburg average rates. Actual income varies by experience, efficiency, and client mix.
St. Petersburg vs Other Florida Markets
| Market | Hourly Rate | COL | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Petersburg | $42/hr | 105% | high |
| Miami(most expensive) | $49/hr | 122% | very high |
| Jacksonville(most affordable) | $39/hr | 98% | very high |
| Florida Average | $40/hr | 101% | - |
Market Position: St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg sits at the state average for Florida - price competitively and focus on service quality to stand out.
Your Business Misses 5-10 Calls a Day.
One Is a Hot Lead - Gone to a Competitor.
Every time you can't answer, that caller Googles the next business - and they pick up. 62% won't leave a voicemail. They won't call back. That's $200-500 walking out the door. Stop losing money - let AI answer while you work.
Instant Call Answering
Never miss a lead, even at 3 AM
Smart Scheduling
Books appointments directly to your calendar
SMS Follow-ups
Automatic text confirmations to callers
24/7 Availability
Works while you sleep, holidays included
"Running a service business means your hands are always busy. Voctiv is like having a receptionist for $29/month."
- John D., Service Business Owner, Arizona
Setup takes 40 seconds. While you're reading this, someone's trying to call you.
Florida Licensing Requirements
- •No state contractor license for maintenance services
- •County occupational license required in most areas
- •Workers comp required at 1 employee for landscaping (construction)
- •Workers comp required at 4 employees for cleaning services
This information is provided as general guidance only. Requirements may change and vary by locality. Always verify current requirements with state and local licensing authorities before starting your business.
St. Petersburg Car Detailing Business Tips
Local insights for running a successful car detailing business in Florida
Year-round service is expected. Don't market as "seasonal" — Floridians expect consistent 52-week availability.
Mold and mildew grow year-round in Florida humidity. Soft washing with mold treatment is essential.
Snowbird communities (Naples, Sarasota) need service when owners are away. Offer "while you're gone" packages.
Key Insight: Florida's explosive growth means constant new construction and high turnover — endless new customer acquisition.
Car Detailing Demand in Florida by Month
Plan your year around seasonal demand patterns.
Year-round demand means steady income. Focus on quality and retention.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I charge for car detailing in St. Petersburg?
In St. Petersburg, FL, you should charge $42-$63/hour for car detailing. This is 5% above the national average because St. Petersburg's cost of living is 105% of the US baseline. For typical jobs, expect to quote $84-$210.
What's the average car detailing rate in St. Petersburg, Florida?
The average car detailing rate in St. Petersburg is $42/hour or $126 per job. St. Petersburg has high demand with a population of 258K. Local pros typically charge $34-$63/hour depending on complexity.
How much do car detailing companies charge per hour in St. Petersburg?
Car Detailing companies in St. Petersburg charge $34-$63/hour (105% of national average). Entry-level jobs start around $34/hour, while complex work commands $63+/hour. The high demand in St. Petersburg supports these rates.
What factors affect car detailing prices in St. Petersburg?
Key pricing factors in St. Petersburg: (1) Cost of living - 5% above national average at 105%, (2) Market demand - high in this area, (3) Competition - St. Petersburg's 258K population creates high demand, (4) Job complexity and materials, (5) Seasonal demand fluctuations.
Do I need a license for car detailing in Florida?
Florida licensing requirements: No state contractor license for maintenance services County occupational license required in most areas Workers comp required at 1 employee for landscaping (construction) This information is provided as general guidance only. Requirements may change and vary by locality. Always verify current requirements with state and local licensing authorities before starting your business.
Is St. Petersburg a good market for car detailing businesses?
St. Petersburg shows high demand for car detailing services. With 258K residents and a 105% cost of living index, local businesses can charge $42-$63/hour. The Florida market is slightly higher than for service businesses.
How do St. Petersburg car detailing prices compare to Florida average?
St. Petersburg car detailing prices are typically 5% above the Florida state average. While state average is around $40/hour, St. Petersburg pros charge $42/hour due to the city's 105% cost of living index.
Other Services in St. Petersburg
Other Florida Cities
Based on
10,000+ quotes
Used by
5,000+ pros
Updated
January 2026
Verified by
BLS Data
Car Detailing pricing data for St. Petersburg, Florida is sourced from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Census Bureau cost of living data, and verified quotes from local service professionals.
Data Sources:
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Florida Labor Department
- U.S. Census Bureau
Last updated: January 2026