Dry Cleaning and Laundering Businesses - Laws

Dry cleaners must follow certain procedures whenever a claim is made for loss, damage or delay resulting from the cleaner’s performance.

A customer has up to 30 days after receiving their garments to notify a cleaner in writing of any claim for loss, damage or delay resulting from the cleaner’s performance.

The cleaner must promptly and thoroughly investigate each claim made in writing. If the claim cannot be satisfied in 15 days, the cleaner must advise the claimant of the status of the claim and the reason for the delay. The cleaner must object to or satisfy a customer’s claim within 30 days after receipt of the claim.

A cleaner may not charge a customer a different price for service based on the customer's gender. However, a business is permitted to charge a different price if the goods or services involve more time, difficulty or cost.

If you think that a business has been unfair, deceptive, or discriminatory in its dealings with you, or has violated these laws, submit a consumer complaint by email, mail or fax, or call the Mediation Center at 786-469-2333.

You may be entitled to compensatory damages, attorney’s fees and court costs from the person or business committing the violation. In addition, you are entitled to threefold damages with a minimum of $200 if a willful violation is established.

Additional possible remedies include the right to institute a civil action in court to seek temporary or permanent, prohibitory or mandatory injunctive relief to enforce compliance with or prohibit the violation of any of the provisions of this article.

The director of the Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources may also institute a civil action in court to impose and recover a civil penalty in an amount of not more than $10,000 for each violation of any of the provisions of this ordinance.
Dry cleaning businesses are required to post their prices where customers can easily see them. It is unlawful for the cleaner to charge a price that exceeds the applicable price on the sign, unless special handling of the clothing or fabric is necessary.

If special handling is necessary, the cleaner is required to explain to the customer the reason for the difference in price and provide the total amount. Cleaning provided by means of a pickup and drop-off delivery service is exempt from these price-posting requirements.

Cleaners who fail to post or maintain the price sign, or charge the customer more than the maximum price stated, may be fined $200.

Consumer Mediation Center

Miami-Dade County's Mediation Center receives, processes and investigates consumer complaints, mediates disputes between consumers and businesses, identifies violations of the law by business operators, and issues civil citations.

Permitting and Inspection Center
11805 SW 26th Street
2nd Floor
Miami, FL 33175
Email: consumer@miamidade.gov
Phone: 786-469-2333
Fax: 786-469-2303
Hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Walk-ins are accepted.