Last updated: February 23, 2026
Starting a landscaping business in Florida is a strong opportunity — year-round growing seasons, explosive residential development, and high demand for maintenance services. The good news: you don’t need a state license for general landscaping work like mowing, trimming, planting, and mulching. But Florida has several requirements that catch landscapers off guard, especially the construction classification for workers’ comp and the GI-BMP certification for fertilizer application.
This guide covers every requirement, cost, and step to legally start and operate a landscaping business in Florida, whether you’re a solo lawn care operator or building a full-service crew.
Landscaping Business Requirements in Florida at a Glance
| Requirement | Agency | Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| LLC Formation (Articles of Organization) | FL Division of Corporations (Sunbiz) | $125 | 3–5 business days |
| Federal EIN | IRS | Free | Immediate (online) |
| GI-BMP Certification (fertilizer application) | UF/IFAS & FDACS | ~$60 total | 1–2 days (training + exam) |
| LCLM License (pesticide/herbicide application) | FL Dept. of Agriculture (FDACS) | $150 exam + $75/year renewal | 2–4 weeks |
| County Business Tax Receipt | County Tax Collector | $30–$190 | 1–2 weeks |
| General Liability Insurance | Commercial insurer | $600–$1,500/year | Same day |
| Commercial Auto Insurance | Commercial insurer | ~$3,192/year | Same day |
| Equipment / Inland Marine Insurance | Commercial insurer | $500–$1,500/year | Same day |
| Workers’ Comp Insurance (required at 1 employee) | Commercial insurer | ~$2.75–$5.50 per $100 payroll | Same day |
| Trailer Registration (+ title if 2,000+ lbs) | FLHSMV | Varies | Same day (in person) |
| Sales Tax Registration (retail plant sales only) | FL Dept. of Revenue | Free (online) | 7–10 days for certificate |
| Irrigation Contractor License | DBPR | Varies | Separate contractor license required |
| State Landscaping License (general work) | N/A | Not required | — |
How to Start a Landscaping Business in Florida (Step by Step)
Step 1: Form Your Florida LLC
File your Articles of Organization online at Sunbiz.org. Total cost: $125 ($100 filing fee + $25 registered agent fee). Processing takes 3–5 business days.
Your LLC name must include “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” or “Limited Liability Company” and must be distinguishable from existing entities on file. You’ll need a Florida Registered Agent with a physical street address in the state — you can serve as your own registered agent if you have a Florida address.
If you want to operate under a different name (e.g., “Green Edge Lawn Care” instead of “Green Edge Lawn Care LLC”), file a Fictitious Name Registration for $50.
Step 2: Get Your Federal EIN
Apply for a free Employer Identification Number at IRS.gov. You’ll receive it immediately when applying online. You need this to open a business bank account, and it’s required if you plan to hire employees.
Step 3: Get GI-BMP Certification (If Applying Fertilizer)
The Green Industries Best Management Practices (GI-BMP) certification is required in 130+ Florida counties and cities for anyone applying fertilizer commercially. This is not optional — many jurisdictions require it for business tax receipt renewal.
- Training: ~$20 (available online through UF/IFAS)
- Exam: $15
- FDACS certification fee: $25
- Total cost: ~$60
- Valid: 4 years
Jurisdictions requiring GI-BMP include: Hillsborough, Orange (required for BTR renewal), Brevard, Martin, Seminole, Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, Miami-Dade, and many more. Check the UF/IFAS interactive map to see if your service area requires it.
Fertilizer blackout periods: Many Florida counties ban nitrogen and phosphorus application from June 1 through September 30 (rainy season). Violating local fertilizer ordinances can result in fines — know your county’s rules.
Step 4: Get Your LCLM License (If Applying Pesticides or Herbicides)
General landscaping work (mowing, trimming, planting, mulching) does not require a state license. However, if you apply pesticides or herbicides, you need a Limited Certification for Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance (LCLM) license from FDACS.
- Exam fee: $150
- Annual renewal: $75
- Required training: 6 hours
- Insurance requirement: $500,000 in coverage
Note: Irrigation work requires a separate contractor license through DBPR — this is a distinct license from the LCLM and has its own exam and requirements.
Step 5: Get Your Local Business Tax Receipts
Visit your county Tax Collector’s office to apply for a Local Business Tax Receipt (BTR). This is your primary local business license in Florida.
- Cost: $30–$190 depending on your county and business classification
- Home-based: Most counties offer a lower-cost home occupation category
- City license too: If you’re within an incorporated city, you’ll typically need both a county and a city business tax receipt
- Renewal: Annual, due by October 1
- Miami-Dade: Requires a specific Landscaper Permit in addition to the standard BTR
Some municipalities also require a Certificate of Use or zoning approval before issuing the business tax receipt.
Step 6: Get Insurance
General Liability Insurance
Covers property damage, bodily injury, and third-party claims. Essential for any landscaping operation — most commercial and HOA clients require proof of coverage before hiring you.
- Cost: $600–$1,500/year
- Typical coverage: $1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate
Commercial Auto Insurance
Required for any vehicle used for business purposes. Personal auto policies do not cover commercial use — your insurer will deny a claim if you’re hauling equipment to a job site on a personal policy.
- Average cost in Florida: ~$3,192/year
Equipment / Inland Marine Insurance
Covers your mowers, trimmers, blowers, and other equipment against theft, damage, and loss — including while on your trailer or at a job site.
- Cost: $500–$1,500/year depending on equipment value
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
This is the most commonly overlooked requirement for Florida landscapers. Landscaping is classified as construction in Florida, which means workers’ comp is required at 1 employee — not the 4-employee threshold that applies to non-construction businesses.
- NCCI code 9102 (lawn maintenance): ~$2.75 per $100 of payroll
- NCCI code 0042 (landscape installation): ~$5.50 per $100 of payroll
- Owner exemption: Available for $50, valid 2 years. LLC members with 10%+ ownership qualify. Maximum 3 exemptions per business.
- LCLM insurance requirement: If you hold an LCLM license, you must carry $500,000 in coverage
File for an owner exemption through the FL Division of Workers’ Compensation if you’re a solo operator who wants to avoid workers’ comp costs.
Step 7: Register Your Vehicle and Trailer
Most landscaping operations use a truck and trailer setup. Here are the vehicle requirements:
- Driver’s license: Regular Class E license is sufficient for vehicles under 26,001 lbs GVWR
- Trailer registration: All trailers must be registered with FLHSMV
- Trailer titling: Trailers weighing 2,000 lbs or more must also be titled
- Commercial vehicle markings: Vehicles over 10,000 lbs GVWR must display the company name and USDOT number
Step 8: Register for Sales Tax (If Selling Plants or Materials Separately)
Florida’s sales tax rules for landscaping are specific — and frequently misunderstood:
- Landscaping labor (services): NOT taxable
- Materials installed as part of a contract (plants, mulch, sod, pavers): This is treated as a real property improvement — you (the landscaper) pay sales tax when you purchase the materials, and you do NOT charge the customer sales tax
- Retail plant/material sales without installation: Taxable at 6% + county discretionary surtax
If you sell plants or materials separately (without installation), register with the Florida Department of Revenue (free online). You’ll receive a Certificate of Registration by mail.
Florida-Specific Regulations for Landscapers
Tree Trimming and Removal Permits
Most Florida counties require permits for tree trimming and removal, especially for trees above a certain diameter (often 4″ or more at chest height). Requirements vary significantly by county. Mangroves are protected statewide — trimming or removing mangroves without a permit carries severe penalties under Florida law.
Fertilizer Blackout Periods
Many Florida counties prohibit nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer application from June 1 through September 30 during the rainy season. This is designed to protect waterways from nutrient runoff. Plan your service offerings accordingly — this affects scheduling and revenue during summer months.
Employer Requirements (If Hiring)
If you hire employees beyond the workers’ comp requirements above, you’ll also need to:
- Register for Florida Reemployment Tax — new employers pay 2.7% on the first $7,000 of wages per employee
- Complete Form I-9 for every employee
- Report new hires to the Florida New Hire Reporting Center within 20 days
Cost to Start a Landscaping Business in Florida
Solo Basic Lawn Care ($20,000–$35,000)
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| LLC Formation (Sunbiz) | $125 | One-time |
| Fictitious Name (DBA) | $50 | Optional, valid 5 years |
| Federal EIN | Free | Online at IRS.gov |
| GI-BMP Certification | ~$60 | Valid 4 years |
| County/City Business Tax Receipt(s) | $30–$190 | Annual renewal |
| General Liability Insurance | $600–$1,500/year | Strongly recommended |
| Commercial Auto Insurance | ~$3,192/year | Required for business vehicles |
| Equipment / Inland Marine Insurance | $500–$1,500/year | Covers mowers, trimmers, etc. |
| Truck (used) | $8,000–$15,000 | Half-ton or 3/4-ton pickup |
| Trailer + Registration | $1,500–$4,000 | Open landscape trailer |
| Mowers, Trimmers, Blowers | $3,000–$8,000 | Commercial grade |
| Marketing / Website / Cards | $300–$1,500 | Optional at start |
| Estimated total: $20,000–$35,000 | ||
Solo Full-Service Landscaping ($30,000–$50,000)
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All items above | $20,000–$35,000 | Base setup |
| LCLM License (pesticide/herbicide) | $150 exam + $75/year | If offering chemical services |
| Additional Equipment (edgers, hedge trimmers, spreaders) | $2,000–$5,000 | Commercial grade |
| Plant/Material Inventory | $1,000–$3,000 | Initial stock |
| Enhanced Marketing / Branding | $500–$2,000 | Professional presence |
| Estimated total: $30,000–$50,000 | ||
Small Crew Operation — 1–3 Employees ($50,000–$80,000)
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All solo full-service items | $30,000–$50,000 | Base setup |
| Workers’ Comp Insurance | $2,000–$5,000/year | Required at 1 employee (construction classification) |
| Additional Equipment (second mower set) | $3,000–$6,000 | Crew efficiency |
| Payroll Setup / Accounting | $500–$1,500/year | Software or service |
| Uniforms / Safety Gear | $300–$800 | Per crew member |
| Larger Trailer or Second Vehicle | $3,000–$10,000 | If running multiple crews |
| Estimated total: $50,000–$80,000 | ||
Mid-Size Operation ($80,000–$150,000+)
Once you’re running multiple crews, expect to invest $80,000–$150,000+ including additional trucks and trailers, commercial-grade zero-turn mowers, skid steers or mini excavators for installation work, a dedicated office or yard space, fleet management and GPS tracking, and comprehensive insurance across all vehicles and employees.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to start a landscaping business in Florida?
Florida does not require a state license for general landscaping work — mowing, trimming, planting, and mulching. However, if you apply pesticides or herbicides, you need an LCLM license from FDACS ($150 exam, $75 annual renewal). If you apply fertilizer commercially, you need GI-BMP certification (~$60) in 130+ Florida counties and cities. Irrigation work requires a separate DBPR contractor license.
Is landscaping classified as construction in Florida?
Yes — and this is the most commonly overlooked requirement. Because landscaping is classified as construction under Florida law, workers’ compensation insurance is required at just 1 employee, not the 4-employee threshold that applies to non-construction businesses. Owner exemptions are available ($50, valid 2 years) for LLC members with 10%+ ownership, with a maximum of 3 exemptions per business.
What is GI-BMP certification?
Green Industries Best Management Practices certification is required in 130+ Florida counties and cities for anyone applying fertilizer commercially. Training costs ~$20 (available online through UF/IFAS), the exam is $15, and the FDACS certification fee is $25 — approximately $60 total. It’s valid for 4 years. Required jurisdictions include Hillsborough, Orange, Brevard, Martin, Seminole, Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, Miami-Dade, and many more.
Are landscaping services taxable in Florida?
Landscaping labor is not taxable. Materials installed as part of a contract (plants, mulch, sod) are treated as real property improvements — the landscaper pays sales tax at purchase and does not charge the customer. However, retail plant or material sales without installation are taxable at 6% plus county discretionary surtax.
How much does it cost to start a landscaping business in Florida?
A solo basic lawn care operation typically costs $20,000–$35,000 including truck, trailer, equipment, insurance, and formation. Solo full-service landscaping runs $30,000–$50,000. A small crew operation (1–3 employees) costs $50,000–$80,000 due to additional equipment, workers’ comp, and payroll setup.
Do I need to register my landscaping trailer in Florida?
Yes. All trailers must be registered with FLHSMV. Trailers weighing 2,000 lbs or more must also be titled. A regular Class E driver’s license is sufficient for towing as long as the combined vehicle weight stays under 26,001 lbs.