Is there a license to do landscape maintenance such as lawn service, etc. in California?

Is there a license to do landscape maintenance such as lawn service, etc. in California?

 

The state of California, regardless of the business legal structure, may require state professional licenses as well as general business and tax licensing at the local city or county level. Also, working on multiple cities or counties can create local business licenses considerations in those government jurisdictions.

 

State Level Licensing Requirement Information. Anyone performing construction work (landscaping & lawn care fall into this category) that totals $500 dollars or more in labor and materials must be licensed.  Furthermore, according to the Business and Professions Code of California, sections 7008 and 7059:

 

“A landscape contractor constructs, maintains, repairs, installs, or subcontracts the development of landscape systems and facilities for public and private gardens and other areas which are designed to aesthetically, architecturally, horticulturally, or functionally improve the grounds within or surrounding a structure or a tract or plot of land. In connection therewith, a landscape contractor prepares and grades plots and areas of land for the installation of any architectural, horticultural and decorative treatment or arrangement.”  

 

As you can tell, this definition of a landscaping contractor is quite broad and general, so you will want to be on the safe side and obtain this contractor’s license through the California Department of Consumer Affairs’ Contractors State License Board. We have provided references, information, and guidelines below for preparing for and obtaining this contractor’s license:

 

Basic Facts & Information About Contracting in California:

• http://www.cslb.ca.gov/GeneralInformation/Library/LicensingClassifications/C27Landscaping.asp
• http://www.cslb.ca.gov/GeneralInformation/About/BasicFactsAboutCslb.asp
• http://www.cslb.ca.gov/GeneralInformation/Library/LicensingClassifications/

Helpful Guidelines and Pamphlets for Becoming a Contractor:

• http://www.cslb.ca.gov/GeneralInformation/Library/GuidesAndPamphlets.asp#FORCONTRACTORS

Necessary Forms, Fees and Applications:

• http://www.cslb.ca.gov/GeneralInformation/Library/FormsAndApplications.asp
• http://www.cslb.ca.gov/GeneralInformation/Library/Fees.asp

Local County Licensing Requirements. You can locate California state search tools below that will help you to identify the local government licensing requirements for your area:

• http://www.ca.gov/About/Government/Local/Counties/
• http://www.calgold.ca.gov/