Landscaping Permit Requirements in Orlando, FL

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Florida Department of Agriculture — Pest Control Business License (if applying pesticides)

   Landscaping businesses that apply pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides for hire must be licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) as a Pest Control Business and must employ at least one Certified Operator.

   Official government source

   $300/year pest control business license + $300 CPCO exam fee per category; Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance certification exam $150 (FDACS, ch. 482, F.S.)·4–8 weeks

   $300/year pest control business license + $300 CPCO exam fee per category; Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance certification exam $150 (FDACS, ch. 482, F.S.)

   4–8 weeks

2. Florida Department of Revenue - Sales/Use Tax (landscaping: services not taxable)

   Landscaping and lawn-care services are not subject to Florida sales tax (not an enumerated taxable service under s. 212.05(1)(i), F.S.). Landscapers generally owe sales/use tax on materials/plants they purchase and install as real-property improvements; retail sales without installation are taxable (6% + 0.5% Orange County surtax). Register with the Florida DOR only if making taxable retail sales.

   Official government source

   Free (registration, if needed)·Immediate (online registration)

   Free (registration, if needed)

   Immediate (online registration)

3. Florida Nursery Certificate of Registration (if buying and installing plants)

   Anyone selling or distributing nursery stock in Florida - nurserymen, stock dealers, agents, and plant brokers - must hold an annual FDACS (Division of Plant Industry) certificate of registration per outlet (s. 581.131, F.S.). Landscape businesses that sell or resell nursery stock as part of their services should confirm registration applicability with FDACS Division of Plant Industry; fees are set by department rule, capped at $460/year.

   Official government source

   Set by FDACS rule; statute caps the registration/renewal fee at $460/year (s. 581.131, F.S.)·2–4 weeks

   Set by FDACS rule; statute caps the registration/renewal fee at $460/year (s. 581.131, F.S.)

   2–4 weeks

4. Florida Irrigation Contractor License (if installing irrigation systems)

   Florida does not issue a statewide irrigation contractor license: irrigation is not a certified contractor category under s. 489.105(3), F.S., and the DBPR Construction Industry Licensing Board has no irrigation license. Where irrigation work is regulated, it is through local (county/municipal) specialty registrations, whose availability has been changing under recent state preemption legislation — check the local building department. Irrigation work that ties into potable water supply may fall within the scope of a licensed plumbing contractor.

   Official government source

   N/A at the state level; local registration fees vary·4–8 weeks

   N/A at the state level; local registration fees vary

   4–8 weeks

1. City of Orlando Business Tax Receipt

   Required for landscaping businesses operating within Orlando city limits. Issued by the Orlando Revenue Collections Division. Renewed annually by September 30.

   Official government source

   $40–$200 depending on number of employees·1–2 weeks

   $40–$200 depending on number of employees

   1–2 weeks

2. Orange County Tree Removal Permit

   Orange County requires a permit before removing, destroying, or relocating any protected tree (generally 6+ inches DBH). Landscaping companies must obtain permits on behalf of property owners for regulated tree removal.

   Official government source

   Varies ($75–$300 per application)·2–3 weeks

   Varies ($75–$300 per application)

   2–3 weeks

Official Sources

• City of Orlando — Business Tax Receipts
• Florida Department of Agriculture — Pest Control Business License
• Florida Department of Revenue — Sales Tax
• Florida Department of Agriculture — Nurseries

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