Landscaping Permit Requirements in Atlanta, GA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a landscaping in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia.

Updated 2026-03-13 7 stops $175–$700 est. 2–8 weeks depending on services offered
Get my personalized route — $14.99

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

Federal — start here

2 stops

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

  2. EPA Pesticide Compliance (if using regulated chemicals)

    Landscaping businesses using EPA-registered pesticides must comply with FIFRA requirements and EPA Worker Protection Standards.

    Official government source

    Free (compliance requirement, no permit fee)Ongoing compliance

State of Georgia

3 stops

  1. Georgia Department of Agriculture — Pesticide Contractor License (if applying pesticides)

    Landscaping businesses in Georgia that apply pesticides for hire must obtain a Pesticide Contractor License from the Georgia Department of Agriculture, Pesticides Division. A Certified Pesticide Applicator must be on staff. Applies to herbicide, insecticide, and fungicide applications.

    Official government source

    $100/year (contractor license) + exam fees for certified applicator4–8 weeks

  2. Georgia Department of Revenue — Sales Tax Registration

    Landscaping and lawn care services in Georgia are generally taxable. You must register with the Georgia DOR to collect and remit the 4% state sales tax plus local option tax (total ~8.9% in Fulton County). Registration is free.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online via Georgia Tax Center)

  3. Georgia Secretary of State — Business Entity Registration

    If operating as an LLC or corporation, register with the Georgia Secretary of State's Corporations Division. Sole proprietors using a trade name should file with the Fulton County Clerk.

    Official government source

    $100 (LLC filing fee)5–7 business days (online)

City of Atlanta / Fulton County

2 stops

  1. City of Atlanta Occupational Tax Certificate

    Required for all landscaping businesses operating within Atlanta city limits. Issued by the Atlanta Department of Finance, Office of Revenue. Renewed annually.

    Official government source

    $75–$250 depending on gross revenue1–3 weeks

  2. City of Atlanta Tree Removal Permit

    Atlanta's Tree Ordinance (City Code Chapter 158) requires a permit before removing or significantly altering trees on private property within the city. Landscaping businesses handling tree removal on behalf of clients must ensure this permit is obtained. Administered by the Atlanta Department of City Planning, Office of Zoning and Development.

    Official government source

    $75–$400 depending on tree size and project scope2–4 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $175–$700 · 2–8 weeks depending on services offered

Want this mapped to your exact business and structure, in filing order?

Get my personalized route — $14.99

Official Sources

Related Guides