Landscaping Business Permit Requirements in Lexington, KY

Complete permit and license guide for starting a landscaping business in Lexington, Fayette County, Kentucky.

Updated 2026-03-15 5 stops $200–$700 est. 2–6 weeks to obtain all licenses
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

1 stop

  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)

State of Kentucky

2 stops

  1. Kentucky Department of Revenue — Sales and Use Tax Permit

    Required for all businesses selling tangible personal property or certain services in Kentucky. Kentucky charges a flat 6% state sales tax with no local sales taxes (most transactions). Certain services including telecommunications, digital products, and some repair services are also taxable. Register online with the Kentucky Department of Revenue.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online via Kentucky One Stop Business Portal)

  2. Kentucky Pesticide Applicator License

    If you apply pesticides or herbicides as part of landscaping services in Kentucky, you must hold a Commercial Pesticide Applicator License from the state department of agriculture.

    $50–$200 (exam and license)2–4 weeks

City of Lexington / Fayette County

2 stops

  1. Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government — Revenue Division — Business License

    Lexington (Fayette Urban County) requires an Occupational License for all businesses. The Revenue Division issues and renews annual licenses based on business type and payroll. This license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.

    Official government source

    $50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues1–3 weeks

  2. Fayette County / Lexington Contractor Registration

    Landscaping contractors may need to register with Fayette County or the City of Lexington. Some jurisdictions require a separate contractor's registration for landscaping and irrigation work.

    Official government source

    $50–$2001–3 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $200–$700 · 2–6 weeks to obtain all licenses

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

Get my personalized route — $14.99

Official Sources

Related Guides