Landscaping Business Permit Requirements in Silver Spring, MD

Complete permit and license guide for starting a landscaping business in Silver Spring, Montgomery County, Maryland.

Updated 2026-03-14 5 stops $200–$700 est. 2–6 weeks to obtain all licenses
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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 Maryland

2 stops

  1. Maryland Comptroller — Sales Tax Registration

    Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Maryland (6% state rate; Maryland has no local sales taxes). Retail product sales are taxable. Some services are also taxable — notably cleaning of a COMMERCIAL or industrial building (janitorial/commercial cleaning) under Md. Tax-General §11-101(m): commercial cleaning businesses must collect 6% on the service itself, while residential cleaning is not taxable. Sales of photographs (portrait/wedding) are taxable as tangible personal property. Registration with the Comptroller of Maryland is free.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online via bFile)

  2. Maryland Pesticide Applicator License

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

    Official government source

    $75/year commercial applicator certification (initial category; $25 each additional); the business also needs a $150/year MDA Pesticide Business License2–4 weeks

City of Silver Spring / Montgomery County

2 stops

  1. Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services — Business License

    Silver Spring is an unincorporated community in Montgomery County; permits are issued by Montgomery County. 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. Montgomery County / Silver Spring Contractor Registration

    Landscaping contractors may need to register with Montgomery County or the City of Silver Spring. 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

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Official Sources

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