Landscaping Business Permit Requirements in Nashville, TN

Complete permit and license guide for starting a landscaping business in Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee.

Updated 2026-03-13 6 stops $200–$700 est. 2-6 weeks
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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/corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

State of Tennessee

4 stops

  1. Tennessee Contractor License (if projects over $25,000)

    Required by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance for landscaping contractors who perform projects with a total cost exceeding $25,000, including labor and materials. Hardscaping, irrigation systems, and retaining walls may trigger this requirement.

    Official government source

    $300-$700 (application, exam, and initial license fees)4-8 weeks to complete application and exam

  2. Tennessee Pesticide Applicator License

    Required by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture for any landscaping business that applies pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers as part of their services. Applicators must pass a state exam and renew annually.

    Official government source

    $50-$200/year depending on category2-4 weeks to complete exam and receive license

  3. Tennessee Sales Tax Certificate

    Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Tennessee. Landscaping services may be taxable depending on the nature of work; materials sold or installed are generally taxable. Issued by the Tennessee Department of Revenue.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online registration)

  4. Tennessee Secretary of State Business Registration

    Required if operating as an LLC, corporation, or partnership in Tennessee. Protects your business name and establishes your legal entity in the state.

    Official government source

    $50-$300 depending on entity type1-2 weeks (online filing)

City of Nashville / Davidson County

1 stop

  1. Metro Nashville Business Tax License

    Required for all businesses conducting business within Metro Nashville-Davidson County. Issued by the Metro Nashville Finance Department. Landscaping businesses are taxable service providers and must obtain this license before operating.

    Official government source

    $15-$100/year based on gross revenue1-2 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $200–$700 · 2-6 weeks

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Official Sources

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