Landscaping Permit Requirements in Austin, TX

Complete permit and license guide for starting a landscaping in Austin, Travis County, Texas.

Verified 2026-08-27 9 stops $100–$600 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. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

Federal — start here

2 stops

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Free from the IRS — apply online and receive your EIN immediately upon approval; the IRS never charges for an EIN (avoid third-party sites that do). Federally required if you hire employees or operate as a corporation or partnership (including a multi-member LLC); a single-member LLC with no employees and no excise-tax liability may use the owner's SSN instead, though most banks ask for an EIN to open a business bank account.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

  2. EPA/FIFRA Pesticide Rules (if applying pesticides)

    Landscaping businesses that apply pesticides must follow federal FIFRA rules: use only EPA-registered products strictly according to the label ('the label is the law'), and restricted-use pesticides may only be applied by or under the direct supervision of a certified applicator (40 CFR Part 171). EPA's Agricultural Worker Protection Standard applies to farms, nurseries, and greenhouses — not typical landscaping work. Commercial applicator licensing is handled at the state level — in Texas, the Texas Department of Agriculture licenses commercial pesticide applicators; check TDA requirements before applying pesticides for hire.

    Official government source

    No federal fee (label compliance); state commercial-applicator license fees apply if you apply pesticides for hireOngoing compliance

State of Texas

4 stops

  1. Texas Sales Tax Permit

    Landscaping services (including lawn maintenance, tree trimming, and land clearing) are taxable services in Texas. You must register with the Texas Comptroller to collect and remit sales tax. Registration is free and can be done online.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

  2. Texas TDA Commercial Pesticide Applicator License (if applicable)

    If your landscaping business applies restricted-use or state-limited-use pesticides for hire, you must hold a Commercial Pesticide Applicator License from the Texas Department of Agriculture in the 3A (Lawn and Ornamental) category. License requires passing an exam. Not required for general fertilizer application.

    Official government source

    $200/year license fee plus $64/exam4-8 weeks (exam scheduling and processing)

  3. TCEQ Landscape Irrigator License (if installing irrigation)

    Anyone who sells, designs, installs, maintains, alters, repairs, or inspects irrigation systems in Texas must be licensed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). This applies to landscaping businesses offering irrigation services.

    Official government source

    $111 application fee; $111 renewal; license valid 3 years (24 CE hours to renew)4-8 weeks (requires completing approved irrigation courses and passing exam)

  4. Texas Nursery/Floral Certificate (if selling or installing plants)

    Landscaping businesses that buy plants and install them for customers must obtain a Nursery/Floral Certificate (Class 1) from the Texas Department of Agriculture. Required to sell, lease, or distribute nursery products.

    Official government source

    $75/year (Class 1 — landscape contractors who do not grow plants)2-4 weeks

City of Austin / Travis County

3 stops

  1. Travis County Assumed Name (DBA) Certificate

    If operating under a trade name (not your legal personal name), you must file an Assumed Name Certificate with the Travis County Clerk. Required before conducting business under a business name in Travis County.

    Official government source

    $23 for one owner (plus $0.50 per additional owner; add $2 per acknowledgment if signed in the Clerk's office)Same day (in person) or 1-2 weeks (by mail)

  2. City of Austin Development Permits (if applicable)

    Austin does not require a general city business license. However, if your landscaping work involves land grading, drainage changes, tree removal, or construction on commercial property, you may need development-related permits from Austin Development Services Department.

    Official government source

    Varies by project scope (contact DSD for current fee schedule)1-4 weeks depending on permit type

  3. Austin Tree Ordinance Compliance

    Austin's tree protection ordinance requires a tree permit before removing or impacting a protected tree - any tree 19 inches or more in diameter measured 4.5 feet above the ground. Heritage trees (24 inches or more, of listed species such as oaks, pecans, cypress, elms, and walnuts) have stricter rules: removal is prohibited except under specific criteria in LDC sec. 25-8-641. Landscapers should check before removal or major pruning.

    Official government source

    Permit/review fees vary - confirm with the City Arborist2-4 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $100–$600 · 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