Landscaping Permit Requirements in Fort Worth, TX

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

   Free·Immediate (online)

   Free

   Immediate (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 hire·Ongoing compliance

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

   Ongoing compliance

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.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online)

   Free

   Immediate (online)

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

   Landscaping businesses that apply restricted-use or state-limited-use pesticides for hire must hold a Commercial Pesticide Applicator License from the Texas Department of Agriculture in the 3A (Lawn and Ornamental) category. Annual renewal required.

   Official government source

   $200/year license fee plus $64/exam·4-8 weeks

   $200/year license fee plus $64/exam

   4-8 weeks

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 TCEQ. Requires approved course completion and passing the TCEQ exam.

   Official government source

   $111 application fee; $111 renewal; license valid 3 years (24 CE hours to renew)·4-8 weeks

   $111 application fee; $111 renewal; license valid 3 years (24 CE hours to renew)

   4-8 weeks

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

   Landscaping contractors that purchase and install plants for customers must obtain a Class 1 Nursery/Floral Certificate from the Texas Department of Agriculture.

   Official government source

   $75/year (Class 1)·2-4 weeks

   $75/year (Class 1)

   2-4 weeks

1. Tarrant County Assumed Name (DBA) Certificate

   Sole proprietorships and partnerships operating under a trade name must file an Assumed Name Certificate with the Tarrant County Clerk. Unincorporated assumed name applications may be partially completed online, but applicants must appear in person to sign and pay. File at the downtown Tarrant County courthouse or a sub-courthouse location.

   Official government source

   $24 for one owner ($0.50 for each additional owner listed)·Same day (in person)

   $24 for one owner ($0.50 for each additional owner listed)

   Same day (in person)

2. City of Fort Worth Development Services Permit

   Commercial development projects in Fort Worth must include landscape plans with building-permit applications, reviewed by Development Services under the zoning ordinance's landscaping provisions. Routine landscaping maintenance work needs no city permit. Confirm project-specific requirements with Development Services.

   Official government source

   Varies by project scope -- see Development Services·2-4 weeks

   Varies by project scope -- see Development Services

   2-4 weeks

3. Fort Worth Certificate of Occupancy (if operating commercial location)

   If your landscaping business operates out of a commercial space in Fort Worth, a Certificate of Occupancy is required. Required before legally operating a business from any commercial building.

   Official government source

   Varies (see Fort Worth Development Services fee schedule)·2-3 weeks

   Varies (see Fort Worth Development Services fee schedule)

   2-3 weeks

Official Sources

• Tarrant County Clerk — Assumed Names
• City of Fort Worth — Development Services Permits
• City of Fort Worth — Commercial Permitting
• Texas Comptroller — Sales Tax Permit
• Texas Department of Agriculture — Pesticide Commercial Applicator License
• TCEQ — Landscape Irrigator License
• Texas Department of Agriculture — Nursery/Floral Certificate

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