Landscaping Permit Requirements in Fort Worth, TX

Complete permit and license guide for starting a landscaping in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas.

Updated 2026-03-12 9 stops $100–$600 est. 2-8 weeks depending on services offered
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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

2 stops

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Apply free online through the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

  2. EPA Pesticide Worker Protection Standards (if applying pesticides)

    Commercial landscaping businesses using EPA-registered pesticides must comply with FIFRA requirements and EPA Worker Protection Standards.

    Official government source

    Free (compliance requirement, no permit fee)Ongoing 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.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (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/exam4-8 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 renewal fee; initial application fee comparable4-8 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

City of Fort Worth / Tarrant County

3 stops

  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

    Approximately $15-$25 (contact Tarrant County Clerk for current fee)Same day (in person)

  2. City of Fort Worth Development Services Permit

    The City of Fort Worth requires landscape plans to be submitted with building permit applications for commercial development. Fort Worth's Development Services Department oversees landscaping requirements per city code Section 6.301. Use the CFW Permit Assist portal to determine specific permit needs for your project.

    Official government source

    Varies by project scope2-4 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

Terminus

Open for business — est. $100–$600 · 2-8 weeks depending on services offered

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Official Sources

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