Landscaping Permit Requirements in Houston, TX

Complete permit and license guide for starting a landscaping in Houston, Harris County, Texas.

Updated 2026-03-12 9 stops $125–$650 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 Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (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. 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. Requires passing a general standards exam plus a category exam.

    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 completing approved irrigation and backflow prevention courses and passing the TCEQ exam.

    Official government source

    $111 renewal fee; initial application fee comparable4-8 weeks (course completion plus exam)

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

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

    Official government source

    $75/year (Class 1)2-4 weeks

City of Houston / Harris County

3 stops

  1. Harris County Assumed Name (DBA) Certificate

    Sole proprietorships and partnerships operating under a trade name must file an Assumed Name Certificate with the Harris County Clerk. Required before conducting business under a business name in Harris County.

    Official government source

    $24 (notarized application; $0.50 per additional owner)Same day (in person at any of 11 Harris County Clerk locations) or by mail

  2. Houston Commercial Landscaping Permit

    The City of Houston requires a permit for installing new landscaping on commercial properties. Issued by Houston Public Works. Processing time is approximately 15 business days. Contact Houston Permitting Center at 832-394-8840 for current project requirements.

    Official government source

    $33.10 administrative fee plus additional fees per the City of Houston fee schedule15 business days

  3. Houston Residential Landscaping Permit (if applicable)

    Certain residential landscaping projects in Houston may require a permit from the Houston Permitting Center, particularly those involving drainage, grading, or changes to lot coverage.

    Official government source

    Varies by project scope10-15 business days

Terminus

Open for business — est. $125–$650 · 2-8 weeks depending on services offered

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Official Sources

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