Landscaping Permit Requirements in Houston, 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. Registration is free and can be done online.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online)

   Free

   Immediate (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/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 completing approved irrigation and backflow prevention courses 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 (course completion plus exam)

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

   4-8 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

   $75/year (Class 1)

   2-4 weeks

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

   $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

   $33.56 administrative fee plus base fees per the City of Houston fee schedule·15 business days

   $33.56 administrative fee plus base fees per the City of Houston fee schedule

   15 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 scope·10-15 business days

   Varies by project scope

   10-15 business days

Official Sources

• Harris County Clerk — Assumed Names
• Houston Permitting Center — Commercial Landscaping Permit
• City of Houston — Start a Lawn Care Business
• Texas Comptroller — Sales Tax Permit
• Texas Department of Agriculture — Applying Pesticides to Lawns, Trees, Ornamentals
• TCEQ — Landscape Irrigator License
• Texas Department of Agriculture — Nursery/Floral Certificate

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