Landscaping Permit Requirements in Houston, TX

Everything you need to know about permits and licenses for starting a landscaping in Houston, Harris County, Texas.

Important Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice. Permit requirements, fees, and timelines may change. Always verify current requirements directly with your local government authority before making business decisions.

Last verified:

Estimated Total Cost

$125 – $650

Estimated Timeline

2-8 weeks depending on services offered

Houston / Harris County Requirements

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.

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

Cost:$33.10 administrative fee plus additional fees per the City of Houston fee schedule
Timeline:15 business days
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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.

Cost:Varies by project scope
Timeline:10-15 business days
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Texas State Requirements

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.

Cost:Free
Timeline:Immediate (online)
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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.

Cost:$200/year license fee plus $64/exam
Timeline:4-8 weeks
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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.

Cost:$111 renewal fee; initial application fee comparable
Timeline:4-8 weeks (course completion plus exam)
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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.

Cost:$75/year (Class 1)
Timeline:2-4 weeks
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Federal Requirements

EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

Cost:Free
Timeline:Immediate (online)
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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.

Cost:Free (compliance requirement, no permit fee)
Timeline:Ongoing compliance
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Official Sources

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