Landscaping business license guide for Arkansas

Yes.

If your landscaping business involves installing ornamental or horticultural plants in Arkansas, you are legally required to obtain a Landscape Contractor License from the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. The state has tiered this license into three levels depending on the size of the area you maintain, ranging from Level I (up to 5,000 sq ft) to Level III (over 15,001 sq ft). Choosing the correct level is essential for compliance. Additionally, if you plan on using restricted pesticides, you must secure a separate commercial pesticide applicator license. It is critical to navigate these requirements upfront to operate successfully. Moreover, commercial projects exceeding $50,000 require a commercial license, and residential projects exceeding $2,000 require a residential license.

If you're wondering who oversees your landscaping business license in Arkansas, it's a bit complicated. For standard landscaping contractor activities, particularly those involving pest control or maintaining turf, the Arkansas State Plant Board handles certification and licensing. However, if your work involves landscape architecture—designing and planning—that falls under the Arkansas State Board of Architects, Landscape Architects, and Interior Designers. Make sure you check both areas to ensure your business remains fully compliant with state regulations!

Starting a landscaping business in Arkansas might not require a general license, but if your projects involve specific property sizes, you will need a Landscape Contractor License. This license is crucial once your work exceeds certain square footage thresholds. To obtain it, you generally need to be at least 18, pass required core and category exams—like "Ornamental & Turf"—and maintain liability insurance. The license is issued and managed by the Arkansas Agriculture Department. Additionally, if you are setting up a corporation or partnership, you should apply to the Arkansas Secretary of State for authority to conduct business. You may also need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Arkansas does not typically require a general license for basic landscaping or lawn care services. However, if your business's primary purpose is the installation of ornamental or horticultural plants, or offering for sale, or selling nursery stock, you must obtain a Landscape Contractor License. The cost of this license depends on the size of your area: Level I (0–5,000 sq ft) is $150.00, Level II (5,001–15,000 sq ft) is $300.00, and Level III (over 15,001 sq ft) is $450.00. Also, if you use restricted pesticides, you’ll need a Commercial Pesticide Applicator License. If you require a commercial or residential license, a $100 application fee is typically applicable.

Yes, if you plan to use pesticides or herbicides to treat lawns and plants, you will need to obtain certification as a commercial applicator, which involves passing specific exams, such as the Core Exam and the Ornamental & Turf category exam. Also, don't forget to secure adequate liability insurance.