Starting a landscaping business in Hawaii? This guide will walk you through whether a license is required, what the potential costs are, and the steps you need to take to obtain your license and start working legally.
License Required?
Yes
Average Cost
$100–$300
Yes.
If you're planning to run a landscaping business in Hawaii, you must get a state license from the Contractors Licensing Board. This means applying for a C-27 Landscaping Contractor license, which falls under the specialty contractor (Classification C) category. To successfully get your license, you'll need to pass two exams administered by PSI Exams: the C-27 Landscaping Trade Exam and the Business and Law Exam. Make sure to factor in this crucial step to legally operate your business on the islands.
For business owners wondering about regulation, the Hawaii Contractors Licensing Board is the main authority issuing the necessary C-27 Landscaping Contractor license you need to operate legally. You must secure this state license to work on landscaping projects in Hawaii. It’s important to stay in compliance with their rules. Note that professional Landscape Architects, who design landscapes, are regulated by the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors & Landscape Architects.
To legally run your landscaping or lawn care business in Hawaii, you must get a Contractor License, specifically the C-27 Landscaping Contractor license, issued by the state's Contractors Licensing Board. This is for specialty contractors. You will need to pass both the C-27 trade exam and a Business and Law exam. Don't forget that you also need to register your business with the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. For detailed steps, forms, and fees, check the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs website.
To start your landscaping business in Hawaii, you will need a C-27 Landscaping Contractor license. Expect an initial application fee of $50. The license fee itself can be $255 if you obtain it between October 1 of an odd-numbered year and September 30 of an even-numbered year. You will also need to pass the C-27 Landscaping Trade Exam and the Business and Law Exam. Once licensed, renewal fees for contracting entities are $275. These costs are key steps toward legally growing your business in the islands.
Yes. If you are starting your landscaping business in Hawaii, you'll need to secure a specialty contractor license from the state's Contractors Licensing Board. The primary license you should be aiming for is the C-27 Landscaping Contractor license. This is the official credential that gives you the green light to handle most landscaping work. If you plan to include tree removal and trimming in your services, make sure you also get the specific C-27b Tree Trimming and Removal Contractor license. These steps are key to ensuring your business is fully compliant and ready to thrive on the islands.
