Landscaping business license guide for Illinois

No.

For general landscaping work in Illinois, the state itself does not issue a statewide business license. However, before you start serving clients, you must look into local requirements—cities like Chicago or counties like Cook often have their own specific business licensing rules that you must follow. Furthermore, if your business plans to offer specialized services, such as applying herbicides or pesticides, you will definitely need a specific Commercial Applicator License from the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Always check with your specific locality to ensure you are fully compliant.

The State of Illinois doesn't require a license for general landscaping. That's one less hurdle! Keep in mind you must always adhere to local business regulations in the cities where you operate. If your services involve applying herbicides or pesticides, that changes things significantly. In that case, the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) steps in, requiring you or at least one staff member to obtain a Commercial Applicator License. Focus on compliance to keep your business running smoothly. Moreover, if you are planning to be a landscape architect, you must pass an exam to be licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

Getting started with your landscaping business in Illinois is exciting! Here's the good news: the state doesn't require a general statewide license for common lawn care services. However, most cities and counties will require you to obtain a local business license to operate legally within their limits, so you must check with your local government's offices. If your services involve applying herbicides or pesticides, you will need to get specialized licensing through the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Remember to always comply with local regulations before you begin working!

If you're starting a landscaping business in Illinois, expect licensing costs to vary, often depending on your local city or county requirements. For instance, in the City of Highland Park, the fee for Landscaper Licensing is between $100 and $125. Remember that while a statewide license may not always be needed for basic lawn care, individual municipalities often require specific permits or licenses to operate within their limits. Always check with the specific cities where you plan to work to get the exact fees and application details.

Although Illinois does not require a general landscaping license, you will need to research local city and county requirements, as these can vary significantly. For example, local governments often require permits for significant projects like hardscape installation (patios, retaining walls) or major grading changes. If your business uses pesticides or fertilizers, you will need a commercial applicator license from the Illinois Department of Agriculture to keep everything legal and safe.