Ready to start your landscaping business in Mississippi? This guide will walk you through whether you need a license, how much it may cost, and the steps to obtain it.
License Required?
Yes
Average Cost
$100–$300
No.
Great news for your landscaping venture in Mississippi! A general statewide landscaping license isn't required for standard services like mowing and irrigation installation. However, you'll need to pay close attention to what your business offers. If you plan on using fertilizers or pesticides, you must obtain a certificate from the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) and pass an exam. Also, remember that while the state may not require a general license, cities and counties frequently have their own local permit and business registration requirements you must meet.
If you're wondering who oversees landscaping licenses in Mississippi, it depends on the type of work you do. For general activities like working as a Landscape Horticulturist?which covers things like plant installation, maintenance, and consulting?that?s handled by the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC).
However, if your business involves Landscape Architecture, meaning designing and planning landscapes, that?s regulated by the Mississippi State Board of Architecture. Make sure you identify which type of licensure applies to your specific business to stay compliant!
Starting your landscaping or lawn care business in Mississippi is exciting! You'll be glad to know a general state license isn't always required. However, if your services involve handling pesticides or fertilizers, you will need a certificate from the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC). If your projects are larger in scale, or you are seeking the Landscape Horticulturist License, you must apply to MDAC, pass an exam, and register your business with the Mississippi Secretary of State. Check with both the MDAC and the Secretary of State for all the necessary forms.
For basic landscaping and lawn maintenance services in Mississippi (like mowing and general lawn care), a state-level license is not required, meaning there is no license cost.
However, if you plan to offer services like applying fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides, you will need licensing from the Department of Agriculture and Commerce. A Landscape Horticulturist License itself has no fee, but you must secure a minimum $1,000 Surety Bond when the license is issued. You must also pass an exam, which may have associated application costs. Additionally, be sure to check with your local city or county government for any specific permits or regulations they may require.
No. While Mississippi doesn't require a general state-level landscaping license for basic lawn care like mowing or fertilizing, you might need a different credential if your business uses chemicals. If your services include applying pesticides, you'll definitely want to look into passing the necessary exams to become a licensed pesticide applicator. Beyond that, be sure to register your business properly and check with your local city or county?they often have their own specific permits or requirements you need to secure before you can legally operate.
