Starting a landscaping business in Missouri? You'll need to know if a license is required, what the potential costs are, and the steps to get properly registered.
License Required?
No
Average Cost
—
No.
Missouri does not require a general state-level license for landscaping contractors. That's one less hurdle! However, you?ll definitely need to focus on local city and county permits for operating your business. More importantly, if your services include applying pesticides, herbicides, or other chemical treatments, you must be certified by the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA). This certification involves passing a written exam and maintaining liability insurance, with annual renewal and continuing education required. Make sure you cover these bases to keep your business fully compliant.
It's important to know that Missouri doesn't have a specific state-level licensing requirement for general landscaping contractors. That said, if your business includes applying chemicals like pesticides, herbicides, or any chemical lawn treatments, you absolutely must obtain certification. This regulation falls under the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA). To get certified, you'll need to pass the required exams and maintain proper liability insurance, ensuring your business operates responsibly and legally when handling these specialized services.
Starting your landscaping business in Missouri is straightforward since a state-level license isn't generally required for just cutting grass or planting flowers. However, if your services include applying pesticides, you must obtain a commercial applicator certification. You'll need to pass specific exams through the Missouri Department of Agriculture. Separately, remember to legally register your business entity with the Missouri Secretary of State. This ensures your company is recognized and compliant with state business laws.
Good news! If you are starting a general landscaping or lawn care business in Missouri, a state-level license is not required. This means you skip the cost and hassle of that particular application process.
However, if your services include spraying pesticides, herbicides, or other chemical treatments, you must get a commercial applicator certification from the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA). This involves passing a Core exam and a category exam. Costs for exams and certification fees are specific to the MDA. Other business startup costs, like registration ($250 to $650) and insurance ($1,800 to $2,200), should also be factored in.
No. While the state of Missouri doesn't issue a general landscaping contractor license, you absolutely have additional requirements to look into! The most important one is if your services involve pest control, fertilizers, or herbicides?you must be certified by the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) as a commercial pesticide applicator. Beyond that, don't forget the local level, as most cities where you operate will require a specific business permit to ensure you're operating officially.
