Thinking about starting a landscaping business in Montana? This guide will walk you through whether you need a state license, how much it might cost, and the steps you need to take to get properly licensed.
License Required?
No
Average Cost
—
No.
Montana does not require a statewide landscaping business license, which is good news for getting started! However, local licenses are often required by individual cities, so you must check with the specific municipality where you plan to operate, like Billings. Critically, if your services include applying pesticides, you must obtain a commercial pesticide applicator license from the Montana Department of Agriculture. This involves passing both a Core exam and a category exam. Always confirm local requirements before starting your business to avoid penalties.
For your landscaping business in Montana, the primary regulatory body you'll be dealing with is the Montana Board of Architects and Landscape Architects. They are part of the state?s Professional Boards & Licensing and oversee the licensing requirements, standards, and rules for landscape professionals. It?s essential to work closely with them to ensure your license remains current and your practice complies with all Montana laws and regulations. You can find more information on the Montana Department of Labor & Industry's website.
Starting your landscaping business in Montana often doesn't require a general state-level license, but you will almost certainly need local licenses from the city or county where you operate. For state-level licensing related to services like landscaping, Montana offers the eStop Business License Program, which helps streamline the process if multiple state registrations are needed. This is managed through the Montana Department of Revenue. The Montana Department of Commerce also provides helpful resources for small businesses looking to start up. Be sure to check with your specific locality for their requirements before you begin operations.
Great news for your landscaping business in Montana: you do not need a general state landscaping license. However, if your services include applying pesticides, you must obtain a Commercial Pesticide Applicator license from the Montana Department of Agriculture by passing a core exam and a category exam.
Additionally, if your work involves construction (like building retaining walls), you may need a Construction Contractor Registration. These registrations cost either $70 or $125 depending on if you have employees or are an independent contractor.
No. While Montana doesn't have a specific statewide license for general landscaping or lawn care businesses, keep in mind that you might need a business license at the city or county level. If your work involves specialized tasks like applying pesticides, handling certain plants, or performing certain construction trades like irrigation, you'll need separate professional certifications. It?s smart to check with your local municipality before you start your first project.
