Starting a landscaping business in Ohio? This guide will walk you through whether a state license is required, the potential costs, and the steps to obtain any necessary permits or registrations.
License Required?
No
Average Cost
—
No.
Ohio does not require a general state-level business license for landscaping or lawn care companies. However, you aren't completely off the hook! You will need to register your business with the Secretary of State. More importantly, many cities and villages issue their own local permits or licenses for contractors, including landscapers. Always check with the specific locality where you plan to operate to ensure you comply with their requirements. Also, if you plan on applying pesticides, you must obtain a separate license from the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
For general landscaping or lawn care services in Ohio, you typically aren't licensed by one single state board. Instead, your business needs to register with the Ohio Secretary of State to operate legally. You should also check with your local city or county government, as they often require their own local business licenses. However, if you are a Landscape Architect, your profession is regulated separately by the Ohio Landscape Architects Board. Essentially, the level of regulation depends on the specific services you plan to offer.
Great news for your landscaping business: Ohio doesn't require a specific state license for general lawn care services. However, there are essential steps you must take to operate legally. You need to officially register your business entity with the Ohio Secretary of State. You may also need to register for state taxes via the Ohio Business Gateway. If your services include applying pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides, you will need a commercial applicator license. Always check with your local city or county government, as they often require local business licenses. For state-level requirements and registrations, you can find information on the Ohio Department of Taxation and the Ohio Secretary of State websites.
For general landscaping and lawn care services in Ohio, you typically don't need a specific state-level occupational license, unlike landscape architects. However, you must register your business with the Ohio Secretary of State.
Annual filing fees vary based on your structure:? Main Company: $200
? Sole Proprietor: $50Remember to check with your local municipality for any required local business licenses or permits, as those costs are separate.
Yes. Beyond the standard business registration with the Ohio Secretary of State, local city or county governments often have their own requirements. When you set up shop for general landscaping or lawn care services, you'll need to check in with the municipality where you plan to operate, as they frequently require a local business license. If your work involves anything that falls under "landscape architecture," that's a whole different ballgame and requires separate licensing through the Ohio Landscape Architects Board. Make sure to cover your bases on both the state registration and local permits!
