Landscaping business license guide for Tennessee

Yes.

If you are starting a landscaping business in Tennessee, the state requires you to hold a specialty Landscaping (HRA-E. 2) license for services like seeding, sodding, planting, and chemical control. You'll need to pass a business and law exam, although there is no specific trade exam. Additionally, be sure to check with your local city and county offices, as they will have their own business registration and licensing requirements that you must follow to operate legally.

When you're running a landscaping business in Tennessee, it?s important to know the regulatory landscape. While general landscaping permits often fall under local city and county rules?covering things like zoning or tree removal?the state of Tennessee, specifically the Department of Commerce and Insurance, regulates professional "Landscape Architects." They oversee the licenses for complex design work. If your work involves design and planning that requires this professional title, you would deal with the Board of Architectural and Engineering Examiners. Always check with your local government for any required permits for standard operations.

Starting your landscaping business in Tennessee requires a few key steps. First, you must register your business and get a Standard or Minimal Activity license through your local county clerk's office, depending on your expected annual revenue. You'll also need to register with the Tennessee Department of Revenue to handle sales tax and business tax returns. For larger projects, or if you plan on using pesticides, you might need a separate Contractor License (from the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors) or commercial applicator certification (from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture). Make sure you check local city and county rules, too!

If you're starting a landscaping business in Tennessee, there are a few key costs. For the general business license (a local business tax), you'll pay an initial registration fee ranging from $15 to $100, plus an annual tax based on your gross receipts. If your work requires a state contractor's license, the application fee is $250, which covers two years. Additionally, each required exam, such as the "Business and Law" exam, costs $55. If you plan to apply pesticides, the application fee is $25, with an additional $75 for commercial certification. Keep in mind that most licenses require annual or biennial renewals, which generally range from $25 to $150.

Yes. When you start your landscaping venture in Tennessee, it's not just about the big state license. You'll definitely want to ensure your business is protected by securing general liability insurance. If you plan on hiring a team, don't forget workers' compensation coverage, which is a key legal step. These licenses and insurance policies show your clients and the state that you're running a professional, trustworthy operation, setting the stage for long-term success.