A straight answer
What do I need to start a landscaping business in Texas?
Starting a landscaping business in Texas takes a business registration, insurance, and possibly a state license for some work.
Here is the short version: You'll register your business, get insurance, and check whether your specific services need a license. Texas doesn't require a general landscaping license for every job, but some work does need one.
- A Texas LLC Certificate of Formation has a $300 state filing fee and is filed with the Secretary of State. You'll also need a registered agent4.
- A landscaping license is usually required for installing lawns and irrigation systems, and for planting trees and shrubs. Some areas may require more1.
- Texas doesn't require workers' compensation for most businesses, but clients or contracts often do, so it's worth carrying2.
- General liability insurance is a common must-have for landscapers.
Which services do you plan to offer (mowing, design, irrigation, tree work), and are you starting from scratch or buying an existing company? That will tell you exactly which licenses and insurance you need.