If you’re thinking about starting a landscaping business in the beautiful state of Rhode Island, think rolling lawns, charming New England gardens, and crisp coastal air. There are some important licensing and business registration steps you’ll want to know about. Whether you’re mowing lawns, planting shrubs, designing hardscape features, or installing irrigation systems, being properly registered brings credibility, legal protection, and peace of mind.
Requirements for a Landscaping Business in Rhode Island
a. Landscape Contractor Registration
In Rhode Island, unlike some states where there is a very specific “landscape contractor license,” much of the regulatory framework applies under contractor registration or professional-practice rules. For instance:
If you act as a general contractor or provide landscaping work that involves construction or structural change, you’ll need to register with the Rhode Island Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board (CRLB).
Visit the official site of State of Rhode Island- Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board for more authentic information.
Visit the link to know more about how to become a general contractor in Rhode Island and a comprehensive 2025 Contractor Guide
For typical landscaping maintenance (trimming, planting, mowing), in some localities you may not need a specific state landscaping license — e.g., the town of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, notes that “fences under 6 feet and landscaping generally do not need permits.”
Visit the website of Portsmouth for getting answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions- Do contractors need to be licensed?
But if your landscaping work crosses into building, irrigation, major installation, or you contract with clients for large-scale outdoor construction, you should register as a contractor and satisfy the insurance and training requirements.
So, you have to determine whether your services are basic landscaping/maintenance (likely lower regulation) or more construction-oriented landscaping (higher regulation).
b. Professional Landscape Architect License
If your business will offer design services (site design, grading, planting plans, layouts) under the title of “Landscape Architect,” then you fall under the licensing framework for the Rhode Island Board of Examiners of Landscape Architects.
Visit the official site of Division of Design Professionals of Rhode Island to know more about the Landscape Architects License.
To apply by examination, you must meet education and experience criteria: Either a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from an accredited program, or at least six years of practical experience in lieu of formal education.
Additionally, you must submit documentation of full-time (35 hours/week) work experience: For example, two full years under the supervision of a registered landscape architect.
Follow the most Frequently Asked Questions for Landscape Architect for clearing your doubts.
Once licensed, firms offering such services must also obtain a Certificate of Authorization (COA) for the entity (sole-proprietor, LLC, partnership) that will practise or offer landscape architecture in RI.
Here are some Rules and Regulations for Landscape Architects – Rhode Island Department of State
In short, if you’re doing basic landscaping work, you may not need the landscape-architect license, but if you design and plan outdoors professionally, you may.
c. Subcontractors
If you’re subcontracting under a larger registered landscaping or contracting business (for example, you’re hired to install irrigation under a landscaping contractor’s umbrella), then your licensing requirements may be reduced. You’ll still need to be properly insured and working under a licensed or registered entity, but you may not need your own full registration if you are strictly an employee or subcontractor. Always check with local municipalities to confirm.
d. Other Requirements: Business Registration, Insurance
Business registration
Most landscaping businesses will choose a business structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation) and must register with the Rhode Island Secretary of State’s Business Services division.
Start Your Rhode Island Business by registering it officially with the Secretary of State.
Insurance
If you register as a contractor (CRLB), you must provide a certificate of liability insurance (minimum $500,000 in general liability) and, if you have employees, workers’ compensation insurance.
Pre-registration course
For contractors registering with CRLB, a five-hour state-approved pre-registration course is required for new applicants.
Agent of service
If you are an out-of-state applicant, you’ll have to appoint a registered agent in Rhode Island.
Practical Tips for Running a Landscaping Business in Rhode Island:
- Know your local municipality rules: Some towns may have additional permits for irrigation or major hardscape work, even if a state license isn’t strictly required.
- Define your service area clearly: Are you doing basic lawn-care and planting, or full design-and-build? If the latter, plan for higher regulation.
- Invest in insurance and contracts: Even if you are doing straightforward landscaping, proper insurance helps protect you and makes you look professional to clients.
- Register your business early: Pick your business name, check availability, appoint a registered agent if needed, and register with the Secretary of State so you are ready when clients ask for proof.
- Build your credentials: Even if not required by the state, consider certifications (like irrigation certification or green-landscape credentials) to stand out in the Rhode Island market.
Keep up with rules if doing “design” services: If you call yourself a landscape architect, or you design and sign off on major site plans, you must follow the protocols laid out by the Board of Examiners of Landscape Architects.
