Professional crew working on a residential Georgia landscaping project with greenery and tools.

Georgia Landscaping Laws: License & Certification Made Easy

Learn how to start a Georgia landscaping business, get a pest control license, register your business, and meet design laws in Atlanta, Savannah, and beyond.

Georgia Landscaping: How to Start Your Business with the Right Licenses & Certifications

Dreaming of transforming green spaces into beautiful, serene landscapes? Starting a Georgia landscaping business might be the way for you. But before you pull out your shovel, you need to know that registering with state agencies is just one part of establishing your business.

You may have to interact with local governments and private vendors to set up your business, and it is important to understand the state’s rules and licensing requirements. Whether you’re planning to handle lawns, gardens, pest control, nursery stock, or offer Georgia landscape design services, the state has set some important steps and guidelines that you need to follow. Let’s break it all down—no slang, no confusion. Just plain, helpful information you can use.

Why Georgia Landscape Design is a Growing Opportunity — And What You Need to Get Started

Georgia’s mild climate and growing population make it a fantastic place to start a landscaping business. From Atlanta suburbs to Savannah’s coastal neighborhoods, there’s high demand for yard design, exterior renovation, maintenance, and plant care. However, like any responsible business, you’ll need the proper licenses and certifications—including, if applicable, a pest control license Georgia requires for pesticide application. This article will walk you through the basics of licensing, insurance, and useful government resources.

Licensing Requirements for Georgia Landscaping Businesses

a. Landscaping Business License

In some states, businesses may need to acquire specialized permits or licenses at various levels of government. However, the state of Georgia doesn’t require a state license for general landscaping businesses—except those applying pesticides, installing irrigation, or dealing in plants. That said, Georgia business registration is still required to operate legally. Here’s how it breaks down:

i. Landscape Contractor License (for services like irrigation)

Georgia doesn’t mandate a state-level landscape contractor license, but if you’re installing irrigation systems, you may need to obtain a permit and utility contractor license depending on your work requirements. Professionals often need a plumber’s license or must meet local county or city regulations. For example, an Atlanta landscaping company may need to follow additional city-specific codes. It’s best to check with your local municipality.

ii. Business Scope and Project Size (Informal Classification)

While Georgia doesn’t have formal license “levels” based on square footage like Arkansas, many businesses classify their projects by:

1. Small residential yards (up to 5,000 square feet)

2. Mid-size properties (5,001 – 15,000 square feet)

3. Large commercial properties (over 15,000 square feet)

Knowing your scope helps tailor insurance and employee needs.

iii. Subcontractors

Subcontractors working under a licensed and insured landscaping company may not need separate licenses in Georgia. But they must comply with safety, tax, and labor rules.

b. Pest Control Services

Planning to apply pesticides? Then you will need a state license to apply for general-use or restricted use of pesticides. There are different categories of licenses awarded by the Georgia Department of Agriculture—you will need the commercial applicator license. To get the license, you’ll also need to ensure your business is properly registered and holds any required local permits, such as an occupational tax certificate Georgia municipalities may mandate.

Requirements:

1. Pass the Core Exam and at least one Category Exam (like ornamental and turf).

2. Attend pesticide safety training sessions regularly.

Application link: https://agr.georgia.gov 

Your license will be valid for 5 years.

 Modern Georgia landscape design featuring stone pathways, native plants, and outdoor lighting.

c. Nursery Dealers & Plant Sales

If your business includes selling or transporting live plants, trees, or shrubs, then you’re considered a nursery dealer or nurseryman, and that requires registering.

i. Nursery Dealer License

Anyone selling nursery stock may need a Nursery Dealer License.

Apply here: Plants and Soil | Georgia Department of Agriculture

Pest control technician spraying garden area, showcasing compliance with Georgia pest control license requirements.

ii. Nurseryman Certification

If you grow plants for sale, you’ll be considered a nurseryman, and a separate certification is required for this role.

Apply here: Nursery Program | Georgia Department of Agriculture 

Atlanta landscaping company team trimming hedges and maintaining a luxury property.

d. Other Requirements

i. Surety Bond

Some local governments and municipalities in Georgia require a surety bond usually around $1,000 to guarantee your business meets legal obligations.

ii. Insurance

Every legitimate landscaping business should carry proper insurance. In Georgia, these are commonly required:

Public Liability Insurance

-$100,000 for bodily injury per occurrence

-$50,000 for property damage per occurrence

-$5,000 for medical payments

Insurance keeps both you and your customers protected from unexpected incidents and helps build trust.

iii. Business Registration

To officially start your business in Georgia, register through the Georgia Secretary of State.

Register your business here: Georgia Corporations Division.

Savannah lawn care expert mowing a lush green lawn in a coastal residential neighborhood.

You’ll also need a Federal (Employer Identification  Number) EIN from the (Internal Revenue Service) IRS and may require a local occupational tax certificate from your city or local government body.

3. Key Government Resources for Georgia Landscaping & Savannah Lawn Care Businesses

Government websites are your best friends when starting. Here are a few you should know:

Georgia Department of Labor 

https://georgia.gov/organization/georgia-department-labor

Pesticide Applicator Licensing Portal

https://agr.georgia.gov/pesticide-programs

Find exam schedules, training programs, and application forms.

Secretary of State – Business Registration

https://ecorp.sos.ga.gov

Register LLCs, corporations, and partnerships.

Office of Insurance & Safety fire commissioner

https://georgia.gov/organization/office-insurance-and-safety-fire-commissioner

Georgia Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

Georgia SBDC

Offers business planning, financial forecasting, and compliance help.

4.Professional Landscaping Associations & Georgia Business Registration Support

Joining a professional organization can offer experience, credibility and networking opportunities. A few notable groups include:

Georgia Urban Ag Council

Georgia Urban Ag Council: Growing A Better Green Industry

Offers training, certifications, and legislative updates specific to landscape contractors.

Business owner filling out online Georgia business registration forms on a laptop.
Department of Revenue 

Department of Revenue | Georgia.gov

Offers information about taxes for individuals, business and the tax collection process.

Close-up of an approved occupational tax certificate issued in Georgia for a small business.
Georgia Green Industry Association (GGIA)

Home | Georgia Green Industry Association

Focused on nursery growers, irrigation experts, and lawn care professionals.

Lush backyard transformation in progress by a Georgia landscaping team with plants, mulch, and tools visible.
  • The licenses Issued by the Georgia Department of Agriculture will be valid for 5 years and need renewal before expiration.
  • Application fees vary: commercial applicator licenses cost around $90–150, while nursery licenses typically start at $100+ (depending on size).

This article can be your go-to roadmap for making your landscaping dream a legitimate and successful business in Georgia. If you’re planning to expand or start in Florida, check out our complete guide on obtaining a Florida landscaping license.

Frequently Asked Question’s

1. Do I need a license to start a Georgia landscaping business?

For most general Georgia landscaping services, a state license is not required. However, if your work includes pesticide application, irrigation, or plant sales, you may need specific licenses from the Georgia Department of Agriculture or local municipalities.

2. How do I get a pest control license in Georgia?

To obtain a pest control license Georgia, you must pass the Core Exam and at least one Category Exam (such as turf or ornamental) through the Georgia Department of Agriculture. This license is valid for 5 years and is required for any commercial pesticide application.

3. Is business registration required for a landscaping company in Georgia?

Yes. Georgia business registration is mandatory. You must register your landscaping company with the Georgia Secretary of State and obtain an EIN from the IRS. Additionally, many cities require an occupational tax certificate Georgia to operate legally.

4. Can I offer Georgia landscape design services without certification?

While Georgia landscape design services don’t require a specific state certification, you may need local permits for irrigation or construction. Proper insurance and business registration are essential. Joining associations can also add credibility to your design services.

5. Do Atlanta and Savannah have different landscaping rules?

Yes. Local governments like Atlanta landscaping company or Savannah lawn care businesses may face additional zoning, permitting, or insurance requirements. Always check with the local city or county offices before starting operations in these regions.

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