Minnesota Landscaping License Requirements: Start Your Business Right

Do you love getting your hands in the soil and turning outdoor spaces into works of art? Starting a Minnesota landscaping business can be a fantastic way to build an amazing career.

But before you break ground, you need to understand the legal side—licenses, permits, insurance, and registrations. Minnesota has specific requirements for landscaping professionals, especially if you plan to use pesticides, sell plants, or offer landscaping Minneapolis services.

Let’s walk through what you need to legally operate your landscape design Minneapolis business in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

Licensing Requirements for Minnesota Landscaping Professionals

a. Landscaping Business

i. Landscape Contractor License

Minnesota doesn’t issue a statewide “landscape contractor” license. Still, suppose your work involves construction-related landscaping (like retaining walls, paving, irrigation, or decks). In that case, you may need a Residential Building Contractor or a Remodeler License from the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) in Minnesota, especially for landscaping Duluth MN projects.

This license is mandatory if you earn more than $15,000 annually from construction services.

You’ll have to pass a contractor exam, have proof of insurance, and file a $1,000 surety bond.

Apply here Minnesota Department of Agriculture

ii. Licensing by Project Size (Local Level)

While Minnesota doesn’t categorise landscaping licenses by square footage like some states, certain cities or counties may require additional permits for larger projects or specific types of land use. For example, Minneapolis, St. Paul, and landscaping Plymouth MN projects may need to follow zoning codes, erosion control standards, or water management ordinances depending on project size.

Always check with your building authority.

iii. Subcontractor Exemptions

If you’re hired as a subcontractor under a licensed general contractor, you may not need your license, but you must follow all local and state labor laws. It is smart to carry insurance and have a business license, especially when offering landscaping St Cloud MN services.

b. Pest Control

Planning to use herbicides or pesticides as part of your lawn care service? Then the law in Minnesota requires you to be certified, especially if you provide landscaping Minneapolis services.

i. Commercial Pesticide Applicator License

To legally apply pesticides on someone else’s property in Minnesota, you need a license from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), especially if you operate a Minnesota landscaping business.

Steps:

• Pass a core exam and one or more speciality category exams (e.g., turf and ornamental, aquatic).
• Complete annual pesticide safety training.

Pesticide Applicator Licensing | Minnesota Department of Agriculture

ii. License Renewal

Your license needs to be renewed every year. The fee can vary depending on the license type and categories selected (usually around $50–$100), especially if you are offering landscape design Minneapolis services.

c. Nursery Dealer

Planning to sell plants, shrubs, or trees? You’ll need to register with MDA as a Nursery Stock Dealer or Nursery Grower, especially if you provide landscaping Duluth MN services.

i. Nursery Stock Dealer License

If you buy and resell nursery plants or stock, this license is required.

ii. Nursery Grower Certificate

If you grow your stock for sale (trees, shrubs, perennials), apply for the grower certificate.

Grower Application Nursery Certification and Plant Regulation | Minnesota Department of Agriculture

MDA inspects facilities annually and ensures that plants are free from pests and disease, especially for businesses offering landscaping Plymouth MN services.

d. Other Requirements

i. Surety Bond – $1,000

If you’re applying for a Residential Contractor License through the DLI, Minnesota requires a $1,000 surety bond to protect consumers in case of non-completion or violations, especially for landscaping St Cloud MN projects.

ii. Insurance

All landscaping businesses in Minnesota should carry business liability insurance. Suggested minimum coverage includes:

• $100,000 bodily injury coverage per occurrence
• $50,000 property damage coverage per occurrence
• $5,000 medical payments coverage

This protects both your clients and business. 

iii. Business Registration

To operate legally in Minnesota, you’ll need to:

1. Choose your business structure (LLC, partnership, sole proprietorship, etc.)
2. Register your business name with the Minnesota Secretary of State
3. Apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number) if hiring employees or for tax purposes.

Business Registration Portal Minnesota Secretary Of State – How to register your business

Important Links You Should Know 

Here are some helpful Minnesota government sites that offer guidance, applications, and forms for landscaping businesses:

• Residential Contractor Licensing: Home | Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry 
• Tax Registration & Sales Tax: Minnesota Department of Revenue | Minnesota Department of Revenue 
• Minnesota loan & funding: View all Funding | Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Landscaping Associations in Minnesota

Want to connect with professionals, attend trade shows, or get certified training?

• Check out the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association (MNLA).
• Offers resources for landscapers, nursery dealers, designers, and contractors.
• Hosts workshops and certification programs.
• Connects you to job boards, marketing help, and legal tools.

Visit the official website of Minnesota Nursery & Landscaping Association for more information: Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association

Notes & Extra Tips

Here are some things to keep in mind before launching your landscaping company:

• Many licenses in Minnesota are issued and overseen by different departments, always confirming which office handles your specific needs.
• Keep your business compliant with local zoning codes, especially if working near water bodies or public lands.
• If using fertilizers, Minnesota has specific rules to protect water quality—especially for phosphorus use. Training may be needed.
• Licensing timelines range from 2–4 weeks, depending on the agency and time of year.
• Fees typically range from $50 to $250, depending on the license and whether inspections are required.

For information on landscaping license requirements in other states, check out our guide on Mississippi landscaping.