If you’re entering the landscaping business in Alaska, you must be familiar with licensing, insurance, and certification.
Although Alaska doesn’t have a trade exam for landscapers, the state does classify landscaping under specialty contracting, and some business and safety regulations must be followed.
Whether grading land, installing shrubs, or applying pesticides, you must understand the licensing and contractor classifications to operate your landscaping business in Alaska.
Here’s the step-by-step guide on all that goes into getting legally established.
Licensing Requirements For
Landscaping Business
No Trade Exam Necessary: Landscapers do not need to pass a trade-related exam in Alaska. This is more convenient for individuals with hands-on experience but without formal trade school training.
One-Hour Alaska Business and Law Exam: Though a trade test is not required, landscaping contractors must pass a one-hour exam on Alaska Business and Law. The test is designed to ensure contractors know the legal and regulatory framework needed to conduct business in the state.
Landscaping Specialty Contractor License: Landscapers must obtain a Specialty Contractor License, as per 2 AAC 21.370. This license, regulated by the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing, allows experts to legally carry out landscaping work like grading, hydro-seeding, pond building, and planting ornamental vegetation.
Types of General Contractors
- General Contractor with Residential Endorsement: These general contractors are for those handling new residential builds and larger projects.
- General Contractor without Endorsement: Covers non-residential and commercial projects.
- Specialty Contractor: This license is required for landscaping businesses as it covers specific trades.
- Handyman Contractor: Handyman Contractors are suitable for minor repair and maintenance tasks. These are not appropriate for landscaping services.
Pest Control
You must have certification if you are using pesticides for your landscaping business.
Certified Pesticide Applicators
Here are the criteria for applying pesticides legally:
- You will have to get certified by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
- You must pass several exams
- Recertification requires 12 continuing education units (CEUs) every five years
- This certification is required for individuals who install or treat grass, trees, shrubbery, or ornamental plants
Landscaping Architect
Landscaping contractors and licensed landscape architects have two different roles. If you wish to get involved in the work, including design and planning at an architectural level, you’ll need to get a license from the Alaska Board of Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors.
For more information, do visit: Licensure | asla.org
For updated Application and board Information, do visit Alaska Architecture Firm License
Other Requirements
Insurance Requirements: Landscaping contractors need to have a few things in place to work legally:
- General Liability Insurance with at least $300,000 in coverage.
- Worker’s Compensation Insurance is a must if you have employees.
- Commercial Auto Insurance is available if you use company vehicles for work.
For more insurance information, do visit Alaska Business Insurance.
Bond Requirements: All specialty contractors in Alaska must have a $10,000 license bond. This bond protects clients and ensures that your business follows state rules.
Business Entity Registration: Before applying for a contractor license, register your business with the State of Alaska. This process involves picking a business structure, like an LLC or sole proprietorship, and getting an Alaska Business License.
You may use the following portal to register: Business Licensing.
The Application Process
Here’s how to get a General Contractor Specialty License for landscaping:
- Register your business.
- Take and pass the Business and Law Exam.
- Fill out the license application form here: Specialty Contractor Registration Application Instructions
- Provide proof of insurance and bonding.
- Pay the necessary fees (check the Fees Page for details).
Some Important links you should know
- Alaska Division of Corporations Licensing: Construction Contractors, Professional Licensing, Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing
- Specialty Contractor Trades List
- Business License Portal: Business Licensing – New BL Online
- Application Form (PDF): Specialty Contractor Registration Application Instructions
Alaska NAICS Code for Landscaping
NAICS Code Requirement: If you’re getting a business license in Alaska as a landscaping contractor, you must pick the right NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) code. This code helps explain the nature of your business for things like reporting, taxes, and regulatory purposes.
You may search for the correct NAICS code here: AKLOBandNAICS, Business Licensing Section, Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing.
Specialty Contractor Trades List: In Alaska, landscaping falls under the Specialty Contractor Trades category. So, if you want to work in landscaping, you’ll need to get a Specialty Contractor License that matches the job’s requirements.
Here’s the pdf for official trade lists: Specialty Contractor Trades List.
2 AAC 21.370 – What a Landscaping Contractor Can Do
Under Alaska law, a landscaping contractor can:
- Level and fill the ground
- Haul materials like fill, gravel, topsoil, and sand
- Build drainage systems, dewatering systems, and ponds
- Do hydro-seeding
- Install plant grass, shrubs, trees, or decorative plants
Note: Landscaping contractors can’t prepare land for building structures. That needs a different type of contractor.
