Becoming a licensed California landscaper makes it possible to take on better projects and potentially increase your income. According to the California Landscape Contractors Association, a licensed landscape contractor earns an average of $72,000 a year.1
To get this license, you’ll need to pass two exams and pay the required fees. Although the requirements for landscaping contractors in California are fairly strict, the benefits of becoming licensed are well worth the effort and investment.
We’ll walk you through obtaining the necessary license and insurance to get your landscaping business up and running in the Golden State.
Quick jumps:
- How to become a landscaper in California
- What are the requirements to get a landscaping license in California?
- How much does it cost to get a California landscaping license?
- Insurance requirements for California landscapers
How to become a landscaper in California
California requires landscapers to have adequate training, education or experience before they can begin working independently. Getting a C-27 license is one of the most important steps in this process. You’ll also need to pay the required fees for your license and obtain insurance to protect your business.
Although these steps can seem intimidating at first, this guide will walk you through the process so you know exactly what you need to fulfill the requirements for professional landscaping in California.
What are the requirements to get a landscaping license in California?
California has strict requirements to become a licensed landscaper. In addition to applying for a California landscaping license, you must pass two exams covering many aspects of running a landscaping business.
C-27 license for California landscaping contractors
Like general contractors in California, landscapers need a contractor license to operate. The specialty class C license for landscaping contractors is the C-27 license.
Issued by the Department of Consumer Affairs Contractors State License Board, the C-27 landscaping contractor license covers all work that improves grounds “aesthetically, architecturally, horticulturally or functionally.” With this license classification, you can construct, maintain, repair or install landscaping projects. It also allows for subcontracting landscaping work.2
To get your C-27 license, you’ll need:
- To be at least 18 years of age.
- A Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
- Four years of journeyman-level experience.
- A professional reference who can attest to your experience, such as a foreperson or supervisor.
You may be able to substitute a related college degree for up to three years of work experience. California contractor license reciprocity options are available for licensed landscapers from Arizona and Nevada.3
Depending on the type of work you do, you may also need a Maintenance Gardener Pest Control Certification from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation.4
California landscaping contractor exams
Like all contractors in the state, landscaping contractors must pass two exams to obtain a license: a law and business exam and a trade exam.
The law and business exam will test you on business management and construction law. This exam includes eight major sections:
- Business organization and licensing
- Business finances
- Employment requirements
- Insurance and liens
- Contract requirements and execution
- Public works
- Safety
The trade exam focuses on landscaping skills and abilities. It covers six major landscaping categories:
- Planning and estimating
- Construction preparation
- Hardscape installation
- Drainage, irrigation, lighting and plant installation
- Maintenance and repair
- Safety
Both of these are multiple-choice, closed-book exams. The California contractor licensing board provides helpful study guides with suggested resources to review before the test:
How much does it cost to get a California landscaping license?
The California contractor licensing board requires the following fees for landscaping licenses:5
- License application: $450
- License fee: $200
You’ll also have to get fingerprints taken at a Live Scan site before receiving your license. The fees for this process total around $50.
Landscaping license bond
To obtain a landscaping license, CA contractors must have a $25,000 bond written by a surety company licensed through the California Department of Insurance. This bond covers possible damage, license law violations and unpaid wages for employees.6
Insurance requirements for California landscapers
All California landscaping contractors with employees must have workers’ compensation insurance.7 If you don’t have any employees, you can file a Workers' Compensation Insurance Exemption form, but you won't have wage protection and other benefits if you get hurt on the job. Liability insurance is also required if you own a limited liability company (LLC).
What kind of insurance does a landscaper need in California?
California business insurance can help protect your business from financial risk. In addition, clients may ask whether you have adequate insurance before hiring you for a landscaping project.
The following types of landscaping insurance are available for contractors in California.
General liability insurance
General liability insurance in California can help provide coverage for damage to someone else’s property as well as accidents that injure someone other than you or your employees.
Workers’ compensation insurance
The state requires all businesses with employees to have workers’ comp insurance. This coverage can help pay for medical bills and lost wages if you or one of your employees gets hurt on the job.
Commercial auto insurance
If you use a vehicle for work, commercial auto insurance can help cover related costs, like property damage and medical expenses.
Tools and equipment insurance
Tools and equipment insurance can help cover repair and replacement costs for damaged or stolen work gear.
Commercial property insurance
If you own or lease any property for your landscaping business, including storage space, commercial property insurance can help cover costs related to damage or vandalism.
How NEXT supports California landscapers
Because we only specialize in small business insurance, NEXT is the best place to get coverage. We’ve helped thousands of small business owners and contractors get affordable landscaping insurance from the convenience of a computer or mobile device.
Once you’ve selected your insurance policies and applied for coverage, you can get a certificate of insurance instantly. The whole process takes less than 10 minutes and provides the proof of insurance coverage you need to compete for the best landscaping projects.
Get an instant quote online today.
Want to become a landscaper in another state? Find out whether you need to be licensed in our guide to landscaper licensing requirements.
Sources
1 California Landscape Contractors Association
2 Department of Consumer Affairs’ Contractors State License Board
3 Reciprocal Classifications List
