Apopka Lawn Care License Requirements (2026)

📋 Your checklist

State

1. Limited Certification for Urban Landscape Commercial Fertilizer Application (FDACS)
   Anyone applying commercial fertilizer to lawns or landscapes must hold this certification (requires Green Industries BMP training).
   ⏰ Expires 4 years after issue; 4 hours of CE before recertifying
   Source: Florida Statutes §482.1562 (fertilizer applicator certification)
2. Business name and entity filings (Sunbiz)
   LLCs and corporations file an annual report ($138.75 for an LLC). Using a name other than your legal name? Register it as a fictitious name.
   ⏰ Annual report: May 1 ($400 late fee). Fictitious name: renew every 5 years
   Source: Florida Division of Corporations: File Annual Report · Florida Statutes §865.09 (fictitious name registration)

Local (Apopka / Orange County)

1. City of Apopka Business Tax Receipt
   Required before operating; apply on the city's OpenGov portal ($10 non-refundable application fee). Commercial locations are inspected and pay annual fire inspection fees.
   ⏰ Renew by September 30; late penalty from October 1
   Source: City of Apopka: Business Tax Receipt
2. Orange County Business Tax Receipt
   The city says all businesses need both city and county receipts.
   ⏰ Verify the county renewal date with the Orange County Tax Collector
   Source: City of Apopka: Business Tax Receipt