Key West 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 (Key West / Monroe County)

1. City of Key West Business Tax Receipt
   Required for anyone doing business in city limits, including all residential rentals. Taxes run $23.15 to $1,530 a year (most $118 to $300). Some licenses (mobile vendors, pedicabs, taxis) are capped. Apply on the GovBuilt portal.
   ⏰ Annual, October 1 to September 30
   Source: City of Key West: Licensing FAQs
2. Monroe County Business Tax Receipt
   The city says businesses operating in the city also need a Monroe County Business Tax Receipt.
   ⏰ Verify the county renewal date with the Monroe County Tax Collector
   Source: City of Key West: Licensing FAQs