Melbourne 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 (Melbourne / Brevard County)

1. City of Melbourne Business Tax Receipt
   Required before the business begins operating; a separate receipt is needed for each place of business. Get any state license first. $25 non-refundable application fee, credited toward the first year.
   ⏰ Due by September 30 each year (state law)
   Source: City of Melbourne: Business Tax Receipts · Florida Statutes §205.053 (business tax due dates and penalties)
2. Brevard County Business Tax Receipt
   The city says any business operating in Melbourne must also have a Brevard County receipt.
   ⏰ Verify the county renewal date with Brevard County
   Source: City of Melbourne: Business Tax Receipts