San Jose Lawn Care License Requirements (2026)

📋 Your checklist

State

1. Maintenance Gardener Pest Control Business license (DPR) — if you apply pesticides
   Required when your gardening includes incidental pest control; needs a qualified person with the right DPR certificate. $180 a calendar year.
   ⏰ Expires Dec 31: business names A–L in even years, M–Z in odd years
   Source: California DPR: Maintenance Gardener Pest Control Business license
2. CSLB C-27 Landscaping license — for jobs of $1,000+
   Landscape construction totaling $1,000 or more (labor + materials) needs a CSLB license.
   ⏰ Active licenses expire every two years (verify your date on CSLB)
   Source: California CSLB: Who needs a contractor license · California CSLB: License classifications · California CSLB: General renewal information
3. Secretary of State and Franchise Tax Board filings
   LLCs and corporations file a Statement of Information ($20 or $25) and most businesses pay at least $800 a year in Franchise Tax. A business name other than your own is filed with your county.
   ⏰ Statement of Information: frequency depends on entity type (verify). Franchise tax: yearly
   Source: California Secretary of State: Business entities FAQs

Local (San Jose / Santa Clara County)

1. City of San José Business Tax Certificate
   Anyone doing business in San José, including independent workers and property rentals, must register within 90 days of starting. Have your contractor's number and county health permit number ready if they apply.
   ⏰ Register within 90 days; renew yearly (verify your due date on your invoice)
   Source: City of San José: Register for a business tax certificate