Orlando 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 (Orlando / Orange County)

1. City of Orlando Business Tax Receipt + Certificate of Use
   Required before a business opens within city limits, including home and mobile businesses. A Certificate of Use is required with the BTR.
   ⏰ Pay by October 1; late penalties start in October, plus $250 from February 1
   Source: City of Orlando: Business Tax Receipt Information
2. City of Orlando Annual Declaration
   Emailed each April to update your business information (professionals excluded).
   ⏰ Return by June 1 or a 25% penalty is added
   Source: City of Orlando: Business Tax Receipt Information
3. Orange County Business Tax Receipt
   Get the City of Orlando receipt first, then the county receipt.
   ⏰ Valid through September 30; delinquent October 1
   Source: Orange County Tax Collector: Business Taxes
4. Orange County fertilizer training proof
   Any business that fertilizes lawns must show proof of Green Industries BMP training before renewing its Orange County BTR, and show decals on application vehicles.
   ⏰ Before each September 30 BTR renewal
   Source: Orange County Tax Collector: Business Taxes