Landscaping contractors in
Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
A public directory of landscaping contractor businesses serving greater Fort Lauderdale. Market data, licensing requirements, and cost benchmarks — updated continuously from public sources.
Landscaping jobs in Fort Lauderdale
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Common Job Costs
Licensing Requirements
Licensing Requirements
Florida requires Certified Landscape Contractor license through Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Must pass 4-hour written exam covering horticulture, pest management, irrigation, and business practices. Requires 4 years experience or approved education. License renewed every 3 years with 10 hours continuing education.
Permit Requirements
Fort Lauderdale requires permits for irrigation systems over $1000, tree removal in ROW, hardscape over 500 sq ft. Setback requirements vary by zoning. Environmental permits needed for wetland work.
Inspection Schedule
Irrigation permits require rough-in inspection before backfill and final inspection. Tree permits inspected before and after removal. No routine inspections for general landscaping.
Insurance Minimums
Florida requires $300K general liability for landscape contractors. Workers compensation mandatory with employees. Bonding required for public works projects.
Compliance research unavailable
Source status: unavailable · 7/19/2026
Detailed instructions are withheld because the source is not available for verification.
Local market snapshot
Source: DoorBase, aggregated public ZIP-level data. Updated 8/17/2026.
How to Get Licensed
Meet Experience Requirements
Document 4 years of landscape industry experience OR complete approved horticulture/landscape program. Submit employment verification and transcripts to FDACS.
Submit Application
Complete Application for Certification as Landscape Contractor through FDACS Division of Agricultural Environmental Services. Include $100 application fee and required documentation.
Schedule and Pass Exam
Register for 4-hour written examination covering plant identification, irrigation, pest management, soils, and business practices. Exam fee is $50. Must score 75% or higher to pass.
Obtain Insurance and Bonding
Secure minimum $300,000 general liability insurance. Workers compensation required if employing staff. Submit proof of insurance to FDACS.
Receive License and Maintain
Upon approval, receive Certified Landscape Contractor license valid for 3 years. Complete 10 hours continuing education for renewal. Renewal fee $75 every 3 years.
About This Market
Fort Lauderdale's landscaping market runs hot year-round with peak demand during dry season when snowbirds return. Competition is fierce among 10452 licensed establishments statewide, but steady population growth and high-end waterfront properties drive premium pricing. Hurricane resilience and salt tolerance are major factors. Median wage sits at $18.80/hour reflecting skilled labor shortage in South Florida's booming construction market.
You'll need state certification through FDACS - that's a real exam, not just paperwork. Fort Lauderdale has strict tree ordinances and environmental rules near waterways. Irrigation work pays well but requires separate permitting. Book your crews early for October-April peak season. Summer work focuses on maintenance and hurricane cleanup. Know your native plants and irrigation efficiency requirements - water restrictions are common.
- Median hourly wageU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Number of licensed establishmentsU.S. Census Bureau County Business Patterns
- Licensing requirementsFlorida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
- Permit requirementsFort Lauderdale Building Department
- Insurance minimumsFlorida Department of Financial Services
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does landscape maintenance cost in Fort Lauderdale?
Monthly landscape maintenance ranges from $150-400 depending on property size and services. Median landscaping wages in Florida are $18.80/hour according to BLS data, which drives labor costs.
Do I need a license for landscaping in Fort Lauderdale?
Yes, Florida requires a Certified Landscape Contractor license through FDACS for commercial work over $1000. You must pass a 4-hour exam and show 4 years experience or approved education.
When is landscaping season in Fort Lauderdale?
Peak season runs October through April during the dry season when planting conditions are optimal. This coincides with snowbird season increasing demand for services.
What permits do landscapers need in Fort Lauderdale?
Fort Lauderdale requires permits for irrigation systems over $1000, tree removal in right-of-way, and hardscape projects over 500 square feet. Check with city building department for specific requirements.
How much does irrigation installation cost in Fort Lauderdale?
Irrigation system installation typically costs $2500-8000 depending on property size and system complexity. All systems over $1000 require city permits and inspections per Fort Lauderdale code.
Landscaping contractors in Fort Lauderdale
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