Mississippi Landscaping License Requirements (2026)
By Gabriel Giner, Editor · Reviewed 2026-04-16 · CLR Editorial Review Desk
Mississippi licenses landscape contractors at the state trade level through the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) Bureau of Plant Industry under Mississippi Code §69-28-1 et seq. The Landscape Contractor license is required for any business that contracts to install, plant, transplant, or maintain landscape materials at residential, commercial, or institutional properties. A separate Landscape Architect license is required for design services with sealed plans. Commercial pesticide application requires a Commercial Applicator certification from MDAC Bureau of Plant Industry under Miss. Code §69-23. Construction projects of $50,000 or more (commercial) or $10,000 or more (residential) additionally require a Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBC) license.
Regulatory Body Profile
Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) is the statutory authority responsible for issuing and enforcing this license under Mississippi Code Title 31, Chapter 3 (Public Contracts) and Title 73, Chapter 59 (Residential Builders). The Mississippi State Board of Contractors licenses commercial contractors on projects of $50,000 or more and residential builders and remodelers on projects of $50,000 or more, administers examinations through PSI, and enforces bonding and financial-statement requirements statewide.
- Official portal: https://www.msboc.us/
- Address: 2679 Crane Ridge Drive, Suite C, Jackson, MS 39216
- Phone: (601) 354-6161
The Eligibility Audit
The applicant must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid Social Security Number. No Mississippi residency requirement.
Good moral character
MDAC reviews disciplinary history and financial responsibility.
Background investigation
Required disclosure on the application.
Experience and Education Standards
The sources cited here stop short of naming a year requirement; the operative standard is No formal experience requirement, but candidates must pass the MDAC Landscape Contractor exam covering plant identification, installation, soils, and Mississippi law..
Accepted proof of experience or eligibility
- MDAC Landscape Contractor application + exam pass certificate
Education substitution
Mississippi State University Extension training counts toward MDAC continuing education.
The Exam Syllabus
The exam, administered by Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce — Bureau of Plant Industry (paper exam at MDAC Mississippi State campus), breaks into the parts shown below — all must be passed before licensure:
- MDAC Landscape Contractor exam — plant ID, installation, business law — 100 questions, 180 minutes, passing score 70%
Examination fee: $50 application fee + $100 license fee.
Retake policy: Failed exams may be retaken at the next quarterly testing date.
Bonding, Insurance & Financial Security
Before the license is issued, the applicant must file a $25,000 contractor license surety bond in the form prescribed by the MSBOC.
General liability
No state-mandated GL minimum for the Landscape Contractor license itself; commercial clients commonly require $1,000,000 / $2,000,000.
Workers' compensation
Mandatory under Miss. Code §71-3 for any employer with five or more employees.
Additional financial requirements
MSBC general contractor license requires audited financial statement at higher bid limits.
Schedule of Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application (non-refundable) | $50 |
| Examination | $50 |
| Initial license | $100 |
| Renewal (every year) | $100 |
Renewal and Continuing Obligations
The Mississippi Landscape Contractor / Landscape Architect (MDAC) + Commercial Pesticide Applicator runs on a year renewal cycle. The current renewal fee is $100. MDAC Landscape Contractor licenses renew annually on June 30.
Continuing education: MDAC requires 4 CEU hours per year for Landscape Contractor license renewal.
Downloadable Asset
2026 Mississippi Landscaping License Roadmap (PDF) — a printable step-by-step checklist for the application process.
Download the PDF roadmap →Out-of-State Reciprocity
For this classification, Mississippi does not recognize the NASCLA Accredited Examination.
| Reciprocal State | Accepted Exam | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| No formal bilateral reciprocity agreements identified. | ||
Mississippi does not reciprocate the Landscape Contractor license. MDAC pesticide credentials may be granted reciprocally to applicants from Alabama, Louisiana, Tennessee, or Arkansas.
Weighing more than one jurisdiction? The national hub compares Landscaping license requirements in every state — exam, bond, fee, and experience thresholds side by side.
The Application Roadmap
- Register Mississippi business entity and EIN. File with the Mississippi Secretary of State.
- Submit MDAC Landscape Contractor application. File with $50 application fee.
- Pass the MDAC Landscape Contractor exam at 70%. Quarterly written exam at MDAC Mississippi State campus.
- Pay $100 license fee. Annual license fee.
- Pass MDAC Core + Category 3 (Ornamental and Turf) pesticide exams. Required for any commercial spraying.
- Apply for MDAC Commercial Pesticide Applicator certification. Required for any commercial pesticide use.
- Apply for MSBC contractor license if project value over threshold. $50,000 commercial / $10,000 residential.
- Enroll workers compensation. Required for employers with five or more employees.
Where Applications Stall
The following pitfalls summarize the issues most likely to delay, return, or derail a Mississippi Landscaping application based on the published board instructions and source materials cited on this page.
Operating without the Landscape Contractor license
Miss. Code §69-28-13 makes unlicensed landscape contracting a misdemeanor with fines up to $500 per violation.
Skipping MSBC on $50,000+ projects
Mississippi State Board of Contractors enforces unlicensed contracting separately on commercial projects of $50,000+.
Spraying without MDAC certification
Civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation under Miss. Code §69-23-129.
Backflow violations on irrigation
Mississippi State Department of Health requires tested reduced-pressure backflow assemblies on irrigation cross-connections.
Hurricane debris and tree work overlap
Tree removal beyond incidental landscape pruning requires MDAC Arborist registration; FEMA contracts have additional documentation requirements.
Pre-Application Checklist
Have each of the following squared away before the packet goes to MSBOC:
- ☐ Mississippi business entity registration
- ☐ MDAC Landscape Contractor application + exam pass at 70%+
- ☐ MDAC Commercial Pesticide Applicator certification (if spraying)
- ☐ MSBC contractor license (if project value over threshold)
- ☐ Liability insurance (typical commercial minimums)
- ☐ Workers compensation (5+ employees)
Recommended Study Materials
These materials are drawn from the regulator's own citations and the references applicants commonly use to prepare. CLR receives no compensation for listing them.
- Mississippi Landscape Contractor Study Guide — MSU Extension / MDAC. Official reference for the Landscape Contractor exam.
- Mississippi Pesticide Applicator Core Manual — MSU Extension. Required for MDAC Commercial Applicator.
- Ornamental and Turf Pest Management — MSU Extension. Category 3 study guide.
Other Mississippi Trade Licenses
For a different Mississippi credential, see these companion guides published by CLR:
- Mississippi General Contractor License Requirements
- Mississippi Electrician License Requirements
- Mississippi Plumber License Requirements
- Mississippi HVAC Technician License Requirements
- Mississippi Roofing Contractor License Requirements
- Mississippi Painting Contractor License Requirements
- Mississippi Masonry Contractor License Requirements
- Mississippi Carpentry Contractor License Requirements
- Mississippi Solar Installer License Requirements
- Mississippi Low-Voltage Technician License Requirements
- Mississippi Fire Sprinkler Contractor License Requirements
- Mississippi Home Inspector License Requirements
- Mississippi Pool Contractor License Requirements
Common Questions
Does Mississippi license landscape contractors?
Yes. MDAC Bureau of Plant Industry licenses Landscape Contractors at the state trade level under Miss. Code §69-28. Operating without the license is a misdemeanor.
What is the difference between Landscape Contractor and Landscape Architect?
Landscape Contractor covers installation, planting, and maintenance. Landscape Architect (separate license) covers design services with sealed plans.
Do I need an MSBC license too?
Yes, for commercial landscape construction projects of $50,000+ or residential of $10,000+. MSBC general contractor licensing applies on top of the MDAC Landscape Contractor license.
Is the pesticide certification really required?
Yes. Any commercial application of pesticides for hire requires MDAC Commercial Applicator certification under Miss. Code §69-23.
How often does the Landscape Contractor license renew?
Annually on June 30. Renewal requires the $100 fee and current insurance documentation.
Primary Sources
Regulatory requirements on this page are drawn from the official board, statute, and exam-provider materials listed below.
- Mississippi State Board of Contractors
- Mississippi Code Title 31, Chapter 3 — Public Contracts
- Mississippi Code Title 73, Chapter 59 — Residential Builders
- PSI Mississippi Contractor Examination Bulletin
- Mississippi Secretary of State — Business Services
- MDAC Bureau of Plant Industry
- Mississippi Code §69-28 (Landscape Contractor)
Verified 2026-04-16 · Next scheduled review 2026-07-15