Business insurance • California landscapers
California Landscaping Contractor Insurance: C-27 License, Bond, and Coverage
California licenses landscape contractors through the CSLB in the C-27 classification, which covers building, installing, and maintaining landscape systems. Since January 1, 2025, work of $1,000 or more, or any job that needs a permit, requires a license, and every license needs a $25,000 contractor’s bond. Routine mowing and trimming generally do not need a license, and any contractor with employees must carry workers’ compensation.
This guide covers California landscaping licenses, required coverage, and typical costs. Blake Insurance Group is an independent agency licensed in California, and a licensed agent can compare quotes for your landscaping business.
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California C-27 license
- A C-27 landscape contractor builds, installs, maintains, and repairs landscape systems and facilities, and prepares and grades land for them (CSLB C-27 classification).
- Jobs of $1,000 or more in labor and materials, or any job that needs a permit, require a license. Unlicensed workers also cannot hire employees for the job (CSLB minor work exemption bulletin).
- Routine maintenance such as mowing, weeding, and shrub trimming generally does not need a license, but irrigation, drainage, lighting, sod, and hardscape work does (CSLB gardener or landscaper guide).
- Every license needs a $25,000 contractor’s bond (CSLB bond requirements). See our California contractor license bond guide.
Workers’ compensation for C-27 contractors
C-27 is not on CSLB’s list of classifications that must carry workers’ compensation with no employees, so a solo contractor can file an exemption. Any contractor with employees must carry coverage (California CSLB workers’ comp rules).
Coverage most California landscapers carry
- General liability: third-party injuries and property damage, such as a mower throwing a rock through a window or a client tripping over equipment.
- Business owner’s policy: general liability bundled with property coverage for your shop, yard, and supplies.
- Workers’ compensation: medical bills and lost wages if an employee is hurt, including mower and trimmer injuries, heat illness, and lifting strains.
- Commercial auto: trucks and trailers that haul crews, mowers, and materials.
- Tools and equipment (inland marine): mowers, trimmers, blowers, and skid steers on job sites or in transit.
- Commercial umbrella: extra limits on top of general liability and auto, often required by HOAs and commercial clients.
What California landscapers pay
| Policy | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| General liability | $63 | $761 |
| Business owner’s policy | $92 | $1,101 |
| Workers’ compensation | $150 | $1,802 |
| Commercial auto | $299 | $3,590 |
| Tools and equipment | $53 | $637 |
| Commercial umbrella | $92 | $1,101 |
| License and permit bonds | $9 | $112 |
Costs for landscaping businesses that bought policies through Insureon, mostly businesses with fewer than five employees. General liability assumes $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate. Your price depends on payroll, the work you do, claims history, and location.
California landscaping insurance FAQs
When does a California landscaper need a C-27 license?
For work of $1,000 or more in labor and materials, or any job that needs a permit.
Do California gardeners need a license for mowing?
Routine maintenance such as mowing, weeding, and trimming generally does not need a contractor license.
How much is the California landscaping license bond?
$25,000 for the contractor’s bond.
Related guides
Important information
Compensation. The link in the partner quote box near the top of this page is sponsored, and Blake Insurance Group may be paid if you make a purchase. Sponsored placement does not affect the other information on this page.
Independent agency. Blake Insurance Group LLC is an independent insurance agency. Licensed insurance producer NPN 16944666. Licensed states: AZ, AL, TX, CA, NY, OH, FL, NC, VA, GA, OK, NM, IA, KS, MI, NE, SC, SD, WV, IL, NJ, PA, TN, and WA. Which insurance companies we can quote depends on our current appointments, the product, and your state. Mentioning a company on this page does not mean we represent it.
Cost figures. Published averages and ranges are cited from the sources named, as of the dates shown. They are not quotes and may not reflect your price, which depends on the insurer, your state, your payroll, the work you do, and your claims history.
Availability. Coverage, prices, discounts, and eligibility vary by insurer, state, and applicant, and are subject to underwriting. The issued policy controls.
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