I run a small landscaping biz out of Fort Worth. Lately I've been getting calls from Dallas folks. Do I need a separate license or anything? Don't want to step on toes.
Local Expansion
What happens if my Fort Worth business starts serving Dallas customers?
Landscaping? You probably just need to check if Dallas has its own permit requirements for yard work. Fort Worth won't care.
You might have to file a foreign entity registration if you're doing business across county lines. It's a Texas thing.
As a Dallas customer, I say come on over! But check with the city about solicitation permits if you're going door to door.
Travis county? Dallas is Dallas county. Fort Worth is Tarrant. Different counties, so yeah, might need a DBA or something.
Just call the city of Dallas permit office. They'll tell you in 20 minutes what you need. Or don't, and risk a fine.
What happens? You get stuck in traffic on 30 for two hours, that's what.
Also, if you hire anyone in Dallas, you'll need workers comp. Texas doesn't require it, but Dallas might for city contracts. Landscaping might not qualify though.
I've been serving both for years. Never had an issue. Just make sure your insurance covers the whole metroplex. No one checks unles you screw up.
If you're just driving over, cutting grass, and coming back, you're fine. If you open a shop there, that's different.
Oh, and don't forget the Dallas city sticker for your truck if you park on residential streets. They love giving tickets.
That sticker thing is real. Got one for my trailer last year.
Appreciate the tip about the sticker. I'll look into the permit office and insurance coverage. Wish me luck.
Good luck. You'll need it when Dallas finds a new way to tax you.
One more thing—check if Dallas requires a separate business license for landscaping. Some cities do.