Florist and flower dealer licensing
Get authorized to arrange, cut, and sell flowers and ornamental plants
Types of licenses
This at-a-glance comparison tells you what you might need. More details are below.
What you want to do | Type of license or permit needed |
|---|---|
Sell arranged flowers and plants to customers | Retail Florist License |
Sell cut flowers (singly or in bunches) to customers | Retail Florist License or Cut Flower Dealer Permit |
Sell cut flowers and/or plants to businesses | Wholesale Florist License |
If you own a retail florist business, each location must have at least one regular employee (32 hrs/week or more) who is licensed.
Anyone who applies for a cut flower dealer permit must include a Louisiana State Sales Tax, issued through the Louisiana Department of Revenue and Taxation . You need your Louisiana State Sales Tax number prior to getting a permit.
Exceptions
These licenses are not needed for selling artificial materials or dried plant materials.
If you're selling woody ornamentals, such as trees or shrubs, you also need a Nursery Stock Dealer Permit .
Change of information
Once licensed, if your address or contact information changes, request a change of information .
Find a licensed florist
Retail florists
List of licensed retail florists as of June 2023
Cut flower dealers
A list of permitted cut flower dealers as of June 2023.
Wholesale florists
A list of licensed wholesale florists as of June 2023.
Licenses and permits
If you arrange and sell floral designs, cut flowers, and/or ornamental plants, you need a Retail Florist License.
You must have a regular employee (minimum of 32 hours per week) at each place of business who is a licensed florist.
Prepare for the exam
Learn what to expect for the exam: exam content information .
Prepare using these study materials:
" Flowers: Creative Design ” by James L. Johnson, William J. McKinley, Jr., & M. “Buddy” Benz, Copyright © 2001 by San Jacinto Publishing Co.
Take the exam and pay fees
The exam is in person, and you can choose from several location across Louisiana.
Mail your application with payment to: Horticulture Commission, 5825 Florida Blvd., Suite 1003, Baton Rouge, LA 70806.
You must take your exam within 90 days of submitting your application.
Upon receiving your application, the Horticulture Commission will call you to schedule your exam.
Pay the $114 exam fee.
Pass the exam at 70% or higher.
Pay the $100 license fee.
If you sell cut flowers, either singly or in bunches, you need a Cut Flower Dealer Permit.
To apply
Complete the application and mail with payment to: Horticulture Commission, 5825 Florida Blvd., Suite 1003, Baton Rouge, LA 70806.
Pay fee of $90 per location/outlet per year.
If you prepare and sell cut flowers, plant materials, and ornamental plants to retail florists and cut flower dealers, you need a Wholesale Florist License. If selling floral arrangements, you also need a Retail Florist License.
Prepare for the exam
Learn what to expect for the exam: Wholesale Florist exam content information .
Prepare using exam reference material. Order exam reference material .
Take the exam and pay fees
The exam is in person, and you can choose from several location across Louisiana.
Mail your application with payment to: Horticulture Commission, 5825 Florida Blvd., Suite 1003, Baton Rouge, LA 70806.
You must take your exam within 90 days of submitting your application.
Upon receiving your application, the Horticulture Commission will call you to schedule your exam.
Pay the $114 exam fee.
Pass the exam at 70% or higher.
Pay the $100 license fee.
Contact info
Related links