C-27 Landscaping Licenses in San Jose: Bond, Workers' Comp & Compliance

C-27 compliance in San Jose — CSLB data

Of the 290 C-27 contractors licensed in San Jose, 62% carry workers' comp and 34% claim the no-employee exemption (CSLB, September 2026).

Right now 4 are suspended for workers' comp and 11 for a bond problem.

Santa Clara County totals: 573 C-27 licenses; 7 suspended for workers' comp, 21 for bonds.

Experience mix: median 15.6 years licensed, 21% new (<3 yrs), 37% veterans (20+ yrs). 24 were issued in the last 12 months.

3% are LLCs, which carry extra CSLB insurance and bond rules (below).

What CSLB requires for a C-27 license

• License bond: $25,000 on file with CSLB.
• Workers' comp: required with employees; mandatory for all active licenses from January 1, 2028 (SB 1455).
• LLC licenses: $1M+ liability insurance and a $100,000 employee/worker bond.

Get a quote

Asena Capital Insurance Services compares multiple markets for San Jose contractors and requests additional insured endorsements for you when a contract calls for them. Call (858) 925-9555 or request a quote — only your name, phone and email are required. CA License #6008596.

Frequently asked questions

How many C-27 licenses in San Jose are suspended?

As of September 2026, 4 for workers' comp and 11 for bond issues, out of 290 active C-27 licenses based in San Jose.

How many new C-27 licenses were issued in San Jose last year?

24 in the 12 months to September 2026. Each needed a $25,000 bond on file before CSLB issued the license.

Do C-27 landscapers need workers' comp?

If you have employees, yes. Solo C-27 operators can currently file an exemption; beginning January 1, 2028, CSLB will require workers' comp for all active licenses (SB 1455), except joint ventures. Tree service (C-61/D-49) already requires it.

Related pages

• Landscaping Contractor Insurance California
• License Class — C27
• Contractor Insurance San Jose