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.
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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.