What the C-27 license covers
CSLB's definition: “A landscape contractor constructs, maintains, repairs, installs, or subcontracts the development of landscape systems and facilities for public and private gardens and other areas which are designed to aesthetically, architecturally, horticulturally, or functionally improve the grounds within or surrounding a structure or a tract or plot of land. In connection therewith, a landscape contractor prepares and grades plots and areas of land for the installation of any architectural, horticultural and decorative treatment or arrangement.” (California Code of Regulations / Business and Professions Code, via cslb.ca.gov).
C-27 licenses in California — CSLB data
CSLB's public license file (September 2026) shows 11,934 current C-27 licenses statewide. 57% have a workers' comp policy on file and 40% are filed exempt. 47% are sole owners, 45% corporations and 6% LLCs; 794 were issued in the last 12 months.
Right now 173 C-27 licenses are suspended for workers' comp and 454 for bond problems — a suspended license cannot legally contract.
Workers' comp rules
Any California contractor with employees must carry workers' comp (Labor Code 3700). A license with no employees can currently file an exemption with CSLB; beginning January 1, 2028 (SB 1455), CSLB will require workers' comp for all active licenses, with joint-venture licenses the only exception.
Landscape payroll is generally reported under WCIRB class 0042 (landscape gardening), which includes most landscape construction; elevated tree work is classified separately (0106).
License bond and LLC rules
Every active California contractor license needs a $25,000 contractor license bond on file with CSLB (raised from $15,000 on January 1, 2023). For owners with good credit, the bond commonly costs about $140–$250 a year; price depends mainly on credit.
LLC licenses also need a $100,000 employee/worker bond and liability insurance of at least $1 million (plus $100,000 per member over five, up to $5 million).