How to Get a Flooring Contractor License in Texas Requirements & Steps for 2025
- Nate Jones
- Dec 9
- 3 min read
If you're starting or growing a flooring contractor business in Texas, now is one of the best times to do it. With strong demand for residential and commercial projects across Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth, and El Paso, flooring professionals are in a great position to scale their businesses.
Many contractors ask the same question: Do you need a flooring contractor license in Texas?
Below is a clear, step-by-step guide to help you launch or legitimize your flooring installation company in 2025.
✅ Do You Need a Flooring Contractor License in Texas?
In Texas, most flooring contractors do not need a state-issued trade license.
Flooring installation is considered non-structural work, which means you can operate without a specific state license unless your services extend into:
Structural modifications
Remodels requiring building permits
General contracting services
Projects requiring city-level registration
While a state license isn’t required, flooring contractors must still follow important business registration, tax, and compliance steps.
✅ Step 1: Register Your Flooring Business
To legally operate in Texas, you’ll need to establish your business structure. The most common options include:
Sole Proprietorship
LLC (popular for liability protection)
Corporation
Partnership
LLCs are often preferred by flooring contractors because they help protect personal assets.
Read More: Texas Secretary of State Business
✅ Step 2: Apply for Your EIN
If you operate as an LLC or plan to hire employees, you’ll need an Employer Identification Number (EIN).
Apply for free through the IRS
✅ Step 3: Register for Texas Sales Tax
Depending on how you bill for materials and labor, you may need to collect and remit sales tax.
This is especially important for flooring contractors who:
Purchase materials wholesale
Install carpet, tile, hardwood, vinyl, or laminate
Perform lump-sum or separated contracts
Work with exempt organizations
✅ Step 4: Check Local City Requirements
Even though Texas doesn’t require a statewide flooring license, some cities require contractor registration.
Examples:
Houston – Certain remodeling work requires registration
Dallas & Fort Worth – Registration required for permitted projects
Austin & San Antonio – Rules vary depending on job type
El Paso – Registration may be needed for commercial work
Always check the specific requirements in the city where you’re working.
✅ Step 5: Protect Your Business With the Right Insurance
While licensing requirements for flooring contractors are minimal, insurance is often required by:
General contractors
Commercial property managers
Builders
Retail clients
Job sites requiring COIs (Certificates of Insurance)
Here are the core coverages flooring contractors typically need:
Workers’ Compensation (often required by commercial clients)
These policies help protect your business from accidents, property damage, theft, employee injuries, and equipment loss.
⭐ Why Flooring Contractors Trust One Hampton Insurance
One Hampton Insurance is a Texas independent insurance agency with offices in:
Houston
Dallas
Austin
San Antonio
Fort Worth
El Paso
Because we’re independent, we compare multiple carriers to help flooring contractors get the best coverage at the best price—without paying more than necessary.
🧰 Step 6: Use Professional Contracts
Well-written documents help prevent disputes and protect your business. Flooring contractors should have:
Written estimates
Material approval forms
Change orders
Subcontractor agreements
Completion signoffs
These are especially helpful for flooring projects involving moisture testing, subfloor preparation, and installation standards.
🎯 Final Thoughts
In 2025, starting or growing a flooring contractor business in Texas is straightforward—but it still requires the right business setup, local compliance, and solid risk protection.
With a strong presence in Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth, and El Paso, One Hampton Insurance is here to support flooring contractors as they launch, grow, and protect their businesses.
👉 Ready to get covered?
Contact us today.
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