Texas service guides
Each guide below is the Texas home for one service: what it tends to cost, which license or registration to check, and a hiring checklist. City lists for every service link back here, and the ranking method is on the how we rank page.
All categories
Texas service categories and the check that matters
- Pest Control: Structural pest control for hire must be licensed by the Texas Department of Agriculture.
- Pool Service: TDLR says a Residential Appliance Installer License holder may replace pool pumps, motors and heaters.
- AC Repair & HVAC: Installing or repairing AC and heating systems takes a TDLR license.
- Plumbers: Plumbers are licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners.
- Electricians: Non-exempt electrical work needs a TDLR license and a licensed electrical contractor.
- Roofers: Texas does not currently require a state license for reroofing contractors.
- Tree Service: Spraying trees for pests for hire falls under TDA licensing, in the lawn and ornamental category.
- Pressure Washing: Grounds cleaning is a taxable service, so the business needs a sales tax permit.
- House Cleaning: A cleaning company's charge to clean a home is subject to Texas sales tax.
- Moving Companies: Every company moving household goods for pay must register with TxDMV.
- Attorneys: The State Bar of Texas Find a Lawyer directory lists every attorney licensed in Texas.
- Dentists: TSBDE's Public License Search shows a dentist's license status and public discipline.
- Real Estate Agents: Brokers and sales agents must hold a TREC license.
- Gyms: Most membership gyms need a health spa registration from the Texas Secretary of State for each location.
The ratings behind each city list don't check any of these licenses or registrations. See our terms of service for what the lists measure, and all cities to find your local lists.
Sources
- Texas Department of Agriculture: Structural Pest Control Licensing
- TDLR: Residential Appliance Installers Authorized Scope of Work and Service - Pool-Related Electrical Devices
- TDLR: Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors
- TSBPE: License Types Overview
- TDLR: Electricians
- Texas Legislature: 89(R) HB 3344 Bill Analysis (Committee Report, Substituted)
- Cornell LII (Texas Administrative Code): 34 Tex. Admin. Code § 3.356 - Real Property Service
- Texas Comptroller: Cleaning and Janitorial Services (Publication 94-111)
- Texas Legislature: Transportation Code Chapter 643, Motor Carrier Registration
- State Bar of Texas: Find A Lawyer
- TSBDE: Public License Search
- Texas Constitution and Statutes: Occupations Code Ch. 1101 (Real Estate License Act)
- Texas Secretary of State: Health Spas
Guide checked October 22, 2026.