Individuals seeking to engage in cosmetology and certain similar practices in the State of Florida must first obtain the proper license from the Florida Board of Cosmetology. This agency falls under the direction of the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation, and it governs the application process, issuance of licenses, examination requirements and conduct of licensees. Once applicants meet certain educational and practical requirements, they must also pass an examination administered by the Board. In addition, licensing may be obtained via endorsement. Florida also allows for a “specialist” designation for candidates who want to register as such.

Obtaining a license

General

The Board requires license applications to complete a minimum of 1,200 hours of educational courses at a properly-accredited Florida school of cosmetology. Other specialty areas require the educational hours listed below. Once these hours are successfully completed, candidates must pass two written examinations.

Training required

Completion of the following number of hours is required in order to apply to take the written examinations:

• Cosmetologist License: 1200 hours
• Barber License: 1200 hours
• Nail Technician License: 240 hours
• Esthetician License: 260 hours
• Permanent Makeup Artist License: 3-hour Communicable Disease Course
• Hair Braider License: 2-day, 16-hour Hair Braiding Course
• Massage Therapist License: 500 hours

Examinations

Upon receipt of a completed examination application and appropriate fees, applicants will receive notice of the date and time for their written examinations. The test consists of two parts:

• Written Theory: This portion of the examination covers topics such as general safety and sanitation, client services, and professional rules of ethics. There are also sections that cover specifics on facials, makeup, hair removal and nail services.
• Written Clinical: This portion of the examination covers more practical, on-the-job areas of cosmetology. Topics include hair coloring, permanent waving, hair relaxing, scalp care, hair cutting and styling.

A two-hour time limit applies for both tests, and each examination is consists of 65 multiple choice questions.

Licensure by endorsement

Candidates that have a current, valid license in another state may be eligible to obtain a Florida cosmetology license if the other state features educational requirements that are equal to or greater than the requirements in Florida. See the “Training required” section for hourly requirements. Eligible candidates do not have to take the written examinations. The Board does not accept reciprocity licensing from any state.

Maintaining a license

The Board has indicated certain requirements in order for licensees to maintain their licenses in the State of Florida.

Renewal

In order to maintain a valid cosmetology license in the State of Florida, licensees must renew their license based on the “Group” to which they’ve been assigned. Members Groups 1 and 2 are required to renew by October 31 of even and odd numbered years, respectively. Fees range from $30 to $55 depending on area of specialty. Licensees can renew online by creating an account at www.MyFloridaLicense.com.

Continuing education requirements

The Board requires all licensed cosmetologists and specialists to complete at least 16 hours of continuing education courses via a Board-approved educational institution prior to renewing their licenses.

Disciplinary actions

All disciplinary actions are handled by the Board, including complaints from consumers and violations of Florida cosmetology regulations. Depending on the type and nature of the violation, penalties can include license suspension or revocation. The most common violations are failure of inspection due to unsanitary conditions, engaging in the practice of cosmetology without the proper license and improper representation of license.

Specialty designations

The Board has enacted regulations which allow for specialty designations where applicable. Licensees can register as specialists in these areas:

• Nails
• Facials
• Hair braiding
• Hair wrapping
• Body wrapping

Licensed cosmetologists do not have a separate license to offer these services. Applicants who want to register as specialists in the respective areas must complete a certain number of educational hours as indicated by the Board. Upon completion of the required hours and submission of an application with proper fees, the Board will issue a specialists registration.