How to Get a Florida Cosmetology License

Like most states, Florida regulates the cosmetology profession. Individuals seeking to work as a cosmetologist in Florida must obtain a license from the Florida Board of Cosmetology. Applicants must first complete a cosmetology school. Those who finish school must then take a Florida cosmetology exam to ensure adequate skills to safely cut and dye hair and perform specialty tasks like nail cutting.

Step 1:

Attain at least the age of 16 or graduate from high school (see Sources).

Step 2:

Complete 1200 hours in a Florida cosmetology program. Make sure you attend an approved program. You will generally provide approved programs at places like community colleges or other legitimate institutions. When in doubt, contact the Florida Department of Education. You can also talk to local Florida cosmetologists about their educational experiences and get a school recommendation from them.

Note on Out-of-State Cosmetology License Transfers:

The general rule when transferring a license from out of state to get a Florida cosmetology license is that the standards under which you got the license must be at least as stringent as the requirements for a Florida license (see Sources). However, you must also take the AIDS training detailed below to get a license.

There is an exception to this license transfer rule. You may apply for a waiver of the 1200-hour educational requirement if you have had a cosmetology license at least one year. This exception applies when you do not qualify for a license by endorsement (transfer).

Step 3:

Download the “Candidate Information Booklet” for the Florida cosmetology exam. This booklet will help you prepare for the exam. It has sample questions, a course outline and book references you can use to get ready for your cosmetology exam.

Step 4:

Complete HIV/AIDS training. Refer to the sources for a document that lists approved courses. In some cases, you may have received this training at your cosmetology school.

Step 5:

Click on one of the application links on the cosmetology application details page (see Sources). Fill out the exam/license application. As of 2010, you must pay a fee of $78 for the application. Make checks payable to the “Department of Business and Professional Regulation.” If you fail, there is a $23 retesting fee. However, you will need to pass both portions of the exam within a two-year period to avoid retraining.

Contact Details:

If you have additional questions, you may call 850-487-1395. You may also email call.center@dbpr.state.fl.us.

Specialty Licenses:

Florida has specialty cosmetology licenses for hair wrappers, body wrappers, hair braiders, nail specialists, facial specialists, and full specialists. Refer to the Cosmetology page in the Sources below to get additional information on requirements and registration for these cosmetology-specialist designations.

Sources:

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Cosmetology Application Details

Information and Application by Endorsement for Out-of-State License Holders

Florida Cosmetology Candidate Information Booklet

Approved HIV/AIDS Courses for Florida Cosmetologists

Cosmetology Page for Florida Cosmetologists and Cosmetology Specialties