Florida Board of Cosmetology License Requirements

Florida Board of Cosmetology License Information

Last Updated: December 27, 2012

In order to obtain a license in cosmetology, esthetics or nail technology in the state of Florida, students must complete the requirements listed below from the Florida State Board of Cosmetology. When getting a Florida cosmetology license or other beauty practitioner certification, you must attend a licensed school and complete the state of Florida's minimum required training hours and then take the state's cosmetology board exams. Florida does not allow apprenticeship to get these training hours. After finishing your training, you are required to pass a licensing exam issued by the Florida State Board of Cosmetology. Once you pass this exam, you will receive your Florida cosmetology license shortly thereafter. You're now able to work in the state of Florida. Keep in mind, even though Florida requires only 16 continuing education hours to renew licenses, you may wish to consider taking additional cosmetology continuing education hours in Florida annually to stay current on the latest trends. For specific questions, please contact the FL Board of Cosmetology directly for more information. Florida offers the cosmetology board exams in both the English and Spanish languages.

Find Florida beauty schools that can help you obtain a license in cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology and other beauty professions in the State of California.

Florida Board of Cosmetology License Requirements

• 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 BRADER LICENSE: 2-Day 16-Hour Hair Braiding Course
• MASSAGE THERAPIST LICENSE: 500 Hours

Florida Cosmetology License Renewal

Cosmetology licenses in Florida are divided into two groups depending on when you get your license. Group 1 licenses must be renewed by October 31 in even-numbered years, and Group 2 must be renewed by October 31 in odd-numbered years. License renewal fees vary from $30 to $55 depending on your beauty specialty. Florida requires 16 hours of cosmetology continuing education to renew licenses.

Cosmetology License Reciprocity (Transfer) to Florida

The Florida cosmetology board does not have a reciprocity program. Instead, they offer Florida licensure through endorsement. To transfer your license to Florida, your home state must have similar education and testing requirements.

FL State Board of Cosmetology Contact Information

Florida Division of Professions, Board of Cosmetology
1940 N. Monroe St. 
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783
Phone Number: 850-487-1395
Fax Number: 866-888-1176
E-mail Address: call.center@dbpr.state.fl.us

The Florida State Board of Cosmetology can help you with replacing a lost cosmetology license, updating change of name or change of address information, and acquiring out-of-state and other useful forms, as well as answer additional questions about obtaining a Florida state cosmetology license.

Cosmetology Licensing Information for Other Nearby States:

• Georgia
• Alabama
• Mississippi
• Louisiana
• Texas