Cosmetology Schools in Florida

What to Expect from a Cosmetology Program in Florida

Florida cosmetology school combines coursework and hands-on practice, preparing you for a career providing hair, nail, and skin care services. Cosmetology programs in the state last for 1,200 hours and should prepare you for your cosmetology exams and life after school.

Topics your FL cosmetology school should cover include, but aren't limited to:

• Scalp and Hair Care
• Hair Cutting and Shaping
• Hair Styling
• Esthetics
• Chemical Hair Treatments
• Dyeing and Bleaching
• Business Topics
• Safety and Sanitation
• Manicuring and Pedicuring

Your school may teach additional topics or spend more time on a particular set of skills. It's important to keep your priorities in mind when looking for the right cosmetology school for you.

Cosmetology Apprenticeships in Florida

Florida doesn't allow cosmetology licensure through apprenticeship.

How to Get Your Cosmetology License in Florida

In general, to get your cosmetology license in Florida, you need to complete a cosmetology program and Board-approved Initial HIV/AIDS course, pass two exams, and meet specific background requirements. You must also submit a $45 fee payment with your application.

With an instructor recommendation, you could sit for your cosmetology test after completing 1,000 of your 1,200 training hours, which may let you start working a bit sooner. Otherwise, you can take it once you finish all your coursework.

Background requirements focus on age, education level, and citizenship or residency status. You must be at least 16 or have a high school diploma and pass a background check.

Florida Cosmetology Exams

Florida cosmetologists need to complete a Written Theory and a Written Clinical exam. These tests are taken on a computer, with the theory test showing your understanding of the ideas and science behind cosmetology and the clinical test allowing you to explain how to perform cosmetology services.

The Florida Written Theory Exam lasts for 90 minutes and includes 65 multiple-choice questions. You're encouraged to answer each one, even if you have to guess. The test is divided into the following categories:

• General Safety and Sanitation Procedures: 65%
• Facials, Makeup, and Hair Removal: 16%
• Manicuring and Pedicuring: 16%
• Client Services: 24%
• Professional/Legal and Ethical/Laws and Rules: 10%

The Written Clinical Exam includes the same number of questions and also lasts 90 minutes, but it focuses on how to perform different services. Its sections are:

• Hair Coloring and Lightening: 39%
• Permanent Waving and Chemical Relaxing: 34%
• Hair Cutting and Shaping: 10%
• Scalp and Hair Care: 5%
• Hair Styling: 12%

If you completed 1,200 hours of cosmetology training at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind and take the required Initial HIV/AIDS course, you can apply for a Limited Cosmetology License. This license allows you to perform facials, manicures, and pedicures, but not hair services.

You arrange your exams through Pearson Vue. On exam day, arrive on time and leave most personal items at home. You absolutely can't bring electronics, papers or reference materials, self-defense items, or a bag of any sort. Testing centers have lockers, but everything you bring must fit in an 8"x11" clear bag. Bring two forms of ID that bear your signature, one of which must be government-issued.

If English isn't your first language, you're allowed to bring a translation dictionary with you. Staff have to inspect and approve the book before you start your test. If you have a disability and require accommodation, you can apply with the Special Testing Coordinator before a test or retake.

You must score at least 75% to pass. You'll receive your exam result as soon as you finish. If you fail, you can review the questions you answered incorrectly. To do so, you need to request a review session, which will take place at the testing center. The review session is optional, and you can apply to retake your exam regardless of whether you do the review.

If you pass, your exam score will include information about what the next steps in the licensure process are.

Florida Cosmetology Licensure Reciprocity

While Florida doesn't have cosmetology licensure reciprocity agreements with any other states, licensed cosmetologists from other states may still be able to get licensed in FL without starting from scratch. This is called "licensure by endorsement."

If your state required at least 1,200 cosmetology program hours and your license has been active for at least one year, you may be able to get your license without taking Florida's cosmetology tests. However, if you completed an apprenticeship, no matter how long it lasted, you can't get an endorsement.

The Board doesn't allow people to trade experience for training. If your state required fewer than 1,200 training hours, you must take the FL exam, even if you've been working as a cosmetologist for years.

Cosmetology licenses from other countries aren't eligible for licensure by endorsement in Florida. You need to complete the Florida cosmetology licensure process.

Cosmetology Licensure for Service Members and Military Family Members

Members of the military, veterans, and spouses/surviving spouses may not need to pass Florida's cosmetology exams to get their license. However, you must have a valid license from another state, DC, a US territory, or even a foreign jurisdiction. To qualify, you must provide a copy of your certificate of licensure.

Cosmetology Specialties in Florida

There are many beauty specialties to choose from in Florida. If working in the broad field of cosmetology isn't quite right for you, and you want to earn a different license, or if you want to focus on one or two cosmetology skills, some training may still be required.

Some beauty specialties available in Florida are:

• Nail Specialist: 180 hours
• Facial Specialist: 220 hours
• Full Specialist (Nails + Facials): 400 hours
• Makeup Artist: No license required
• Hair Braider: No license required

You need to be a licensed cosmetologist, facial specialist, or full specialist to perform eyebrow threading, eyelash and eyebrow tinting, body waxing, or false eyelash application.

If you're a barber in Florida and want to become a cosmetologist, you might be able to transition from barbering to cosmetology without undergoing an entire cosmetology program. You need to have your existing training evaluated at a cosmetology school, and they'll decide whether they can sign off on a licensure application as-is or if you need additional training.