Cosmetology Schools in Florida

Whether you want to work with locals or tourists, in salons or amusement parks, near a beach, or in a city, Florida could be the perfect place to begin your cosmetology career.

Browse our directory of cosmetology schools in Florida, or skip ahead to learn about the state's cosmetology licensing requirements and job outlook.

Browse All Cosmetology Schools in Florida

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3665 East Bay Drive Suite 164
Largo, FL 33771

Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Makeup Artistry, Massage Therapy, Nail Technology

2800 34th Street North
St Petersburg, FL 33713

Programs:
Barbering, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Design, Makeup Artistry, Nail Technology

985 East Memorial Boulevard
Lakeland, FL 33801

(863) 682-4247
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Barbering, Nail Technology, Massage Therapy

4951-A Adamo Drive
Tampa, FL 33605

(813) 654-4529
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Barbering, Nail Technology, Massage Therapy

2040 Colonial Boulevard
Fort Myers, FL 33907

(877) 282-8332
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Massage Therapy

700 South Royal Poinciana Boulevard Suite 103/303
Miami Springs, FL 33166

(786) 631-5676
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Electrology, Continuing Education

7820 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL 33434

(561) 487-1191
Programs:
Cosmetology, Electrology, Esthetics, Hair Design, Makeup Artistry, Nail Technology

7329 North State Road 7
Parkland, FL 33073

(954) 866-1011
Programs:
Barbering, Cosmetology, Electrology, Esthetics, Makeup Artistry, Massage Therapy, Nail Technology

5090 West 12th Avenue
Hialeah, FL 33012

(305) 639-8726
Programs:
Barbering, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Massage Therapy, Nail Technology

855 Southwest 79th Avenue
Miami, FL 33144

(305) 267-7277
Programs:
Barbering, Cosmetology, Electrology, Esthetics, Laser Hair Removal, Makeup Artistry, Massage Therapy, Nail Technology
Daytona College – Accredited

425 South Nova Road
Ormond Beach, FL 32174

Programs:
Barbering, Cosmetology, Massage Therapy

1200 West International Speedway Boulevard
Daytona Beach, FL 32114

Programs:
Cosmetology, Barbering, Massage Therapy

1005A East John Sims Parkway
Niceville, FL 32578

(850) 659-7585
Programs:
Cosmetology

2105 West 15th Street
Panama City, FL 32401

(850) 481-1220
Programs:
Cosmetology

5101 U.S. Highway 98 North
Lakeland, FL 33809

(863) 868-1845
Programs:
Cosmetology

10083 East Adamo Drive
Tampa, FL 33619

(502) 447-0111
Programs:
Cosmetology

4258 Okeechobee Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33409

(317) 463-0100
Programs:
Cosmetology
Florida Academy – Accredited

4387 Colonial Boulevard
Fort Myers, FL 33966

(239) 489-2282
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Massage Therapy

51 North State Road 7
Plantation, FL 33317

(954) 791-1792
Programs:
Barbering, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology

1271 State Road 436 Suite 131
Casselberry, FL 32707

(407) 681-2410
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Barbering, Nail Technology, Electrology

420 South State Road 7
Hollywood, FL 33023

(954) 922-5505
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Barbering, Nail Technology, Massage Therapy, Electrology

5000 Coconut Creek Parkway C
Margate, FL 33063

(954) 781-2468
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Barbering, Nail Technology, Massage Therapy

7587-7599 South Dixie Highway
West Palm Beach, FL 33405

(561) 547-6333
Programs:
Barbering, Cosmetology, Electrology, Esthetics, Massage Therapy, Nail Technology

6250 Northwest 23rd Street
Gainesville, FL 32653

(954) 972-0635
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Barbering, Nail Technology, Teacher Training

2620 Southwest 17th Road 700
Ocala, FL 34471

(954) 972-0635
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Teacher Training

1901 North Federal Highway Unit 201
Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Barbering, Nail Technology, Teacher Training

3831 West Vine Street
Kissimmee, FL 34741

(407) 483-5700
Programs:
Cosmetology, Barbering

2601 South Military Trail Suite 13
West Palm Beach, FL 33415

(561) 845-1400
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Barbering, Nail Technology, Massage Therapy

1045 Riverside Avenue
Jacksonville, FL 32204

(616) 975-7778
Programs:
Cosmetology, Electrology, Esthetics, Massage Therapy, Nail Technology

552 East Woolbright Road
Boynton Beach, FL 33435

(561) 733-2223
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Barbering, Nail Technology, Makeup Artistry, Teacher Training

3679 West Waters Avenue
Tampa, FL 33614

Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Barbering, Nail Technology

3244 Lithia Pinecrest Road
Valrico, FL 33594

Programs:
Barbering, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology

1388 Colonial Boulevard
Fort Myers, FL 33907

(239) 208-3958
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics
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Find Cosmetology Schools Near You

A Beauty School Of Tampa

8203 North Armenia Avenue
Tampa, FL 33604

Academy of Beauty and Business

3301 3rd Avenue North Street
St. Petersburg, FL 33713

Academy of Career Training – Accredited

3501 West Vine Street Suite 111
Kissimmee, FL 34741

Academy of Cosmetology - Melbourne – Accredited

4850 Stack Boulevard F6
Melbourne, FL 32901

Academy of Cosmetology - Merritt Island – Accredited

2088 North Courtenay Parkway
Merritt Island, FL 32953

Advantage Beauty Institute

8951 Bonita Beach Road Southeast
Bonita Springs, FL 34135

Affinity Hair Academy – Accredited

12313 South Orange Blossom Trail
Orlando, FL 32837

Altruistic Academy (Medical & Beauty School)

1253 Park Street
Clearwater, FL 33756

American Academy of Cosmetology – Accredited

1330 Blanding Boulevard
Orange Park, FL 32065

American Beauty Schools – Accredited

8150 Southwest 8th Street
Miami, FL 33144

Art of Hair Academy & Studio

4698 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33415

ASM Beauty World Academy

6664 Stirling Road
Hollywood, FL 33024

Aveda Institute Brandon – Accredited

1516 West Brandon Boulevard
Brandon, FL 33511

Aveda Institute Jacksonville – Accredited

10601 San Jose Boulevard Suite 7
Jacksonville, FL 32257

Aveda Institute Orlando – Accredited

495 North Semoran Boulevard
Winter Park, FL 32792

Aveda Institute South Florida – Accredited

4186 South University Drive
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328

Aveda Institute Tallahassee – Accredited

2020 West Pensacola Street
Tallahassee, FL 32304

Aveda Institute Tampa Bay – Accredited

28272 U.S. Highway 19 North
Clearwater, FL 33761

Beauty Academy Of South Florida

13411 Southwest 184th Street
Miami, FL 33155

Beauty Academy of South Florida - Hialeah Gardens – Accredited

9800 Northwest 77 Avenue
Hialeah Gardens, FL 33016

Beauty and Massage Institute – Accredited

1375 US-1
Vero Beach, FL 32960

Beauty Supply & Beauty School

3350 Southwest 148th Avenue Suite 110
Miramar, FL 33027

Bellissima Academy

2121 South Hiawassee Road Unit 118
Orlando, FL 32835

Bene's Career Academy - Brooksville

698 South Broad Street
Brooksville, FL 34601

Bene's Career Academy - Port Richey

7027 US-19
Port Richey, FL 34652

Beyond Institute & Career Center

2921 Vineland Road
Kissimmee, FL 34746

Bloom Academy

2180 Central Florida Parkway A10
Orlando, FL 32837

Bly's School of Cosmetology

3501 Southwest 2nd Avenue suite C
Gainesville, FL 32607

Broward College

111 East Las Olas Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Cape Coral Technical College – Accredited

360 Santa Barbara Boulevard
Cape Coral, FL 33993

Charlotte Technical College – Accredited

18150 Murdock Circle
Charlotte, FL 33948

Charr-Nix's New Generation School of Beauty

6200 20th Street Suite 694
Vero Beach, FL 32966

Chipola College

3094 Indian Circle
Marianna, FL 32446

Cozmo Beauty School – Accredited

10347 Bonita Beach Road Unit 103
Bonita Springs, FL 34135

Diamond Beauty School

3401 South Congress Avenue 204
Lake Worth, FL 33461

Eastern Florida State College

1519 Clearlake Road
Cocoa, FL 32922

Electrolysis, Laser & Beauty Institute

1713 Foxbower Road
Orlando, FL 32825

Elevate Salon Institute - Miami Beach – Accredited

1500 Bay Road C1
Miami Beach, FL 33139

Embelezze Beauty School

2239 Southwest 2nd Street
Pompano Beach, FL 33069

Emerald Coast Technical College – Accredited

761 North 20th Street
Defuniak Springs, FL 32433

Erwin Technical College – Accredited

2010 East Hillsborough Avenue
Tampa, FL 33610

Fashion Focus Hair Academy

2184 Gulf Gate Drive
Sarasota, FL 34231

First Coast Barber Academy – Accredited

625 North Julia Street
Jacksonville, FL 32210

First Coast Technical College – Accredited

2980 Collins Avenue
Saint Augustine, FL 32084

Flagler Technical Institute – Accredited

5400 East Highway 100
Palm Coast, FL 32164

Flavia Leal Beauty School

7600 Southland Boulevard Suite 102
Orlando, FL 32809

Florida Academy of Health & Beauty – Accredited

2901 West Oakland Park Boulevard B16
Oakland Park, FL 33311

Florida Gateway College

149 Southeast College Place
Lake City, FL 32025

Florida Massage and Beauty Institute

3911 West Waters Avenue Suites 10 - 11
Tampa, FL 33614

Florida Panhandle Technical College – Accredited

757 Hoyt Street
Chipley, FL 32428

Florida State College at Jacksonville

101 West State Street
Jacksonville, FL 32218

Florida Student Cosmetology School

1004 North US1
Fort Pierce, FL 34950

Florida Technical College

12520 Pines Boulevard
Pembroke Pines, FL 33027

Focus 4 Beauty Career Institute

631 East Alexander Street
Plant City, FL 33563

Fort Myers Technical College – Accredited

3800 Michigan Avenue
Fort Myers, FL 33916

Fort Pierce Beauty Academy – Accredited

3028 South US 1
Fort Pierce, FL 34982

Fortis Institute - Pensacola

4081 East Olive Road Suite B
Pensacola, FL 32514

Fred D. Learey Technical College

5410 North 20th Street
Tampa, FL 33610

Fred K Marchman Technical College – Accredited

7825 Campus Drive
New Port Richey, FL 34653

Futura Career Institute – Accredited

4512 West 12th Avenue
Hialeah, FL 33012

Gadsden Technical Institute – Accredited

201 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
Quincy, FL 32351

George Stone Technical Center – Accredited

2400 Longleaf Drive
Pensacola, FL 32526

Gilenid Beauty Institute

8102 Blanding Boulevard Suite 11
Jacksonville, FL 32244

Glamour-Tize

7450 Drive Phillips Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32819

Hair In Motion Beauty Academy

851 East State Road 434 Suite 164
Longwood, FL 32750

Hollywood Beauty Academy

11348 South Orange Blossom Trail
Orlando, FL 32837

Immokalee Technical College – Accredited

508 North 9th Street
Immokalee, FL 34142

Indian River State College

2401 South 29th Street
Fort Pierce, FL 34981

International Academy

2550 South Ridgewood Avenue
South Daytona, FL 32119

International Institute of Education

1507 State Road 7 Suite B
Margate, FL 33063

Jacksonville Health and Beauty School

5161 Beach Boulevard Suites 1&2
Jacksonville, FL 32207

Kaizen Beauty Academy – Accredited

8405 Pines Boulevard
Pembroke Pines, FL 33024

KCK Beauty and Barber Academy – Accredited

10592 Balmoral Circle East 1
Jacksonville, FL 32218

KDLR Beauty Labs | Luxury Makeup Artistry & Classes

1101 East Cumberland Avenue Suite 210-H 3187
Tampa, FL 33602

KOE Barber Academy

437 South Central Avenue
Lakeland, FL 33815

La Belle Beauty Academy - Hialeah – Accredited

1495 West 49 Street
Hialeah, FL 33144

Lake Technical College – Accredited

2001 Kurt Street
Eustis, FL 32726

LaSalle Tech - Plant City – Accredited

631 East Alexander Street
Plant City, FL 33563

Latin Beauty Academy – Accredited

6348 Forest Hill Boulevard Suite 348
Greenacres, FL 33415

Le Beaute Academie

14177 Lake Nona Boulevard #1020 Suite 7
Orlando, FL 32824

Lively Technical College – Accredited

500 North Appleyard Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32304

Loraines Academy & Spa – Accredited

1012 58th Street North
St Petersburg, FL 33710

Lorenzo Walker Technical College – Accredited

3702 Estey Avenue
Naples, FL 34104

M-DCPS The English Center – Accredited

3501 Southwest 28 Street
Miami, FL 33133

Manatee Technical College – Accredited

6305 State Road 70 East
Bradenton, FL 34203

Manhattan Hairstyling Academy

1906 West Platt Street
Tampa, FL 33606

Marion Technical College – Accredited

1014 Southwest 7th Road
Ocala, FL 34471

Marion Technical Institute – Accredited

1614 South East Fort King Street
Ocala, FL 34471

Master Career Institute

6735 Conroy Road Suite 423
Orlando, FL 32835

Meridian College – Accredited

7020 Professional Parkway East
Sarasota, FL 34240

Miami Beauty Academy

11900 Biscayne Boulevard
Miami, FL 33181

Miami Beauty Bar

1800 Southwest 1st Avenue 303
Miami, FL 33129

Miami Lakes Educational Center and Technical College – Accredited

5780 Northwest 158th Street
Miami Lakes, FL 33014

Microblading & Beuaty Academy

1210 North John Young Parkway
Kissimmee, FL 34741

New Concept Massage and Beauty School Main Campus – Accredited

1164 Southwest 67 Avenue
Miami, FL 33144

New Concept Massage and Beauty School West Campus – Accredited

12851 Southwest 42 Street Suite 101
Miami, FL 33175

New Concept Massage and Beauty School, Cutler Bay – Accredited

11484 Southwest 186 Street
Miami, FL 33157

North Florida Cosmetology Institute – Accredited

2424 Allen Road
Tallahassee, FL 32312

North Florida Technical College – Accredited

609 North Orange Street
Starke, FL 32091

Nouvelle Institute - Hialeah – Accredited

500 West 49 Street Second Floor
Hialeah, FL 33012

Nouvelle Institute - Miami – Accredited

3271 Northwest 7th Street Suite 106
Miami, FL 33125

Okaloosa Technical College – Accredited

1976 Lewis Turner Boulevard
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547

Orange Technical College - Winter Garden – Accredited

955 East Story Road
Winter Garden, FL 34787

Osceola Technical College – Accredited

1030 Cypress Parkway
Kissimmee, FL 34759

Osceola Technical College - St. Cloud – Accredited

2901 17th Street
St. Cloud, FL 34769

Palm Beach State College

4200 Congress Avenue
Lake Worth, FL 33461

Paul Mitchell The School Fort Lauderdale – Accredited

8000 West Broward Boulevard Suite 1101
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33388

Paul Mitchell The School Fort Myers – Accredited

9941 Interstate Commerce Drive
Fort Myers, FL 33913

Paul Mitchell The School Jacksonville – Accredited

4624 Town Crossing Drive Suite 155 Suite 155
Jacksonville, FL 32246

Paul Mitchell The School Orlando – Accredited

1285 Oviedo Mall Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32765

Paul Mitchell The School Sarasota – Accredited

501 North Beneva Road Suite 620
Sarasota, FL 34232

Paul Mitchell The School Tampa – Accredited

7823 Citrus Park Town Center Mall
Tampa, FL 33625

Pensacola State College

1000 College Boulevard
Pensacola, FL 32504

Pinellas Technical College - Clearwater – Accredited

6100 154th Avenue North
Clearwater, FL 33760

Pinellas Technical College - Saint Petersburg – Accredited

901 34th Street South
Saint Petersburg, FL 33711

Port St. Lucie Beauty Academy – Accredited

10036 South US Highway 1
Port St. Lucie, FL 34952

Prestige Health & Beauty Sciences Academy – Accredited

1250 East Hallandale Beach Boulevard Suite 409
Hallandale Beach, FL 33009

Pro Nails & Beauty School

11631 East Colonial Drive
Orlando, FL 32817

Psico Salud Belleza Academy

3497 West Vine Street
Kissimmee, FL 34741

QM Career Institute – Accredited

4645 Gun Club Road
West Palm Beach, FL 33415

Ridge Technical College – Accredited

7700 State Road 544
Winter Haven, FL 33881

Riveroak Technical College – Accredited

415 Southwest Pinewood Drive
Live Oak, FL 32064

Robert Morgan Educational Center and Technical College – Accredited

18180 Southwest 122nd Avenue
Miami, FL 33177

Rockledge Institute School of Health & Beauty

1225 Florida Avenue South Suite C
Rockledge, FL 32955

Shear Finesse Hairstyling Academy – Accredited

9200 Arlington Express Way
Jacksonville, FL 32208

Sheridan Technical College – Accredited

5400 Sheridan Street
Hollywood, FL 33021

Slayy Beauty Academy

657 South Drive Unit 404
Miami Springs, FL 33166

South Florida State College

600 West College Drive
Avon Park, FL 33825

Summit Salon Academy - Gainesville – Accredited

6915 Northwest 4th Boulevard Suite B
Gainesville, FL 32607

Summit Salon Academy - Tampa – Accredited

4802 Gunn Highway Suite 144
Tampa, FL 33624

Suncoast Technical College – Accredited

4748 Beneva Road
Sarasota, FL 34233

Suncoast Technical Education Center

4057 California Street
Brooksville, FL 34604

Tampa Beauty School

14805 North Florida Avenue D
Tampa, FL 33613

Tenaj Salon Institute – Accredited

11915 Country Road 103
The Villages, FL 32162

The Beauty Institute - West Palm Beach – Accredited

2215 North Military Trail 1
West Palm Beach, FL 33409

The Salon Professional Academy - Delray Beach – Accredited

14610 South Military Trail
Delray Beach, FL 33484

The Salon Professional Academy - Melbourne – Accredited

1700 West New Haven Avenue Suite 540A
Melbourne, FL 32904

Tom P Haney Technical Center – Accredited

3016 Highway 77 North
Panama City, FL 32405

Total Beauty Institute – Accredited

5308 North Pearl Street
Jacksonville, FL 32208

Total Nails and Hair Academy

2716 South Dixie Highway
West Palm Beach, FL 33405

Traviss Technical College – Accredited

3225 Winter Lake Road
Lakeland, FL 33803

Trend Setters - Jacksonville

1033 Edgewood Avenue South
Jacksonville, FL 32205

Trend Setters of Florida – Accredited

5486 Normandy Boulevard
Jacksonville, FL 32205

UR Beauty & Barber Academy – Accredited

3750 Emergency Lane 3
Sebring, FL 33870

USA International Health and Beauty Academy

12218 University Mall Court
Tampa, FL 33612

Valencia College

1768 Park Center Drive
Orlando, FL 32835

VK Beauty Academy

3970 Northlake Boulevard
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33403

Wilton Simpson Technical College – Accredited

801 North Broad Street
Brooksville, FL 34601

Withlacoochee Technical College – Accredited

1201 West Main Street
Inverness, FL 34450

Wonderful Beauty

5950 Lakehurst Drive
Orlando, FL 32819

World Class Academy of Beauty Careers – Accredited

516 West Orange Avenue
Tallahassee, FL 32310

World of Beauty Academy - Orlando

6111 West Colonial Drive
Orlando, FL 32808

Xanadu Beauty Academy

3347 Sheridan Street
Hollywood, FL 33021
Accredited School

You must attend a school that meets any licensure requirements as defined by your state. Most states require that you graduate from an accredited or state-approved school.

Cosmetology Schools Near Me

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Florida

Florida Cosmetology Careers At a Glance
  • 1,200 education hours are required to become licensed.
  • You must renew your license every 2 years.
  • 16 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
  • The average salary for cosmetologists in Florida is $33,680.
  • There is a predicted 34% job increase between 2020–2030 for cosmetologists.

Cosmetology encompasses a vast industry of professionals specializing in beauty services to enhance a client’s appearance. These services may include haircutting, coloring, styling, nail and skin care treatments, makeup application, massage, and hair removal.

To become a professional cosmetologist in Florida, you need to meet the following requirements:

  • Be at least 16 years old or have earned a high school diploma.
  • Complete a minimum of 1,200 hours at a Florida cosmetology school or a minimum of 1,000 hours of training at an approved Florida cosmetology school and be deemed ready to take the cosmetology licensure exam by a school official.
  • Complete a four-hour-long Initial HIV/AIDS course approved by Florida’s Board of Cosmetology.
  • Pass both portions of the cosmetology exam (written theory and clinical exam).
  • Pay a $63.50 fee to apply.

Florida Cosmetology vs. Full Specialist Licensure

The state of Florida offers a multi-discipline professional license called a full specialist that is a combination of a facial specialist and a nail tech. Though a cosmetologist in Florida can also offer nail and facial services, a cosmetologist license is broader than a full specialist license. A Florida cosmetologist can perform services on client hair, such as hair styling and coloring, for example, and perform chemical treatments on the head, face, and scalp, whereas a full specialist cannot.

Cosmetologist Salary and Projected Job Growth in Florida

$33,680

Average yearly salary for cosmetology in Florida

The cosmetology profession is trending upward, with an expected job growth rate of 17% nationally. In Florida, that rate is even higher, at 34%.

Cosmetologist wages range, with some workers making as little as $18,900 per year and others earning as much as $56,350. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, cosmetologists in Florida earn an annual mean salary of $33,680, or $16.19 per hour.

The highest-paying metropolitan areas for cosmetologists in Florida are:

Metro Area 2021 Median Salary
Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL $37,110
North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, FL $36,940
Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL $35,840
Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL $35,200
Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL $30,220
Sebastian-Vero Beach, FL $30,100
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL $29,860

Table information sourced from O*Net (2022).

What to Expect From a Cosmetology Program in Florida

1,200 Education Hours

Required to earn a cosmetology license

Florida cosmetologists must undergo a minimum of 1,200 hours of training before taking the licensure exam. However, in some circumstances, a school official may determine a student only needs 1,000 hours of education before taking the exam.

Due to the personal nature of the profession, cosmetologists need to have a solid working knowledge of infection control and modes of transmission. Therefore, in addition to tested subjects, you must also take a four-hour-long Initial HIV/AIDS course approved by Florida’s Board of Cosmetology.

Private cosmetology schools must be licensed by the Commission for Independent Education according to Chapter 1005 in Florida’s state legislature. In addition, schools approved by the Commission for Independent Education must comply with the commission’s rules on fair consumer practices.

Students can also pursue training in a cosmetology program in the public school system, a government-operated cosmetology program, or the Cosmetology Division of the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind.

You must complete your education at an accredited institution to qualify for a Florida cosmetology license. Visit the Florida Department of Education’s website and conduct a search of independent cosmetology schools to find a list of programs.

Can I Apprentice as a Cosmetologist in Florida?

No. Florida doesn't accept an apprenticeship as a replacement for training hours.

Florida Cosmetology Licensing Requirements

After finishing your 1,200 training hours and two-part cosmetology exam, you may apply for cosmetology licensure. Your application must include a course completion certificate from a board-approved Initial HIV/AIDS course provider.

To apply for your license, visit the "Apply for a License" tab and choose your cosmetology specialty (cosmetologist, nail specialist, facial specialist, or full specialist). Under this tab, you can find Florida application forms on the cosmetology board site.

Then pick your license type (e.g., Cosmetologist License by Examination Based on Florida Education) and click through to read the detailed requirements. At the bottom of the page, you can choose "Apply Using Online Services" or "Apply Using a Printable Application." If you choose the printable application, you must mail it in with the required documentation and fees to apply.

After applying for your license, expect to receive a notification from Florida's test vendor, Pearson VUE, so that you can schedule a date and time for your exam. Visit the Pearson VUE site to schedule your test.

The cosmetology exam consists of two tests—the written theory exam and the written clinical exam. Each test takes an hour and a half and has 65 multiple-choice questions.

The tests are administered by PearsonVue and cost $15.75 each. Applicants must pass both portions of the test within two years.

The written theory exam includes:

  • General safety and sanitation procedures (34%)
  • Facials, makeup, and hair removal (16%)
  • Client services (24%)
  • Manicuring and pedicuring (16%)
  • Professional/legal and ethical/laws and rules (10%)

The written clinical exam includes:

  • Hair coloring and lightening (39%)
  • Scalp and hair care (5%)
  • Hair cutting/shaping (10%)
  • Permanent waving and chemical relaxing (34%)
  • Hair styling (12%)

Pearson VUE, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation's examination vendor, administers the tests. The exams are offered in both English and Spanish. Candidates who speak English as a second language can use a translation dictionary during the exam.

Candidates must bring two forms of identification to the test, e.g., a government-issued I.D. such as a driver's license, state identification card, passport, or military identification card. Student or employment I.D. cards and credit cards aren't accepted as suitable identification.

Personal items like snacks and toiletries aren't allowed inside the testing room. However, candidates can bring personal items to the testing center if they're kept in a clear plastic bag inside a locker. In addition, you're allowed to use a calculator during the exam.

You can apply for testing accommodation if you have an officially diagnosed physical or learning disability. The Special Testing Office at the Department of Business and Professional Regulation's Bureau of Education and Testing must receive your application 60 days before the final application deadline or before scheduling a test date.

The application must include documentation certifying the disability from the appropriate professional and a personal statement detailing how the disability affects your daily activities and learning.

Accommodation options include but aren't limited to:

  • Assistance in marking answers
  • Extended examination time
  • Printed copy of verbal instructions read by the exam administrator
  • Private testing area
  • Reader for the examination
  • ZoomText on computer-based tests

Once you apply for your license, you can do so online or via a paper form and include a payment of $63.50.

Florida Cosmetology Licensure Reciprocity

If you hold a current and active cosmetology license from another state, you may qualify for licensure by endorsement in Florida. You generally don't need to take the exams or meet the educational requirements to use your current license.

However, if your current license is exclusively for apprentices, you can't use it in Florida and must undergo all licensure requirements.

Facial, nail, and full specialist applicants who received their registrations or licenses in other states are eligible for endorsement as long as they meet Florida's education requirements.

Florida registrant requirements are:

  • Nail specialist: 180 training hours
  • Facial specialist: 220 training hours
  • Full specialist: 180 nail hours, plus 220 facial training hours

Active duty military members, veterans, and their spouses who hold valid cosmetology licenses in other states aren't required to pass the exam to receive licensure in Florida. Instead, they can apply for licensure through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. In this case, the application must include a copy of the licensure certificate and a copy of the statutes or rules defining the scope of work.

Active military personnel must submit a copy of their military orders and a background check in their application. Likewise, veterans must submit a background check and a DD-214 or NGB-22 as proof of honorable discharge.

A spouse should provide a copy of the military order, proof of honorable discharge, or a DD-1300 (report of casualty) along with a marriage certificate and a background check. Military members, Florida National Guard members, veterans, and spouses can have their initial licensure fees waived or reimbursed or receive fee discounts.

Cosmetology Specialties in Florida

Licensure applicants can also apply for nail, facial, or full specialties. On June 30, 2020, the State of Florida decreased the hours required to obtain nail, facial, and full specialist licenses. This means you could enhance your career by offering new services to your clients in as few as four to six months.

Nail specialists are registered to practice manicuring and pedicuring. You must complete 180 hours of education to qualify for a nail specialty—this was previously 240 hours. Facial specialists are registered to perform facials and must complete 220 hours of training—this was previously 260 hours.

Full specialists can practice both nail treatments and facials and must undergo 400 hours of training—this was previously 500 hours.

License Renewal

2 Year

License renewal period

16 Hours

Continuing education required

In Florida, cosmetologists, nail specialists, facial specialists, and full specialists must renew their licenses and registrations every two years. Your license will expire on October 31 in even or odd years. The renewal fee is $65 unless you need to renew inactive ($70) or reactivate a lapsed license ($115).

All cosmetologists, facial specialists, nail specialists, and full specialists must complete 10 hours of continuing education before renewing their licenses and registrations. The hours must include:

  • HIV/AIDS (1 hour)
  • Sanitation and sterilization (3 hours)
  • OSHA (0.5 hours)
  • Workers' compensation (0.5 hours)
  • Laws and rules (2 hours)
  • Chemical makeup (1 hour)
  • Environmental issues (1 hour)
  • Any subject related to cosmetology (1 hour)

You can reinstate your null and void beauty license in Florida by filling out an application, paying the fee, and explaining why you could not renew your license on time.

Contact the Florida State Board of Cosmetology

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

The Florida Association of Cosmetology and Technical Schools (FACTS)
This organization advocates for beauty schools, educators, and students in Florida.

Esthetics Association Florida
This skincare professional organization focuses on education, working conditions, and networking.

Florida Spa Association (FSA)
FSA provides continuing education, product access, networking, and employment opportunities for spa professionals.

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Cosmetology
Florida

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