Cosmetology Schools in Florida

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

Rankings Badge

We researched all the cosmetology schools that Florida has to offer and found the cream of the crop. View our list of the best cosmetology schools in Florida.

Browse All Cosmetology Schools in Florida

For School Owners

Don't see your school listed? Want to discuss becoming a featured school in the directory? Contact us to learn more.

3665 East Bay Drive
Largo, FL 33771

17275322125
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Makeup Artistry

2800 34th Street North
St Petersburg, FL 33713

17278260969
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Makeup Artistry, Barbering

985 East Memorial Boulevard
Lakeland, FL 33801

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

4951-A Adamo Drive
Tampa, FL 33605

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

2040 Colonial Boulevard
Fort Myers, FL 33907

(239) 278-1311
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Massage Therapy
Boca Beauty Academy – Accredited

7820 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL 33434

15614871191
Programs:
Barbering, Cosmetology, Electrology, Esthetics, Hair Design, Makeup Artistry, Massage Therapy, Nail Technology
Boca Beauty Academy – Accredited

7329 North State Road 7
Parkland, FL 33073

19548661011
Programs:
Cosmetology, Hair Design, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Massage Therapy, Makeup Artistry, Electrology, Barbering
Daytona College – Accredited

425 South Nova Road
Ormond Beach, FL 32174

13862670565
Programs:
Cosmetology, Massage Therapy, Barbering

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

(863) 345-4073
Programs:
Cosmetology

10083 East Adamo Drive
Tampa, FL 33619

18135793417
Programs:
Cosmetology

4258 Okeechobee Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33409

18009204593
Programs:
Cosmetology

51 North State Road 7
Plantation, FL 33317

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

1271 Semoran Boulevard
Casselberry, FL 32707

14076812410
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Electrology, Barbering

420 South State Road 7
Hollywood, FL 33023

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

5000 Coconut Creek Parkway C
Margate, FL 33063

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

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

15615476333
Programs:
Barbering, Cosmetology, Electrology, Esthetics, Massage Therapy, Nail Technology

2620 Southwest 17th Road #700
Ocala, FL 34471

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

3831 West Wine Street
Kissimmee, FL 34741

(407) 483-5700
Programs:
Barbering, Cosmetology, Esthetics

2601 South Military Trail
West Palm Beach, FL 33415

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

552 East Woolbright Road
Boynton Beach, FL 33435

15617332223
Programs:
Barbering, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Makeup Artistry, Nail Technology

3679 West Waters Avenue
Tampa, FL 33614

18139332468
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Barbering

3244 Lithia Pinecrest Road
Valrico, FL 33594

18139332468
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Barbering
Ad

Find Cosmetology Schools Near You

Academy of Beauty and Business – Accredited

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

Academy of Career Training – Accredited

3501 West Vine Street
Kissimmee, FL 34741

Academy of Cosmetology – Accredited

2909 West New Haven Avenue
Melbourne, FL 32904

Academy of Cosmetology – Accredited

2088 North Courtenay Parkway
Merritt Island, FL 32953

ACAS - Academy of Cosmetic Arts and Sciences

1600 South Dixie Highway
Boca Raton, FL 33432

Advantage Beauty Institute

8951 Bonita Beach Road Southeast
Bonita Springs, FL 34135

Affinity Hair Academy – Accredited

12313 South Orange Blossom Trail
Orlando, FL 32837

American Academy of Cosmetology – Accredited

1330 Blanding Boulevard
Orange Park, FL 32065

American Beauty Schools – Accredited

8150 Southwest 8th Street
Miami, FL 33144

Artistic School of Nails & Cosmetology

5232 South Orange Avenue
Orlando, FL 32809

ASM Beauty World Academy

6664 Stirling Road
Hollywood, FL 33020

Aveda Institute – Accredited

2020 West Pensacola Street
Tallahassee, FL 32304

Be Aveda – Accredited

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

Be Aveda – Accredited

4186 South University Drive
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328

Be Aveda – Accredited

10601 San Jose Boulevard
Jacksonville, FL 32257

Be Aveda – Accredited

495 North Semoran Boulevard
Winter Park, FL 32792

Beauty Academy of South Florida – Accredited

9800 Northwest 77 Avenue
Hialeah Gardens, FL 33016

Beauty and Massage Institute – Accredited

719 17th Street Vero
Vero Beach, FL 32960

Beauty Career Training Center

864 John Sims Parkway West
Niceville, FL 32578

Beauty Pros International

1001 Southeast 6th Avenue
Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Beauty Schools of America

1060 West 49th Street
Hialeah, FL 33012

Beauty Schools of America

600 Northeast 22 Terrace
Homestead, FL 33030

Bellasa Professional Institute – Accredited

744 Northeast 125th Street
Biscayne Park, FL 33161

Bene's Career Academy – Accredited

698 South Broad Street
Brooksville, FL 34601

Bene's Career Academy – Accredited

7027 US-19
Port Richey, FL 34652

Beyond Institute & Career Center

2921 Vineland Road
Kissimmee, FL 34744

Bradford-Union Technical Center – Accredited

609 North Orange Street
Starke, FL 32091

Broward College

111 East Las Olas Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Cape Coral Technical College – Accredited

360 Santa Barbara Boulevard
Cape Coral, FL 33993

Celebrity School of Beauty – Accredited

5090 West 12th Avenue
Hialeah, FL 33012

Celebrity School of Beauty – Accredited

8478 Southwest 8th Street
Miami, FL 33144

Charlotte Technical College – Accredited

18150 Murdock Circle
Charlotte, FL 33948

Charr-Nix's New Generation School of Beauty – Accredited

6200 20th Street
Vero Beach, FL 32966

Chipola College

3094 Indian Circle
Marianna, FL 32446

Cozmo Beauty School – Accredited

10347 Bonita Beach Road
Bonita Springs, FL 34135

Daytona State College

1200 West International Speedway Boulevard
Daytona Beach, FL 32114

Diamond Beauty School

3401 South Congress Avenue
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 – Accredited

1500 Bay Road C1
Miami Beach, FL 33139

Elite School of Cosmetology – Accredited

2105 West 15th Street
Panama City, FL 32401

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 32202

First Coast Technical College – Accredited

2980 Collins Avenue
Saint Augustine, FL 32084

Flagler Technical Institute – Accredited

5400 East Highway 100
Palm Coast, FL 32164

Florida Academy of Beauty

1421 East Colonial Drive
Orlando, FL 32803

Florida Academy of Health & Beauty – Accredited

2901 West Oakland Park Boulevard B16
Oakland Park, FL 33311

Florida Academy – Accredited

4387 Colonial Boulevard
Fort Myers, FL 33966

Florida Career College – Accredited

9950 Princess Palm Avenue
Tampa, FL 33629

Florida Dermal Institute Beauty School

2290 North Ronald Reagan Boulevard
Longwood, FL 32725

Florida Gateway College

149 Southeast College Place
Lake City, FL 32025

Florida Massage and Beauty Institute – Accredited

3911 West Waters Avenue
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 32202

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 U.S. 1
Fort Pierce, FL 34982

Fortis College

700 Blanding Boulevard
Orange Park, FL 32065

Fortis Institute

4081 East Olive Road
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

George Stone Technical Center – Accredited

2400 Longleaf Drive
Pensacola, FL 32526

Glensford Beauty Academy

8412 Sabal Industrial Boulevard
Tampa, FL 33619

Gold Lashes

110 Southwest 12th Street
Miami, FL 33130

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

3209 Virginia Avenue
Fort Pierce, FL 34981

Infinite Beauty Institute

4023 Henderson Boulevard
Tampa, FL 33629

International Academy – Accredited

2550 South Ridgewood Avenue
South Daytona, FL 32119

International Hair and Barber Academy

7025 Beracasa Way
Boca Raton, FL 33433

International Institute of Education

1507 State Road 7
Margate, FL 33063

Jacksonville Health and Beauty School

5161 Beach Boulevard
Jacksonville, FL 32207

Kaizen Beauty Academy – Accredited

8405 Pines Boulevard
Pembroke Pines, FL 33024

KCK Beauty and Barber Academy – Accredited

10592 Balmoral Circle East
Jacksonville, FL 32218

KOE Barber Academy

437 South Central Avenue
Lakeland, FL 33815

La Belle Beauty Academy – Accredited

1495 West 49 Street
Hialeah, FL 33144

Lake Technical College – Accredited

2001 Kurt Street
Eustis, FL 32726

Lana Beauty Academy

933 Lee Road
Orlando, FL 32810

Latin Beauty Academy – Accredited

6348 Forest Hill Boulevard
Greenacres, FL 33415

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

5505 34th Street West
Bradenton, FL 34210

McDougle Technical Institute – Accredited

1901 North Federal Highway
Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Meridian College – Accredited

7020 Professional Parkway East
Sarasota, FL 34240

Miami Beach Microblading Clinic & Training

1400 Alton Road
Miami Beach, FL 33139

Miami Dade College

300 Northeast 2nd Avenue
Miami, FL 33132

Miami Lakes Educational Center and Technical College – Accredited

5780 Northwest 158th Street
Miami Lakes, FL 33014

Miami Microblading Academy

79 Northeast 167th Street North
Miami, FL 33162

Microblading & Beuaty Academy

1210 North John Young Parkway
Kissimmee, FL 34741

New Concept Massage and Beauty School – Accredited

11484 Southwest 186 Street
Miami, FL 33157

New Concept Massage and Beauty School – Accredited

12851 Southwest 42 Street
Miami, FL 33175

New Concept Massage and Beauty School – Accredited

2022 Southwest 1st Street
Miami, FL 33135

North Florida Cosmetology Institute – Accredited

2424 Allen Road
Tallahassee, FL 32312

Nouvelle Institute – Accredited

500 West 49 Street Second Floor
Hialeah, FL 33012

Nouvelle Institute – Accredited

3271 Northwest 7th Street
Miami, FL 33125

Okaloosa Technical College – Accredited

1976 Lewis Turner Boulevard
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547

Orange Technical College – Accredited

955 East Story Road
Winter Garden, FL 34787

Orange Technical College

901 West Webster Avenue
Winter Park, FL 32789

Osceola Technical College (Kissimmee) – Accredited

1030 Cypress Parkway
Kissimmee, FL 34759

Osceola Technical College – Accredited

2901 17th Street
St. Cloud, FL 34769

Palm Beach State College

4200 Congress Avenue
Lake Worth, FL 33461

Parisian Spa Institute – Accredited

1045 Riverside Avenue
Jacksonville, FL 32204

Paul Mitchell – Accredited

9941 Interstate Commerce Drive
Fort Myers, FL 33913

Paul Mitchell – Accredited

4624 Town Crossing Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32246

Paul Mitchell – Accredited

8905 Dadeland Boulevard
Kendall, FL 33156

Paul Mitchell – Accredited

1285 Oviedo Mall Boulevard
Oviedo, FL 32765

Paul Mitchell – Accredited

8000 West Broward Boulevard
Plantation, FL 33388

Paul Mitchell – Accredited

7823 Citrus Park Town Center Mall
Tampa, FL 33625

Pensacola State College

1000 College Boulevard
Pensacola, FL 32504

Pinellas Technical College – Accredited

6100 154th Avenue North
Clearwater, FL 33760

Pinellas Technical College

901 34th Street South
Saint Petersburg, FL 33711

Port St. Lucie Beauty Academy – Accredited

10036 South U.S. Highway 1
Port St. Lucie, FL 34952

Prestige Health & Beauty Sciences Academy – Accredited

3845 North East 163rd Street
North Miami Beach, FL 33160

PrestigeBeauties Beauty Course

33 Southeast 4th Street
Boca Raton, FL 33432

Pro Nails & Beauty School

11631 East Colonial Drive
Orlando, FL 32817

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
Rockledge, FL 32955

Ross Beauty Academy

12000 Alumni Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224

Ruben's Five Star Academy – Accredited

104 State Road 60 West
Lake Wales, FL 33853

Salon Centric

5143 U.S. Highway 98 North
Lakeland, FL 33810

Shear Finesse Hairstyling Academy – Accredited

9200 Arlington Express Way
Jacksonville, FL 32208

Sheridan Technical College – Accredited

5400 Sheridan Street
Hollywood, FL 33021

Simply Organic Beauty

35095 US-19 North
Palm Harbor, FL 34684

South Florida State College

600 West College Drive
Avon Park, FL 33825

Summit Salon Academy – Accredited

6915 Northwest 4th Boulevard
Gainesville, FL 32607

Summit Salon Academy – Accredited

4802 Gunn Highway
Tampa, FL 33624

Suncoast Technical College – Accredited

4748 Beneva Road
Sarasota, FL 34233

Suncoast Technical Education Center – Accredited

4057 California Street
Brooksville, FL 34604

Tenaj Salon Institute – Accredited

11915 Country Road 103
The Villages, FL 32162

The Beauty Institute – Accredited

2215 North Military Trail
West Palm Beach, FL 33409

The Refinery Lab

25 Southeast 2nd Avenue
Miami, FL 33131

The Salon Professional Academy – Accredited

14610 South Military Trail
Delray Beach, FL 33484

The Salon Professional Academy – Accredited

1388 Colonial Boulevard
Fort Myers, FL 33907

The Salon Professional Academy – Accredited

1700 West New Haven Avenue
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 – Accredited

1033 Edgewood Avenue South
Jacksonville, FL 32205

Universal Holy Faith

10780 West Flagler Street
Miami, FL 33174

UR Beauty & Barber Academy – Accredited

3750 Emergency Lane
Sebring, FL 33870

USA International Health and Beauty Academy

12218 University Mall Court
Tampa, FL 33612

VIP Extensions

8349 Northwest 36 Street
Biscayne Park, FL 33161

Withlacoochee Technical College – Accredited

1201 West Main Street
Inverness, FL 34450

World Class Academy of Beauty Careers – Accredited

516 West Orange Avenue
Tallahassee, FL 32310

World of Beauty Academy

6111 West Colonial Drive
Orlando, FL 32808
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.

Find a Cosmetology School Near You

Best Cosmetology Schools in Florida Metro Areas

We've ranked the top cosmetology schools in metro areas within or near Florida to help you find your perfect fit.

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 year.
  • 16 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
  • The average salary for cosmetologists in Florida is $24,640 ($11.84/hour). This is lower than the national average of $26,090 ($12.54/hour).
  • There is a predicted 17% job increase between 2016–2026 for cosmetologists. This is higher than the expected national growth of 9%.

Cosmetology encompasses a wide industry of professionals specializing in beauty services meant to enhance a client's appearance. These services may include haircutting, coloring, and styling, nail and skincare 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 complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of training at a Florida cosmetology school and 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

Florida Cosmetology Careers

$30,410

Average yearly salary for cosmetology in Florida

Nationwide, the cosmetology profession is growing rapidly, with an expected job growth rate of 17%. In Florida, that rate is even higher at 19%.

Cosmetologist wages range, with some workers making as low as $20,220 per year and others earning as much as $54,590. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, cosmetologists in Florida earn an annual mean salary of $30,410 or $14.62 per hour.

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

  • The Villages: $28,770
  • Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island: $27,000
  • Punta Gorda: $26,730
  • Homosassa Springs: $26,100
  • Cape Coral-Fort Myers: $25,700

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. In some circumstances, a school official may determine an esthetician student only needs 1,000 hours of education before taking the exam.

A typical cosmetology program in Florida is broken down into:

  • Grooming and Salon Services Core, Facials and Nails: 225 hours
  • Cosmetologist and Hairdresser 1: 300 hours
  • Cosmetologist and Hairdresser 2: 300 hours
  • Cosmetologist and Hairdresser 3: 375 hours

The curriculum also includes knowledge of Florida cosmetology laws and rules and regulations and sanitation and sterilization practices. 

While not required for the licensure examination, students are also welcome to take the following optional coursework:

  • 10 facials involving skincare and hair removal
  • 20 nail services, including manicures, pedicures, and extensions
  • 45 hair coloring services
  • 45 haircare rinses and scalp services
  • 50 shampoos and rinses
  • 65 chemical hair services, like waving, relaxing, and straightening
  • 75 hair shaping treatments
  • 300 hair design services

Due to the personal nature of the profession, estheticians need to have a strong working knowledge of infection control and modes of transmission. Before submitting your application for the cosmetology license exam, 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. Schools licensed by the Commission for Independent Education must comply with the commission's rules on fair consumer practices.

Students can also pursue training at 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.

Can I Apprentice as a Cosmetologist in Florida?

Florida doesn't accept an apprenticeship as a replacement for training hours.

Florida Cosmetology Licensing Requirements

You may apply for the cosmetology licensing exam after completing your training hours and tests. Your application must include a course completion certificate from a board-approved Initial HIV/AIDS course provider.

The exam is made up of two portions: a written theory and a written clinical section. The tests are administered by PearsonVue and cost $30 total. Applicants must pass both portions of the test within two years. If candidates fail to do so, then they must pass retake both portions.

The written theory section contains 65 multiple choice questions and is made up of five subject areas. The subject areas are divided into:

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

The written clinical portion comprises 65 multiple choice questions and divided into five subject areas. The subject areas are:

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

As of 2020, both portions of the exam can be taken at a testing center or remotely. However, this may only last for the duration of the COVID-19 crisis, so keep an eye on the board website for updates.

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 whose second language is English are allowed to use a foreign language translation dictionary during the exam.

Candidates must bring two forms of identification to the test—one being 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. 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 for the exam.

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 the time comes to 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, then 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 registration or licensure in another state 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 members of the military, veterans, and their spouses who hold a valid cosmetology license in another state aren't required to pass the exam to receive licensure in Florida. Instead, you can apply for licensure through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. In your application, you must submit a copy of your 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. Veterans must submit a background check and a DD-214 or NGB-22 as proof of honorable discharge. Spouses need to 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, reimbursed, or receive a fee discount.  

Cosmetology Specialties in Florida

Licensure applicants can also apply for nail, facial, or full specialties.

Nail specialists are registered to practice manicuring and pedicuring. You must complete 180 hours of education to qualify for a nail specialty. Facial specialists are registered to perform facials and must complete 220 hours of training. Full specialists can practice both nail treatments and facials and must undergo 400 hours of training.

License Renewal

2 Year

License renewal period

16 Hours

Continuing education required

Cosmetologist and specialist licensees are broken up into two groups. The first group's license expires on October 31 of every odd year. The second group's license expires on October 31 of every even year.

As of 2021, the renewal fees have been waived, and the unlicensed activity fee is only $5. However, be sure to watch their renewal information site for updates—this may only be due to the COVID-19 crisis. Before this, the fee was $45.

You must undergo 10 hours of continuing education and pay any renewal fee, which may be required again in the future, before midnight EST on the expiration date.

If your license becomes delinquent—which occurs on or around December 1—you owe a $65 fee to renew.

Florida requires specific types of  continuing education courses for cosmetologists and specialists:

  • Chemical makeup: One hour
  • Environmental issues: One hour
  • HIV/AIDS: One hour
  • Laws and rules: Two hours
  • OSHA: One half hour
  • Practice of cosmetology (any subject): One hour
  • Sanitization and sterilization: Three hours
  • Workers' compensation: One half hour

Contact the Florida State Board of Cosmetology

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

Resources for Cosmetologists in Florida

The Board of Cosmetology
The state board of cosmetology is part of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. It's responsible for licensing and regulating cosmetology in the state.

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

Esthetics Association Florida
This is a skincare professional organization focused on education, working conditions, and networking.

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

Commercial_Combo_Program-Career-Geo
Cosmetology
Florida

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Your State