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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985 East Memorial Boulevard
Lakeland, FL 33801
420 South State Road 7
Hollywood, FL 33023
5000 Coconut Creek Parkway C
Margate, FL 33063
7587-7599 South Dixie Highway
West Palm Beach, FL 33405
2620 Southwest 17th Road #700
Ocala, FL 34471
1901 North Federal Highway Unit 201
Pompano Beach, FL 33062
2601 South Military Trail Suite 13
West Palm Beach, FL 33415
552 East Woolbright Road
Boynton Beach, FL 33435
Aveda Institute Jacksonville – Accredited
Jacksonville, FL 32257
Charr-Nix's New Generation School of Beauty – Accredited
Vero Beach, FL 32966
Florida Academy of Health & Beauty – Accredited
Oakland Park, FL 33311
Miami Lakes Educational Center and Technical College – Accredited
Miami Lakes, FL 33014
New Concept Massage and Beauty School – Accredited
Miami, FL 33175
Paul Mitchell The School Fort Lauderdale – Accredited
Plantation, FL 33388
Paul Mitchell The School Jacksonville – Accredited
Jacksonville, FL 32246
Prestige Health & Beauty Sciences Academy – Accredited
Hallandale Beach, FL 33009
Robert Morgan Educational Center and Technical College – Accredited
Miami, FL 33177
The Salon Professional Academy – Accredited
Melbourne, FL 32904
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.
Related Beauty Careers
Not sure this is the right fit for you? Learn more about other career options in the beauty industry. Related specializations include:
Cosmetology Schools Near Me
Check out the Cosmetology schools these cities in Florida have to offer.
How to Become a Cosmetologist in Florida
- 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:
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
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
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:
The written clinical exam includes:
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:
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:
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
License renewal period
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:
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
- 2601 Blair Stone Road Tallahassee, FL 32399
- Website: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
- Email: call.center@dbpr.state.fl.us
- Call: 850-487-1395
- Fax: 866-888-1176
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.