Florida cosmetology licenses expire every two years and must be renewed through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). The Florida cosmetology license renewal process is straightforward: complete 10 hours of continuing education, pay the $45 renewal fee, and submit your renewal online at MyFloridaLicense.com. This guide covers everything you need to know about renewing on time, CE requirements, late renewal penalties, and reactivating an expired license.
Florida Cosmetology Renewal at a Glance
| Renewal Fee | $45 |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years |
| Expiration Date | October 31 (odd or even years based on group) |
| Continuing Education | 10 hours per renewal cycle |
| CE Exemption | Available after 10 years of continuous licensure |
| Late Renewal | Allowed with additional fees until license becomes null |
| Renewal Method | Online at MyFloridaLicense.com |
| Renewal Reminders | Email sent 90-120 days before expiration |
Step 1: Know Your Expiration Date
Florida cosmetology licenses are divided into two renewal groups:
Group 1: Licenses expire October 31 of odd-numbered years (2025, 2027, 2029)
Group 2: Licenses expire October 31 of even-numbered years (2026, 2028, 2030)
Your group assignment is based on when you received your original license. You can verify your expiration date by logging into your MyFloridaLicense.com account or using the free license lookup tool.
The DBPR sends email renewal reminders 90 to 120 days before your expiration date. Make sure your email address is current in your MyFloridaLicense account to receive these notifications.
Step 2: Complete 10 Hours of Continuing Education
Before you can renew, you must complete 10 hours of continuing education from a DBPR-approved provider. The required topics are:
| Topic | Required Hours |
|---|---|
| HIV/AIDS | 1 hour (minimum) |
| Sanitation and Sterilization | 3 hours |
| OSHA (Occupational Safety) | 0.5 hour |
| Workers’ Compensation | 0.5 hour |
| Laws and Rules | 2 hours |
| Chemical Makeup | 1 hour |
| Environmental Issues | 1 hour |
| Any Cosmetology-Related Subject | 1 hour |
| Total | 10 hours |
All courses must be completed through a DBPR-approved continuing education provider. Approved providers report your completed hours directly to the DBPR, so you typically do not need to submit certificates yourself. However, keep your certificates for at least four years in case of an audit.
You can find approved CE providers through the DBPR website or by searching for Florida cosmetology continuing education online. Many providers offer courses entirely online, and packages covering all 10 required hours typically cost $20 to $50.
Step 3: Renew Online at MyFloridaLicense.com
Once your CE hours are complete and reported:
1. Go to MyFloridaLicense.com
2. Log in to your account (or create one if you haven’t already)
3. Select your cosmetology license from your license list
4. Click “Renew” or “Begin Renewal”
5. Confirm your information is current (address, email, etc.)
6. Pay the $45 renewal fee by credit card or electronic check
7. Submit your renewal
Your renewed license is typically processed within a few business days. You can print an updated license from your account once the renewal is approved.
Continuing Education Exemption (10-Year Rule)
Effective July 1, 2024, Florida offers a CE exemption for experienced cosmetologists. You qualify if you have held an active Florida cosmetology license continuously for at least 10 years and you have no disciplinary action on your record.
If you qualify, you are exempt from the 10-hour CE requirement for renewal. You still must pay the $45 renewal fee and complete the renewal process, but you can skip the continuing education courses.
To verify your exemption status:
1. Log into MyFloridaLicense.com
2. View your license details
3. Check for CE exemption status
If you believe you qualify but don’t see the exemption reflected, contact the DBPR at (850) 487-1395.
What If You Miss the Renewal Deadline?
If you don’t renew by October 31, your license enters a delinquent status. Here’s what happens:
Delinquent Status (First Missed Renewal)
Your license becomes delinquent but can still be renewed. You must complete all required CE hours, pay the $45 renewal fee, pay a late fee (typically $25), and submit your renewal application. During this period, you can still renew without retaking the licensing exam. However, practicing cosmetology with a delinquent license is a violation of Florida law and can result in fines.
Null and Void Status (Two Consecutive Missed Renewals)
If you miss two consecutive renewal cycles (4+ years without renewing), your license becomes null and void. At this point, you cannot simply renew. You must apply for a new license, which may require retaking the state board examination and completing a 4-hour HIV/AIDS course. Do not let your license lapse this long if you intend to continue practicing.
How to Reactivate an Inactive or Delinquent License
If your license is delinquent (missed one renewal cycle), you can reactivate it by completing all outstanding CE requirements, submitting the renewal application through MyFloridaLicense.com, and paying the renewal fee plus any late fees. The DBPR reviews reactivation applications and may require additional documentation depending on how long your license has been delinquent.
If your license has been null and void for several years, contact the DBPR directly to discuss your options. You may need to apply as a new applicant.
Military Members: Special Renewal Provisions
Florida provides special accommodations for military members and their spouses:
Active duty deployment: If you are unable to renew due to active military duty, Florida will extend your renewal deadline. Contact the DBPR Military Services office with your deployment orders.
Fee waivers: Renewal fees may be waived for active duty military members, veterans, and military spouses. Submit the Military Member/Veteran/Spouse Fee Waiver form with your renewal.
License reinstatement: Veterans whose licenses lapsed during military service may qualify for expedited reinstatement. Contact the DBPR Military Services at myfloridalicense.com/military-services or call (850) 487-1395.
Common Renewal Questions
Can I renew early?
Yes. You can renew as soon as your CE hours are complete, even several months before your expiration date. Early renewal does not change your expiration cycle. If your license expires October 31, 2025, and you renew in August 2025, your next expiration will still be October 31, 2027.
What if my CE hours haven’t been reported yet?
CE providers typically report hours within 7 to 14 days of course completion. If your hours aren’t showing in the system and your renewal deadline is approaching, contact your CE provider to confirm they submitted your completion. You can also contact the DBPR to manually verify your hours with your certificates.
Can I work while my renewal is processing?
If you submitted your renewal before your expiration date and are waiting for processing, you can generally continue working. Keep a copy of your renewal confirmation as proof. If your license has already expired, you cannot legally practice until the renewal is approved.
How do I change my address or name on my license?
You can update your address directly through your MyFloridaLicense.com account at any time. Name changes require submitting legal documentation (marriage certificate, court order, etc.) to the DBPR. It’s best to update this information before or during your renewal.
Do I need to renew if I’m not currently working?
If you want to maintain your active license, yes. If you’re not planning to work as a cosmetologist for several years, you could let the license go inactive and reactivate it later. However, reactivation requires paying back fees and completing CE requirements. Many cosmetologists prefer to keep their license active even during career breaks to avoid reactivation complications.
Renewal Costs Summary
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard renewal fee | $45 |
| Late renewal fee (if delinquent) | ~$25 |
| CE courses (10 hours, typical range) | $20 – $50 |
| Total (on-time renewal) | $65 – $95 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I renew my cosmetology license in Florida?
Complete your 10 hours of continuing education, then log into MyFloridaLicense.com, select your license, click “Renew,” and pay the $45 fee. The DBPR processes most renewals within a few business days. You can renew up to several months before your October 31 expiration date.
How much does it cost to renew a cosmetology license in Florida?
The renewal fee is $45, paid to the DBPR. You will also need to pay for continuing education courses, which typically cost $20 to $50 for all 10 required hours. Total renewal cost is approximately $65 to $95 if you renew on time.
How do I renew my Florida cosmetology license online?
Go to MyFloridaLicense.com, log into your account, select your cosmetology license, click “Renew,” confirm your information, and pay the $45 fee. Your CE hours must be completed and reported before you can submit the renewal.
How many CE hours are required to renew a Florida cosmetology license?
You need 10 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle. Required topics include HIV/AIDS (1 hour), sanitation (3 hours), OSHA (0.5 hour), workers’ compensation (0.5 hour), laws and rules (2 hours), chemical makeup (1 hour), environmental issues (1 hour), and one elective hour.
What happens if I don’t renew my Florida cosmetology license on time?
Your license becomes delinquent and you must pay late fees to renew. You cannot legally practice with a delinquent license. If you miss two consecutive renewal cycles, your license becomes null and void, and you may need to retake the state exam to get relicensed.
Is there a CE exemption for Florida cosmetologists?
Yes. As of July 1, 2024, cosmetologists who have held an active Florida license continuously for at least 10 years with no disciplinary action are exempt from CE requirements. You still must complete the renewal process and pay the fee.
When does my Florida cosmetology license expire?
All Florida cosmetology licenses expire on October 31. Group 1 licenses expire in odd-numbered years (2025, 2027). Group 2 licenses expire in even-numbered years (2026, 2028). Check your specific expiration date at MyFloridaLicense.com.
Can I renew my Florida cosmetology license if I live out of state?
Yes. You can complete CE courses online and renew through MyFloridaLicense.com from anywhere. Your Florida license remains valid regardless of where you reside, though you will need a separate license to practice in other states.
How do I print my renewed Florida cosmetology license?
After your renewal is processed, log into MyFloridaLicense.com, go to your license details, and select the print or download option. You can print your license or wallet card. Wall certificates can be ordered for an additional fee.
Official Resources
Renew Your License Online:
MyFloridaLicense.com
Florida Board of Cosmetology:
Phone: (850) 487-1395
myfloridalicense.com/cosmetology
Verify Your License Status:
License Verification Lookup
Military Services:
DBPR Military Services
For complete information on getting your initial Florida cosmetology license, see our Florida Cosmetology License guide.