Florida licenses barbers through the Florida Barbers’ Board, part of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). You need a Florida barber license to legally shave, cut, trim, color, shampoo, arrange, dress, curl, or wave hair or beard, or apply oils, creams, lotions, or other preparations to the face, scalp, or neck for compensation anywhere in the state.
Florida requires a minimum of 600 hours of training (with competency certification) or 900 hours of training at a DBPR-licensed barber school and passing the written examination. The total application and licensing fee is approximately $75 to $90, plus exam fees paid to Pearson VUE. Most people complete the full process in 6 to 12 months. Here is exactly how to do it.
Florida Barber License Requirements at a Glance
| Official License Title | Barber (BB) |
| Governing Agency | Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) |
| Governing Board | Florida Barbers’ Board |
| Minimum Age | 16 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | None specified (age requirement only) |
| Training Hours Required | 600 hours (with competency certification) or 900 hours (standard) |
| State Board Exam | Written only (100 questions, 3 hours) – no practical exam |
| Passing Score | 75% |
| Application Fee | Approximately $75–$90 (includes initial license) |
| Exam Fee | $46 paid to Pearson VUE |
| Total Initial Cost | Approximately $120–$140 (plus school tuition and HIV/AIDS course) |
| License Term | 2 years (expires July 31 of even-numbered years) |
| Renewal Fee | $70 (active), $35 (inactive) |
| Continuing Education | 2 hours HIV/AIDS per renewal cycle (10-year exemption available) |
| Apply Online | MyFloridaLicense.com |
Step 1: Meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the Florida barber examination, you must be at least 16 years old. Florida does not require a high school diploma, GED, or any specific educational attainment beyond the age requirement. There is no citizenship or residency requirement to apply for a license, though you will need a Social Security Number to complete the application.
Step 2: Complete Training at a DBPR-Licensed Barber School
You must complete a minimum number of clock hours at a barber school licensed by the Florida DBPR. Florida offers two pathways to meet the education requirement:
Option 1: 600 Hours with Competency Certification
Complete at least 600 hours of training at a Florida barbering school and be determined competent by a school official to sit for the barbering exam. The school official must sign the application verifying your competency and completion.
Option 2: 900 Hours (Standard Pathway)
Complete a minimum of 900 hours of training at a Florida barbering school. This pathway does not require a separate competency determination beyond completing the required hours.
The curriculum covers safety, sanitation, and sterilization procedures; hair structure and chemistry; hair cutting techniques (shears, clippers, razors); shaving and facial hair services; shampooing and scalp treatments; chemical services (coloring, permanent waving, relaxing); Florida barber laws and rules; and professional practices and ethics.
Most full-time programs take 6 to 10 months to complete. Part-time schedules may take longer. Tuition ranges widely, typically from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the school and location.
Important: Florida does not recognize apprenticeships for barber licensing. You must complete your training at a DBPR-licensed school. Hours completed at non-licensed schools or through apprenticeship programs will not count toward your license.
Step 3: Complete the Required HIV/AIDS Course
All Florida barber applicants must complete a 2-hour HIV/AIDS course from a DBPR-approved provider. This course must be completed within two years prior to submitting your license application. Note that the 4-hour HIV/AIDS course required for cosmetologists cannot substitute for the 2-hour barber course—you must complete the barber-specific course.
Keep your certificate of completion. You will need to submit it with your license application. The course typically costs $10 to $25 from approved online providers.
Step 4: Apply for the Licensing Exam
Once you have completed your training hours, you can apply to take the state board exam. Your school will sign the application verifying your training completion. You can apply online through MyFloridaLicense.com or by mail using the BAR 1 application form.
The application fee is approximately $75 to $90, which covers your initial license. This fee is separate from your examination fees, which are paid directly to Pearson VUE when you schedule your exam. Online applications are typically processed within 2 to 4 weeks. Once approved, you will receive an authorization notice with your candidate number to schedule your examination.
Step 5: Pass the State Board Examination
The Florida barber examination is a written-only test administered by Pearson VUE at testing centers throughout Florida and nationwide. Florida does not require a practical (hands-on) examination for barbers.
Written Exam Details
| Number of Questions | 100 multiple choice questions |
| Time Limit | 3 hours |
| Passing Score | 75% |
| Format | Computer-based, multiple choice |
| Exam Fee | $46 paid to Pearson VUE |
| Pass Rate | Approximately 78% |
Exam Content Areas
The Florida barber exam covers the following subject areas:
Safety and Sanitation: Disinfection, sterilization, infection control, Florida health and safety regulations, and preventing the spread of communicable diseases.
Florida Laws and Rules: Chapter 476, Florida Statutes (The Barber Act), Florida Administrative Code Rule 61G3, scope of practice, establishment requirements, and professional conduct.
Hair Cutting: Cutting techniques, tapering, clipper work, razor cutting, shear work, and styling.
Shaving and Facial Hair Services: Straight razor shaving, beard and mustache trimming and design, and facial massage.
Chemical Services: Hair coloring, bleaching, permanent waving, chemical straightening (relaxing), and safety precautions for chemical applications.
Hair and Scalp: Hair structure and chemistry, hair and scalp conditions, and analysis techniques.
Scheduling Your Exam
After your application is approved by the DBPR, you will receive an authorization notice with your candidate number. Schedule your exam online at Pearson VUE – Florida DBPR or call Pearson VUE at 1-888-204-6289. Exams are available daily at Pearson VUE testing centers throughout Florida and nationwide. Book your exam at least 5 days in advance to ensure seat availability.
If You Fail the Exam
If you do not pass the exam, you must submit a Re-Examination Application (BAR 1 retake) and pay the required fee before scheduling another examination with Pearson VUE. There is no limit on the number of times you can retake the exam, but you must pay the re-examination fee for each attempt.
Step 6: Receive Your License
Once you pass the exam, your license will be processed and issued. The DBPR no longer prints and mails licenses—you must print your license from your online DBPR account.
Important: Florida Rule 61G3-19.009, Florida Administrative Code, requires all barbers to permanently laminate their license, including a 2″ x 2″ photograph taken within the previous two years, for posting at their work station. Placing a license in a glass picture frame does not meet the lamination requirement.
Restricted Barber License
Florida offers a Restricted Barber license (BR) for those who want to perform limited barbering services. Restricted barbers can perform hair cutting, shaving, shampooing, blow drying, and applying hair tonics and hair sprays. Restricted barbers cannot perform chemical services such as coloring, permanent waving, or relaxing.
Restricted Barber Requirements
| Training Hours | 600 hours at a Florida barber school |
| Exam | Written (30 questions, 1 hour) |
| HIV/AIDS Course | 2 hours (same as full barber) |
| Scope of Practice | Hair cutting, shaving, shampooing, blow drying, hair tonics/sprays only |
The restricted barber pathway is ideal for those who only want to offer basic cutting and styling services without chemical treatments.
Endorsement: Transferring an Out-of-State Barber License to Florida
If you already hold a current, active barber license in another U.S. state or country, Florida offers endorsement that allows you to obtain a Florida license without taking the examination.
Endorsement Requirements
To qualify for endorsement, you must possess a current and active license to practice barbering in another state or country. You must provide an education evaluation conducted by a credential service which is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). You must have passed a written examination for licensure that is comparable to or more stringent than the Florida exam. You must demonstrate completion of at least 900 barbering hours covering safety, sanitation, sterilization, hair structure and chemistry, hair cutting, shampooing, chemical services, and shaving services, or an apprenticeship program of at least 900 hours, or a combination thereof.
Complete a 2-hour HIV/AIDS course approved by the Florida Barbers’ Board within two years of application.
HB 1193: Streamlined Endorsement (Effective July 1, 2020)
Under the Occupational Freedom and Opportunity Act (HB 1193), endorsement applicants who hold a current and active license to practice barbering in another state are not required to take the Florida Barber exam or meet Florida’s educational requirements if they have held their license for at least one year. This significantly streamlined the out-of-state licensing process.
Examination Pathway for Out-of-State Barbers
For out-of-state or out-of-country barbers who are unable to endorse their licenses in Florida, you may be eligible to take the Florida barber written examination if you held your license for at least one year. Apprentice licenses from other states are not eligible for endorsement or examination in Florida.
License Renewal
Florida barber licenses must be renewed every two years. Licenses expire on July 31 of even-numbered years (2024, 2026, 2028, etc.).
| Renewal Fee (Active) | $70 |
| Late Renewal Fee (Active) | $95 |
| Renewal Fee (Inactive) | $35 |
| Late Renewal Fee (Inactive) | $60 |
| Reactivation Fee | $170 ($195 after deadline) |
| Continuing Education | 2 hours HIV/AIDS per renewal cycle |
| Renewal Method | MyFloridaLicense.com |
The DBPR sends email notifications 90 to 120 days before license expiration. Your license renewal will not be processed until your continuing education hours have been completed and reported to the DBPR. Florida barber and cosmetology licenses follow the same DBPR renewal process. For detailed instructions, see our Florida Cosmetology License Renewal guide.
SB 382: 10-Year CE Exemption (Effective July 1, 2024)
On May 17, 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 382 into law, which exempts certain licensees from continuing education requirements. A barber is exempt from CE requirements if they hold an active license, have held their license continuously for at least 10 years, and have no disciplinary action imposed against their license.
Licensees can verify their exemption status through their online DBPR account or by searching the DBPR License Verification Portal.
Military Provisions
Florida offers special accommodations for military members, veterans, and military spouses:
Veterans fee waiver (HB 7015, effective July 1, 2014): Military veterans and their spouses (at the time of discharge) can have the initial licensing fee, initial application fee, and initial unlicensed activity fee waived if they apply within 60 months of honorable discharge. This waiver does not include examination fees.
Professional licensure for military personnel and spouses: Active duty members, veterans with honorable discharge, and their spouses who hold a valid barber license in another state, U.S. territory, or foreign jurisdiction can receive a Florida license without taking the Florida examination. Submit military documentation with your endorsement application.
Florida National Guard and Reserves: Under Section 250.483, Florida Statutes, members of the Florida National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces Reserves whose training was interrupted by active duty service may have their military experience or training credited toward licensing requirements, if substantially similar to Florida’s requirements. Submit a written request within six months of release from active duty.
VA examination reimbursement: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will reimburse eligible veterans for the cost of licensing examinations (up to $2,000 per test) through the GI Bill benefits program.
What Can You Do with a Florida Barber License?
Under Chapter 476, Florida Statutes, “barbering” means shaving, cutting, trimming, coloring, shampooing, arranging, dressing, curling, or waving the hair or beard, or applying oils, creams, lotions, or other preparations to the face, scalp, or neck, either by hand or by mechanical appliances, when done for remuneration.
A Florida barber license authorizes you to perform all barbering services, including straight razor shaving, hair cutting and styling, beard and mustache trimming and design, shampooing and scalp treatments, hair coloring and lightening, permanent waving, and chemical straightening (relaxing).
Location of Services
Barber services must generally be performed in a registered barbershop. However, a licensed barber may perform services at a nursing home, hospital, or residence when the client, for reasons of ill health, is unable to go to a registered barbershop.
Barber vs. Restricted Barber in Florida
| Service | Barber (BB) | Restricted Barber (BR) |
| Hair cutting | Yes | Yes |
| Straight razor shaving | Yes | Yes |
| Shampooing | Yes | Yes |
| Blow drying | Yes | Yes |
| Hair tonics and sprays | Yes | Yes |
| Hair coloring | Yes | No |
| Permanent waving | Yes | No |
| Chemical relaxing | Yes | No |
| Training hours | 600–900 | 600 |
Florida Barber Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), the national median hourly wage for barbers was $16.95 per hour (approximately $35,250 annually). The lowest 10 percent earned less than $11.82 per hour, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $33.76 per hour. Employment of barbers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.
Florida has strong demand for barbers, particularly in major metropolitan areas including Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville. Note that BLS data does not capture income from tips, commissions on product sales, or self-employment earnings, all of which are common in the barbering industry and can significantly increase total compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a licensed barber in Florida?
Most people complete the process in 6 to 12 months. A full-time 900-hour training program typically takes 6 to 9 months. After graduating, the application and exam scheduling process adds another 2 to 6 weeks. Once you pass the exam, your license is typically processed within 1 to 2 weeks.
Does Florida require a practical (hands-on) exam for barbers?
No. Florida only requires a written exam (100 questions, 3 hours, 75% passing score). You do not need to demonstrate practical skills or bring any equipment to the testing center.
What is the difference between the 600-hour and 900-hour training pathway?
The 600-hour pathway requires your school to certify your competency to take the exam. The 900-hour pathway does not require a separate competency determination—completion of 900 hours qualifies you to take the exam. Both pathways lead to the same full barber license.
Can I transfer my out-of-state barber license to Florida without taking an exam?
Yes. If you hold a current, active barber license in another state for at least one year, you can apply for endorsement without taking the Florida exam under HB 1193 (effective July 1, 2020). You must complete a 2-hour HIV/AIDS course and submit the endorsement application. Apprentice licenses are not eligible for endorsement.
Does Florida offer an apprenticeship pathway for barber licensing?
No. Florida does not recognize apprenticeships for barber licensing. You must complete your training at a DBPR-licensed barber school.
What is the HIV/AIDS continuing education requirement?
Florida barbers must complete a 2-hour HIV/AIDS course approved by the Florida Barbers’ Board every two years to renew their license. Note that barbers with 10 or more years of continuous active licensure and no disciplinary action may be exempt from this requirement under SB 382 (effective July 1, 2024).
Do I need to laminate my Florida barber license?
Yes. Florida Rule 61G3-19.009 requires all barbers to permanently laminate their license with a 2″ x 2″ photograph taken within the previous two years. The laminated license must be posted at your work station. Placing your license in a glass picture frame does not meet this requirement.
What is the difference between a barber and a restricted barber?
A full barber (BB) can perform all barbering services including chemical treatments like coloring and permanent waving. A restricted barber (BR) can only perform hair cutting, shaving, shampooing, blow drying, and applying hair tonics and sprays—no chemical services are allowed. Both require 600 hours of training, but the restricted barber exam is shorter (30 questions vs. 100).
For a comparison of barber licensing requirements across all states, including training hours, exam formats, fees, and reciprocity rules, see our complete barber license guide.
Official Resources
Florida Barbers’ Board
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
2601 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0791
Phone: (850) 487-1395
Website: www.myfloridalicense.com/barbers
Apply for a Barber License:
Barber License by Examination (BAR 1)
Apply for a Restricted Barber License:
Restricted Barber License by Examination (BAR 1)
Examination Information:
Barber License Examination Candidate Information Booklet
Schedule Your Exam (Pearson VUE):
Pearson VUE – Florida DBPR
Phone: 1-888-204-6289
License Verification:
MyFloridaLicense.com License Verification
HIV/AIDS Course Providers:
Board-Approved Initial HIV/AIDS Courses
Military Services:
DBPR Military Services
Florida Statutes Chapter 476 (The Barber Act):
Chapter 476, Florida Statutes
Florida Administrative Code Rule 61G3 (Barbers’ Board Rules):
Rule 61G3, Florida Administrative Code
HB 1193 (Occupational Freedom and Opportunity Act):
Florida Senate – HB 1193
SB 382 (Continuing Education Exemption):
Florida Senate – SB 382
Hot Topics and Important Updates:
Florida Barbers’ Board Hot Topics