Florida licenses cosmetologists through the Board of Cosmetology, part of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). You need a Florida cosmetology license to legally perform hair cutting, styling, coloring, chemical treatments, permanent waving, hair removal, manicuring, pedicuring, and facial treatments for compensation anywhere in the state.
Florida requires 1,200 hours of approved training at a licensed cosmetology school and passing both portions of the state board examination (written theory and written clinical). The total application and licensing fee is approximately $63.75, plus exam fees of $31.50. Most people complete the full process in 9 to 15 months. Here is exactly how to do it.
Florida Cosmetology License Requirements at a Glance
| Official License Title | Cosmetologist |
| Governing Agency | Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) |
| Governing Board | Florida Board of Cosmetology |
| Minimum Age | 16 years old (or high school diploma) |
| Education Prerequisite | None specified (age or diploma requirement) |
| Training Hours Required | 1,200 hours at a DBPR-licensed cosmetology school |
| State Board Exam | Written Theory (65 questions, 90 min) + Written Clinical (65 questions, 90 min) |
| Exam Fee | $31.50 total ($15.75 per exam portion) paid to Pearson VUE |
| Application Fee | $63.75 (covers initial license) |
| Total Initial Cost | Approximately $95.25 (plus school tuition and HIV/AIDS course) |
| License Term | 2 years (expires October 31 of odd or even years based on renewal group) |
| Renewal Fee | $45 |
| Continuing Education | 10 hours per renewal cycle |
| Apply Online | MyFloridaLicense.com |
Step 1: Meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the Florida cosmetology examination, you must be at least 16 years old or have received a high school diploma. Florida does not require a high school diploma or GED if you meet 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.
Florida offers separate barber and cosmetology licenses with similar hour requirements. Not sure which is right for you? Compare them in our Barber vs Cosmetology License breakdown.
Step 2: Complete 1,200 Hours at a DBPR-Licensed Cosmetology School
You must complete 1,200 clock hours of technical instruction and practical training at a cosmetology school licensed by the Florida DBPR. The curriculum covers hair cutting and shaping techniques, hair coloring and lightening, permanent waving and chemical relaxing, scalp and hair care, hair styling (including thermal styling, blow drying, and braiding), facials and makeup application, hair removal (waxing, tweezing, depilatories), manicuring and pedicuring, sanitation and disinfection, Florida cosmetology laws and rules, and professional practices and ethics.
Most full-time programs take 9 to 15 months to complete. Part-time schedules may take longer. Tuition ranges widely, typically from $10,000 to $20,000 depending on the school and location. Some community colleges and technical centers offer more affordable programs.
Important: Florida does not recognize apprenticeships for cosmetology licensing. You must complete your training at a licensed school. Hours completed at non-licensed schools or through apprenticeship programs will not count toward your license.
Early testing option: Florida cosmetology students who have completed 1,000 hours of their training are eligible to take the state board examination before finishing all 1,200 hours. However, if you take the exam early and fail, you must complete the full 1,200 hours before you can retest.
Step 3: Complete the Required HIV/AIDS Course
All Florida cosmetology applicants must complete a 4-hour HIV/AIDS course from a DBPR-approved provider. This course must be completed within two years prior to submitting your license application. Most Florida cosmetology schools include this course as part of their curriculum. If your school does not provide it, you can complete it through an approved online provider. The course typically costs $20 to $50.
Keep your certificate of completion. You will need to submit it with your license application.
Step 4: Apply for the Licensing Exam
Once you have completed your 1,200 hours (or 1,000 hours if testing early), you can apply to take the state board exam. Your school will provide a Graduate Certification Form confirming your completion. You can apply online through MyFloridaLicense.com or by mail using the COSMO 1 application form.
The application fee is $63.75, which covers your initial license. This fee is separate from your examination fees, which are paid directly to Pearson VUE when you schedule your exams. Online applications are typically processed within 2 to 3 weeks. The DBPR reviews applications within 90 days.
Once your application is approved, you will receive an authorization notice with your candidate identification number and instructions for scheduling your examination through Pearson VUE.
Step 5: Pass the State Board Examination
The Florida cosmetology examination consists of two separate written examinations, both administered by Pearson VUE at testing centers throughout Florida and worldwide. Florida does not require a hands-on practical exam—both portions are computer-based written tests.
Written Theory Exam: 90 minutes, 65 multiple-choice questions covering general safety and sanitation procedures (34%), client services (24%), facials, makeup and hair removal (16%), manicuring and pedicuring (16%), and professional/legal/ethical/laws and rules (10%). You must score at least 75% to pass.
Written Clinical Exam: 90 minutes, 65 multiple-choice questions covering hair coloring and lightening (39%), permanent waving and chemical relaxing (34%), scalp and hair care (5%), hair cutting/shaping (10%), and hair styling (12%). You must score at least 75% to pass.
Each exam portion costs $15.75. You can take both exams on the same day or schedule them separately. You have two years from the date of your first attempt to pass both portions. If you do not pass both within two years, you must retake both exams.
The exam is available in English and Spanish. You will receive your score report immediately at the testing center after completing each exam. If you do not pass, you can submit a reexamination application and schedule another attempt.
Step 6: Receive Your License and Start Working
After passing both exam portions, the DBPR will process your license. You will receive your official Florida cosmetology license, which authorizes you to perform all cosmetology services for compensation. You can work in any licensed establishment in the state, including salons, day spas, resort spas, medical spas, and mobile salons.
Work while waiting: Once you have passed both portions of the examination, you are eligible to work under the supervision of a licensed cosmetologist in a licensed salon while your license is being processed. You must provide the salon owner with a copy of your exam results.
You cannot practice cosmetology without a license. Working as an unlicensed cosmetologist in Florida is a violation of Chapter 477, Florida Statutes, and can result in fines and disciplinary action.
License Renewal
Florida cosmetology licenses must be renewed every two years. Licenses are divided into two renewal groups based on your original license issue date. Group 1 licenses expire on October 31 of odd-numbered years (2025, 2027). Group 2 licenses expire on October 31 of even-numbered years (2026, 2028). The DBPR will send you an email notification 90 to 120 days before your expiration date. For complete renewal instructions, see our Florida Cosmetology License Renewal guide.
The renewal fee is $45. You can renew online through MyFloridaLicense.com.
Continuing education: Florida requires 10 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle. The required topics include HIV/AIDS (minimum 1 hour), sanitation and sterilization (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 any subject related to the practice of cosmetology (1 hour). All courses must be completed through a DBPR-approved CE provider, and providers report your hours directly to the DBPR.
CE exemption (effective July 1, 2024): If you have held an active Florida cosmetology license continuously for at least 10 years with no disciplinary action, you are exempt from continuing education requirements. You can verify your exemption status through your MyFloridaLicense account.
Late renewal: If you fail to renew by the deadline, your license becomes delinquent but remains active. You can still renew by completing CE and paying late fees. If you miss two consecutive renewal periods, your license becomes null and void, and you must apply for a new license (including potentially retaking the state exam).
Transferring an Out-of-State Cosmetology License to Florida
Florida offers licensure by endorsement for cosmetologists who hold a current, active license in another state. As of July 1, 2020 (HB 1193, The Occupational Freedom and Opportunity Act), endorsement applicants who hold a current and active cosmetology license in another state are not required to take the Florida exam or meet Florida’s educational requirements. For complete transfer instructions, see our guide to transferring your cosmetology license to Florida.
Direct endorsement: If your original state requires 1,200 or more training hours AND you passed a licensing examination, you qualify for direct endorsement. No additional coursework or Florida exam is required.
If your state requires fewer than 1,200 hours: If you are licensed in a state that requires only 1,000 hours (such as New York), you have two options: (1) Complete an additional 200 hours at any cosmetology school (inside or outside Florida), or (2) Take the Florida cosmetology exam if you have held your license for at least one year.
To apply by endorsement, submit the COSMO 4-B application through MyFloridaLicense.com. You must complete a 4-hour HIV/AIDS course (same requirement as new applicants). The endorsement fee is approximately $85.
Out-of-country applicants: Cosmetology licenses from other countries are not eligible for endorsement. Out-of-country applicants must apply by examination using the COSMO 2 application, take the Florida state board exam, and complete the 4-hour HIV/AIDS course.
Apprenticeship licenses: Apprenticeship licenses and apprenticeship education from other states are not eligible for endorsement in Florida.
Once licensed, you’ll need to renew every two years. See our Florida Cosmetology License Renewal guide for CE requirements and renewal steps.
Military Service Members, Veterans, and Spouses
Florida has enacted several provisions to assist military families with professional licensing.
Initial licensing fee waiver (HB 615, effective July 1, 2017): The DBPR will waive the initial licensing fee for any individual who is currently serving or has formerly served as an active duty member of the United States Armed Forces, or a spouse or surviving spouse of such member. Veterans must submit a DD-214 or NGB-22 as proof of service. Spouses must submit their spouse’s military orders (if currently serving) or DD-214 (if formerly served), plus a marriage certificate. Submit the Military Member/Veteran/Spouse Fee Waiver and Military Service Verification Form with your application.
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 cosmetology 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.
Recent Legislation: HB 1193 (The Occupational Freedom and Opportunity Act)
On June 30, 2020, Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 1193, which significantly changed Florida’s cosmetology licensing requirements. Key changes include:
Endorsement without exam (effective July 1, 2020): Out-of-state cosmetologists with a current, active license are no longer required to take the Florida exam or meet Florida’s educational requirements to obtain a Florida license by endorsement.
Hair braiding, hair wrapping, and body wrapping deregulated (effective July 1, 2020): These services no longer require a license in Florida. Individuals can perform hair braiding (including weaving with extensions), hair wrapping, and body wrapping without any state license.
Services outside salons (effective July 1, 2020): Licensed cosmetologists may now perform hair shampooing, hair cutting, hair arranging, nail polish removal, nail filing, nail buffing, and nail cleansing outside of a licensed salon, including at homes and other locations.
Reduced CE requirements (effective February 6, 2020): Continuing education was reduced from 16 hours to 10 hours per renewal cycle.
Specialist training hours reduced (effective January 1, 2021): Training hours for specialty registrations were reduced: Nail Specialist from 240 to 180 hours, Facial Specialist from 260 to 220 hours, and Full Specialist from 500 to 400 hours. Cosmetologist training remains at 1,200 hours.
Remedial hours eliminated (effective July 8, 2019): The previous requirement for 40-80 remedial hours after multiple exam failures has been eliminated.
What Can You Do with a Florida Cosmetology License?
Under Chapter 477, Florida Statutes, a Florida cosmetology license is the most comprehensive beauty license, authorizing you to perform hair cutting, shaping, and styling, hair coloring, lightening, and highlighting, permanent waving and chemical straightening/relaxing, scalp treatments and conditioning, facials and skincare treatments, makeup application, hair removal by waxing, tweezing, and depilatories, manicuring and pedicuring, application of artificial nails and nail extensions, and eyelash and eyebrow services (including tinting).
Services outside scope: Cosmetologists cannot perform laser or IPL treatments, microblading or permanent makeup (requires separate local health department permits), injectable treatments (Botox, fillers), or services that break the skin beyond superficial exfoliation.
Note on specialists: If you hold a Florida cosmetology license, you do not need separate facial specialist or nail specialist registrations—your cosmetology license covers all those services. Specialist registrations (Facial Specialist, Nail Specialist, Full Specialist) are for individuals who only want to perform specific services without completing the full 1,200-hour cosmetology program.
Florida Cosmetologist Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national median hourly wage for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists was $16.95 per hour (approximately $35,260 annually) as of May 2024. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $11.82 per hour, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $33.76 per hour. Employment is projected to grow 5 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.
Florida is one of the states with the highest employment levels for cosmetologists, with strong demand 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 cosmetology industry and can significantly increase total compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a licensed cosmetologist in Florida?
Most people complete the process in 9 to 15 months. A full-time 1,200-hour training program typically takes 9 to 12 months. After graduating, the application and exam scheduling process adds another 2 to 6 weeks. Once you pass both exam portions, your license is typically processed within 1 to 3 weeks.
How many hours do you need for a cosmetology license in Florida?
Florida requires 1,200 hours of training at a DBPR-licensed cosmetology school. There is no apprenticeship option. Students who have completed at least 1,000 hours can take the licensing exam early, but must complete all 1,200 hours before retesting if they fail.
How much does a Florida cosmetology license cost?
The total initial cost is approximately $95.25, which includes a $63.75 application fee and $31.50 in exam fees ($15.75 per exam portion). School tuition ranges from $10,000 to $20,000 depending on the program. Renewal costs $45 every two years.
Does Florida require a practical (hands-on) exam for cosmetologists?
No. Florida does not require a practical exam. Both exam portions (theory and clinical) are written, computer-based tests consisting of multiple-choice questions. You do not need to bring mannequins, tools, or demonstrate techniques.
Can I transfer my out-of-state cosmetology license to Florida without taking an exam?
Yes. As of July 1, 2020, out-of-state cosmetologists with a current, active license are not required to take the Florida exam to obtain a Florida license by endorsement. You must complete a 4-hour HIV/AIDS course and submit the endorsement application. If your original state required fewer than 1,200 training hours, you may need to complete additional hours or take the exam (if licensed for at least one year).
What states have reciprocity with a Florida cosmetology license?
Most states offer some form of reciprocity or endorsement for Florida-licensed cosmetologists, though requirements vary. States with similar or lower hour requirements (1,200 hours or less) typically accept Florida licenses with minimal additional requirements. States with higher hour requirements may ask for additional training or work experience. Contact the licensing board in your target state for specific requirements.
How do I look up or verify a Florida cosmetology license?
You can verify any Florida cosmetology license through the DBPR’s free online lookup tool at MyFloridaLicense.com. Enter the licensee’s name or license number to confirm their license status, expiration date, and any disciplinary actions.
How do I print my Florida cosmetology license?
Log into your MyFloridaLicense.com account, navigate to “My Licenses,” and select the print or download option. You can print your official license or a wallet card. If you need a wall certificate, you can order one through your account for an additional fee.
Does Florida offer an apprenticeship pathway for cosmetology?
No. Florida does not recognize apprenticeships for cosmetology licensing. You must complete your training at a DBPR-licensed cosmetology school. Apprenticeship licenses from other states are also not eligible for endorsement in Florida.
How do I renew my Florida cosmetology license?
Renew online through MyFloridaLicense.com. The renewal fee is $45 and you must complete 10 hours of continuing education before renewing. Licenses expire on October 31 of odd or even years depending on your renewal group. The DBPR sends email reminders 90-120 days before expiration.
Are there continuing education exemptions in Florida?
Yes. Effective July 1, 2024, cosmetologists who have held an active Florida license continuously for at least 10 years with no disciplinary action are exempt from the 10-hour CE requirement. You can verify your exemption status through your MyFloridaLicense account.
What is the difference between a cosmetologist and a specialist in Florida?
A cosmetologist is trained in hair, skin, and nails and can perform all services. Specialists are trained in specific areas only: Facial Specialists (220 hours) perform skincare services, Nail Specialists (180 hours) perform nail services, and Full Specialists (400 hours) perform both facial and nail services. The cosmetology program is 1,200 hours but covers the full scope of practice. If you hold a cosmetology license, you do not need separate specialist registrations.
Official Resources
Florida Board of Cosmetology
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
2601 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: (850) 487-1395
Website: www.myfloridalicense.com/cosmetology
Apply for a Cosmetology License:
MyFloridaLicense.com Online Services
Cosmetology Examination Information:
Candidate Information Booklet (PDF)
Schedule Your Exam (Pearson VUE):
Pearson VUE – Florida DBPR
Phone: 1-888-204-6230
License Verification:
MyFloridaLicense.com License Verification
Military Services:
DBPR Military Services
Florida Statutes Chapter 477 (Cosmetology Act):
Chapter 477, Florida Statutes
HB 1193 (Occupational Freedom and Opportunity Act):
Florida Senate – HB 1193