Florida calls its esthetician credential a Facial Specialist registration, issued by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) under the Board of Cosmetology. Despite the different name, this is the license you need to legally perform facials, skincare treatments, waxing, and other esthetic services anywhere in Florida.
Florida has one of the lowest training hour requirements in the country at just 220 hours, there is no state board exam, and the application fee is $75. Most people complete the process in two to four months. Here is exactly how to do it.
Florida Esthetician License Requirements at a Glance
| Official License Title | Facial Specialist (FV) |
| Governing Agency | Florida DBPR, Board of Cosmetology |
| Minimum Age | 16 years old, or hold a high school diploma/GED |
| Training Hours Required | 220 hours at a Florida-approved program |
| State Board Exam | None required |
| HIV/AIDS Course | 4-hour board-approved course (within 2 years of application) |
| Application Fee | $75 (new applicant) · $59 (endorsement from another state) |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years (expires October 31) |
| Renewal Fee | $20–$40 (varies by renewal cycle; check MyFloridaLicense.com for current fees) |
| Continuing Education | 10 hours per renewal period |
| Apply Online | MyFloridaLicense.com |
Step 1: Meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a Facial Specialist registration in Florida, you must be at least 16 years old or hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Florida does not require both — either the age requirement or the education requirement satisfies this step. There is no citizenship or residency requirement.
Step 2: Complete 220 Hours at a Florida-Approved Program
You must complete a minimum of 220 clock hours of training at a school licensed by the Florida DBPR. The curriculum typically covers facial treatments and massage, skin analysis and conditions, hair removal techniques including waxing, makeup application, sanitation and sterilization, and Florida laws and rules governing the profession.
Most programs take 8 to 16 weeks to complete depending on whether you attend full-time or part-time. Tuition varies widely by school, generally ranging from $2,000 to $8,000. Some schools offer programs longer than 220 hours that include additional training in areas like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or lash extensions. These extras are not required by the state but can expand your skill set.
When choosing a school, confirm it is specifically approved by the Florida DBPR (not just generally accredited). You can verify approved schools through the DBPR licensing portal.
Important: Florida requires in-person training. You cannot complete the 220 hours fully online. Some schools offer hybrid programs with online theory and in-person lab work, which is acceptable as long as the school holds DBPR approval. Florida’s 220-hour requirement is the lowest in the country. See how all states compare in our esthetician license hours by state guide.
Step 3: Complete the HIV/AIDS Course
Florida requires all cosmetology and specialty applicants to complete a board-approved HIV/AIDS course of at least 4 hours. This course must have been completed within two years prior to submitting your application. Many esthetics schools include this course as part of their program, so you may already have it done by the time you graduate. If not, standalone courses are available online from DBPR-approved providers, typically costing $20 to $50.
You can find a list of approved HIV/AIDS course providers through the DBPR website.
Step 4: Apply for Your Facial Specialist Registration
Once you have your Certificate of Completion from your esthetics program and your HIV/AIDS course certificate, you can apply for your license. Here is the process:
Go to MyFloridaLicense.com and create an account or log in. Select “Facial Specialist” (FV) under the Cosmetology category. You will use the COSMO 1 application form for initial registration based on Florida education. Upload your Certificate of Completion from your esthetics program, your HIV/AIDS course certificate, and a completed Certification of Eligibility form (Section IV of the COSMO 1 application). Pay the $85 application fee by credit card or electronic check.
You can also download and mail a paper application, but online submission is faster. The DBPR typically processes applications within 2 to 6 weeks.
No state exam is required. Unlike cosmetologists, who must pass a written and practical exam, facial specialists in Florida only need to pass their school’s final exam and submit their application. This is one of the things that makes Florida’s esthetician licensing process faster and simpler than most other states.
Step 5: Start Working
Once your application is approved, the DBPR issues your Facial Specialist registration number. You can then legally perform esthetic services in any DBPR-licensed salon or spa in Florida. Your registration number must be displayed at your place of work. Note that you cannot practice independently outside of a licensed establishment — all facial services in Florida must be performed in a licensed salon.
License Renewal and Continuing Education
Florida facial specialist registrations must be renewed every two years. The state uses a two-group renewal system based on your original license issue date. Group 1 registrations expire on October 31 of odd-numbered years (2025, 2027). Group 2 registrations expire on October 31 of even-numbered years (2026, 2028). You can check which group you belong to through your MyFloridaLicense account.
To renew, you must complete 10 hours of board-approved continuing education during each renewal period. The 10 hours must cover specific topics including chemical makeup, environmental issues, HIV/AIDS, state and federal laws and rules, OSHA, sanitation and sterilization, workers’ compensation, and elective topics. All CE courses can be completed online through DBPR-approved providers.
The renewal fee is $45. If you miss your renewal deadline, your registration becomes delinquent. You can reactivate a delinquent registration by completing your CE hours and paying the renewal fee plus a late fee. If you miss two or more renewal periods, your registration becomes null and void and requires a new application.
CE exemption: If you have held an active Florida license for 10 or more consecutive years with no disciplinary action, you may be exempt from continuing education requirements. Verify your exemption status through your MyFloridaLicense account. The renewal process is similar for all Florida DBPR licenses. See our Florida Cosmetology License Renewal guide for detailed CE requirements and step-by-step instructions.
Transferring an Out-of-State Esthetician License to Florida
If you already hold a current and active esthetician license in another U.S. state, you may be able to get licensed in Florida through endorsement without repeating your training. To qualify for endorsement, your original state’s requirements must be equal to or greater than Florida’s requirements (220 hours of training). Since Florida has one of the lowest hour requirements in the country, most out-of-state estheticians will meet this threshold.
To apply by endorsement, you will need to submit the Facial Specialist Registration by Endorsement application through MyFloridaLicense.com. You must provide an official certification of licensure from your current state’s board (a copy of the license will not be accepted). You must also complete the 4-hour HIV/AIDS course if you have not done so already. The endorsement application fee is $85.
If your original state’s training hours are lower than Florida’s 220-hour minimum, you will need to complete the additional hours at a Florida-approved school before you can apply.
Note: Out-of-country esthetician licenses are not eligible for endorsement. International applicants must complete Florida’s full training requirements and apply as a new applicant.
Military and Veteran Fee Waivers
Florida waives licensing fees for active-duty military personnel, veterans, and military spouses applying for a Facial Specialist registration. This applies to both new applications and endorsement transfers. To take advantage of the fee waiver, use the Military Personnel/Veterans/Military Spouses (MVL 003) application path on MyFloridaLicense.com instead of the standard COSMO 1 form. The same training and education requirements still apply — only the fees are waived.
Additionally, Florida offers licensing accommodations under the Servicemember Civil Relief Act (SCRA) for military members whose licensing obligations are affected by active-duty service.
What Can You Do with a Florida Esthetician License?
A Florida Facial Specialist registration authorizes you to perform facials and skin treatments, face and scalp massage with oils, creams, and lotions, waxing and other hair removal methods, skin analysis, and makeup application. You can work in day spas, resort spas, medical spas (under physician supervision), salons, dermatology offices, and wellness centers.
There are some services a facial specialist cannot perform. Laser hair removal and light-based skin treatments fall under the jurisdiction of the Florida Electrolysis Council (part of the Department of Health), not the Board of Cosmetology. If you want to perform laser services, you will need a separate electrolysis license.
Florida Esthetician Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national median salary for skincare specialists was $41,560 per year ($19.98 per hour) as of May 2024. Employment in the field is projected to grow 7% from 2024 to 2034, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
In Florida specifically, salary estimates vary by source. BLS data places Florida’s median close to the national average. Job listing sites report average annual earnings ranging from roughly $40,000 to $60,000 depending on experience, location, and employer type. Estheticians working in medical settings, luxury spas, or high-cost metro areas like Miami and Fort Lauderdale tend to earn more. Tips and commissions can add 15% to 20% on top of base pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Florida Facial Specialist license?
Florida Facial Specialist is the official name for what other states call an esthetician license. It’s issued by the Florida DBPR Board of Cosmetology and authorizes you to perform facials, skincare treatments, waxing, and makeup application. The requirements are 220 training hours, a 4-hour HIV/AIDS course, and a $75 application fee. No state board exam is required.
Do I need to take a state board exam to become an esthetician in Florida?
No. Florida does not require facial specialists to take a state licensing exam. You only need to pass your school’s internal final exam, complete the HIV/AIDS course, and submit your application to the DBPR. This is different from Florida cosmetologists, who must pass both a written and practical state exam.
How long does it take to become a licensed esthetician in Florida?
Most people complete the process in 2 to 4 months. The 220-hour training program typically takes 8 to 16 weeks depending on whether you attend full-time or part-time. After graduating, the DBPR application takes another 2 to 6 weeks to process.
Can I complete my Florida esthetician training online?
Not entirely. Florida requires hands-on training hours at a DBPR-approved school, so you cannot earn your license through an online-only program. However, some schools offer hybrid programs that combine online coursework with in-person lab sessions, which is allowed as long as the school is DBPR-approved. The 4-hour HIV/AIDS course can be completed online.
Can I use my Florida esthetician license in other states?
No. Your Florida Facial Specialist registration is valid only in Florida. If you want to practice in another state, you will need to apply for that state’s license separately. Many states accept Florida-licensed estheticians through endorsement or reciprocity, but each state has its own process and may require additional training hours, exams, or fees. Florida’s 220-hour requirement is among the lowest in the country, so some states with higher requirements (500 to 1,000+ hours) may require you to complete additional training.
What is the difference between a facial specialist and a full specialist in Florida?
A facial specialist (FV) can perform only facial and skincare services. A full specialist (FS) combines both facial specialist and nail specialist services, meaning they can also perform manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancements. If you want to offer both skincare and nail services, you can apply for a full specialist registration by completing both the facial specialty (220 hours) and nail specialty (240 hours) training programs.
For a comparison of esthetician licensing requirements across all states, including training hours, exam formats, fees, and reciprocity rules, see our complete esthetician license guide.
Official Resources
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
Board of Cosmetology
2601 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: 850-487-1395
Website: www2.myfloridalicense.com/cosmetology
Apply for a Facial Specialist Registration:
COSMO 1 Application — Facial Specialist Registration
Florida Cosmetology Statutes and Rules:
Chapter 477, Florida Statutes
DBPR FAQs for Cosmetology:
Cosmetology FAQs — MyFloridaLicense.com