Florida Cosmetology License Requirements
Information verified:How to Get a Cosmetology License in Florida
Florida requires 1,200 hours of cosmetology training and passage of a two-part written examination administered by Pearson VUE. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) issues cosmetology licenses under Chapter 477 of the Florida Statutes.
- Meet the minimum age requirement. You must be at least 16 years old or have a high school diploma.
- Enroll in a Florida-licensed cosmetology school. The school must be licensed by the Commission for Independent Education (private) or certified by the Florida Department of Education (public). Contact the Department of Education at (850) 245-0509 for a list of schools.
- Complete 1,200 hours of training. Your school may certify you to sit for the exam after 1,000 hours — but if you fail, you must complete the full 1,200 hours before reexamination.
- Submit your examination application to DBPR. Mail to DBPR Central Intake Unit, 2601 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783, with the applicable fees (not to exceed $50 per Florida Statute 477.026).
- Pass both portions of the Pearson VUE examination. After DBPR approves your application, Pearson VUE will notify you to schedule. You must pass both the Written Theory and Written Clinical exams with 75% or higher.
- Receive your Florida cosmetology license. Print your license from your DBPR online account — Florida no longer mails paper licenses.
Training Requirements
Florida requires a minimum of 1,200 hours of cosmetology training at a school licensed pursuant to Chapter 1005 of the Florida Statutes, a public school cosmetology program, or a government-operated cosmetology program. Training must include services directly related to the practice of cosmetology as defined in Florida Statute 477.013(4).
Early Exam Eligibility
Florida schools may certify students to take the examination after completing 1,000 hours. If the student passes, the 1,200-hour requirement is satisfied. If the student fails, they must complete the full 1,200 hours before retaking the exam.
Curriculum Areas
- Hair services: Shampooing, cutting, arranging, coloring, permanent waving, and hair relaxing
- Skin care: Mechanical and chemical treatment of the head, face, and scalp for aesthetic purposes, waxing
- Nail care: Manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancements
- HIV/AIDS education: Minimum 4 hours required as part of the initial curriculum (per Florida law)
- Sanitation and safety: Disinfection, sterilization, and Florida-specific chemical safety standards
- Florida laws and rules: Chapter 477 of the Florida Statutes and Rule 61G5 of the Florida Administrative Code
Out-of-country education is not accepted for endorsement — international applicants must attend a Florida school for evaluation of their previous training. Florida schools can grant credit for all, some, or none of previous education.
Cosmetology Exam Requirements
Florida's cosmetology examination is administered by Pearson VUE in computer-based testing (CBT) format. The exam consists of two written portions — there is no separate hands-on practical examination.
Written Theory Exam
Covers cosmetology sciences, sanitation, and general cosmetology knowledge. A minimum passing score of 75% is required.
Written Clinical Exam
Covers practical application knowledge, Florida law (Chapter 477), and clinical procedures. A minimum passing score of 75% is required.
Scheduling and Testing Sites
After DBPR approves your examination application, Pearson VUE will send written notification to schedule. Exams are available daily at 22+ testing sites throughout Florida and at out-of-state locations. Schedule by phone at (888) 204-6230 or online at pearsonvue.com. Exams are available in English and Spanish at no additional cost.
Retaking the Exam
If you fail either portion, you may immediately reapply for reexamination. You must pass both portions within a two-year period (per Rule 61G5-18.004). You cannot practice cosmetology until both portions are passed. Each retake requires a new exam fee (not to exceed $50).
How to Renew Your Florida Cosmetology License
Florida cosmetology licenses expire on October 31 of either odd or even years, depending on your assigned renewal group. The renewal fee is $45. You must complete 10 hours of board-approved continuing education before renewing.
Renewal Groups
- Group 1: Expires October 31 of odd-numbered years (2025, 2027, 2029…)
- Group 2: Expires October 31 of even-numbered years (2026, 2028, 2030…)
CE Requirements (10 Hours)
- HIV/AIDS — 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
- Elective (any cosmetology subject) — 1 hour
CE Exemption (SB 382, Effective July 1, 2024)
You are exempt from CE if you have held an active license continuously for at least 10 years and have no discipline imposed against your license.
How to Renew
- Complete your 10 CE hours from a board-approved provider before October 31.
- Renew online at myfloridalicense.com (DBPR sends email reminders 90 days before expiration).
- Pay the $45 renewal fee by credit card or electronic check.
Licenses not renewed by the deadline enter delinquent status. A null and void license requires a reinstatement application with explanation of illness or economic hardship.
Other Cosmetology License Types in Florida
The Florida Board of Cosmetology issues licenses and registrations under Chapter 477 of the Florida Statutes:
| License Type | Code | Training Hours | Exam Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | CL | 1,200 | Yes (Written Theory + Written Clinical) |
| Nail Specialist | FV | 180 | No (registration only) |
| Facial Specialist | FB | 220 | No (registration only) |
| Full Specialist | FS | 400 | No (registration only) |
| Cosmetology Salon | CE | N/A | No |
Florida uses "registrations" for specialists — no exam is required. Specialists register by submitting proof of completed education hours and paying the application fee (not to exceed $30). A licensed cosmetologist is not required to hold a separate specialist registration to perform those services.
Endorsement from other states: Cosmetologists with a current, active license in another state can obtain a Florida license by endorsement without taking the exam or meeting education requirements (per HB 1193, effective July 1, 2020). Specialist registrants from other states are eligible for endorsement if their state's requirements are equal to or greater than Florida's. Apprenticeship licenses are not eligible for endorsement.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I take the Florida cosmetology exam after only 1,000 hours?
- Yes. Florida law allows schools to certify students for the examination after 1,000 hours. If you pass both exam portions, you have satisfied the education requirement. If you fail, you must complete the full 1,200 hours before reexamination.
- Does Florida require a practical exam for cosmetology?
- No. Florida's cosmetology exam is entirely written (computer-based) and consists of two portions: Written Theory and Written Clinical. Both are administered by Pearson VUE at testing centers throughout Florida and nationally. There is no hands-on practical exam.
- How do I transfer my cosmetology license to Florida from another state?
- If you hold a current, active cosmetology license in another state, you are eligible for Florida licensure by endorsement — no exam or education requirements needed (per HB 1193, effective July 2020). Submit an endorsement application to DBPR with applicable fees. Apprenticeship licenses and out-of-country licenses are not eligible for endorsement.
- What are Florida's CE requirements for renewal?
- Florida requires 10 hours of board-approved CE per two-year renewal cycle: 1 hour HIV/AIDS, 3 hours sanitation/sterilization, 0.5 hour OSHA, 0.5 hour workers' comp, 2 hours laws/rules, 1 hour chemical makeup, 1 hour environmental issues, and 1 elective hour. Licensees with 10+ continuous active years and no discipline are exempt under SB 382.
- When do Florida cosmetology licenses expire?
- Florida licenses expire October 31 biennially. You are assigned to either Group 1 (odd years) or Group 2 (even years). DBPR sends email renewal notifications 90 days before your expiration date. The renewal fee is $45 for all individual license types.