florida licensing requirements
Licenses Available: Cosmetologist, Barber, Electrologist, Hair Braider/Wrapper
Required Hours:
Cosmetologist: 1200 hours
Barber: 1200 hours
Electrologist: 320 Hours
Hair Braider: 2-day (16-hour) course
Hair Wrapper: 1-day (6-hour) course
Specialist License (Manicure, Pedicure, Facial, Skin Care, Hair Removal, etc): See Web Site
Minimum Requirements: All applicants for licensure must be at least 16 years of age or have received a high school diploma
Reciprocity: You are eligible for a Florida license by endorsement if you have a current and active license in another state, if the requirements of the other state are equal to or greater than the requirements for Florida cosmetology students. Florida cosmetology applicants are required to have 1,200 school hours and pass a licensing examination. If you meet those requirements, you are not required to take the Florida cosmetology examination.
- A. ENDORSEMENT - COSMETOLOGIST
Indicate in which state you are currently licensed to practice cosmetology. A certification of licensure from that state must be sent to the department with this application. If the state(s) cannot certify at least 1,200 hours of training and/or exam, you can provide training transcripts and exam documentation. Individuals who are currently licensed in several states must provide an original certification from each state. Apprenticeship licenses are NOT endorseable.
B. ENDORSEMENT - SPECIALIST
Select appropriate category of specialty license. Indicate the state in which you are currently licensed. A certification of licensure from that state must be sent to the department with this application. Individuals who are currently licensed in several states must provide an original certification from each state.
C. HIV/AIDS COURSE REQUIREMENT
Pursuant to Rule 61G5-18.011, Florida Administrative Code, applicants for initial licensure and licensure renewal must complete a board approved course on HIV/AIDS. When you have completed a board approved course, attach a copy of your certificate of completion to this application. Failure to include a copy of your certificate of completion will result in your application being deemed incomplete and will delay further processing.
You must:
- Pay $80 fee, which includes a non-refundable application fee of $50, an unlicensed activity fee of $5, and a licensure fee of $25 (make check payable to Department of Business and Professional Regulation)
- Complete DBPR 0010 Master Individual Application form
- Complete DBPR 0050 -1– Explanatory Information for Background Questions (if applicable)
- Complete DBPR 0060 -1 – General Explanatory Description (if applicable)
- BPR CL-4404 – Board of Cosmetology Licensure by Endorsement Application form
- Submit certificate(s) of licensure
- Submit certificate of completion for the HIV/AIDS course
- Submit official transcripts (if applicable)
- Submit examination documentation (if applicable)
Download the Reciprocity Application (License by Endorsement) (.pdf)
Download the Instructions for completing the HIV/AIDS application (.pdf)
Download the list of approved HIV/AIDS course providers (.pdf)
If you wish to take the HIV/AIDS course prior to arriving in Florida, select one of the "Home Study" courses from the above course provider document. The provider will mail you a study packet to complete the course from your home. This course must be completed before you are eligible to receive a license in Florida.
All supporting documentation should be sent from the source to address listed below:
Florida Board of Cosmetology
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Northwood Centre
1940 N. Monroe
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0790
Tel: (850)488-5702
Fax: (850)922-6959
Written Provider: Pearson Vue
Practical Provider: Pearson Vue
Practical Exam Required: Yes
Renewal: Cos - $30; Barber - $105; Nails, Facial - $55
