The Board of Cosmetology is responsible for licensing and regulating cosmetology. The board meets regularly to consider applications for licensure, to review disciplinary cases, and to conduct informal hearings relating to licensure and discipline. The board engages in rulemaking to implement the provisions set forth in its statutes and conducts other general business, as necessary.
Cosmetology license types
CL – A “cosmetologist” means a person who is licensed to engage in the practice of cosmetology which includes the mechanical or chemical treatment of the head, face, and scalp for aesthetic rather than medical purposes, including, but not limited to, hair shampooing, hair cutting, hair arranging, hair coloring, permanent waving, hair relaxing, hair removing, pedicuring, and manicuring, for compensation.
FV – A “nail specialist” means a person registered to engage in the practice of manicuring and pedicuring in the State of Florida. Manicuring means the cutting, polishing, tinting, coloring, cleansing, adding, or extending of the nails, and massaging of the hands. This term includes any procedure or process for affixing of artificial nails, except those nails which may be applied by a simple adhesive. Pedicuring means the shaping, polishing, tinting, or cleansing of the nails of the feet, and massaging or beautifying of the feet. These services must be performed in a licensed salon.
FB – A “facial specialist” means a person registered to do facials in the State of Florida. Facial means the massaging or treating of the face or scalp with oils, creams, lotions, or other preparations. These services must be performed in a licensed salon.
FS – A “full specialist” means any person who can perform any services allowed by a facial specialist registration and a nail specialist registration.
CE – A “cosmetology salon” means a licensed and inspected facility where the practice of cosmetology is conducted by licensed persons.
The requirements for becoming licensed in Florida are described in the statutes and rules. Choose a license type to apply.
DBPR offers examinations in a computer-based testing (CBT) format. Candidates who have been approved to sit for an examination may do so by contacting the department’s examination vendor, Pearson VUE. Examinations are available on a daily basis at testing sites throughout the world. For more information, including to schedule an examination, visit the Examination Information page.
Note: If you have previously applied for your license, you may
HB 7125 required the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to post lists of crimes that do not relate to the practice of cosmetology or the ability to practice cosmetology, and criminal offenses that were used as basis for denial of licensure to practice cosmetology. The bill prohibits the consideration of certain convictions for licensure purposes if the convictions occurred over five years before the date of the application, but allows the consideration of convictions for crimes listed in s.775.21(4)(a)1 and s.776.08, Florida Statutes.
Licenses expire October 31st every even year.
DBPR will send you a notification that the renewal period is open, at which time you can renew your license(s). This will be 90-120 days before the expiration. All notices will be provided via email. We encourage you to keep your information up-to-date and renew online. DBPR online services offer a quick and easy way to renew your license, find license requirements, apply for a license and update a license.
Before midnight EST on October 31, 2024, you will need to complete the following requirements to renew your license:
See the “CE Requirements” tab for further information on Continuing Education to renew your license.
For more information concerning your license’s unique requirements, please click the relevant link below:
Licenses expire November 30th every even year. However, because the 30th falls on a Saturday this year, the deadline has been extended to December 2nd.
DBPR will send you a notification that the renewal period is open, at which time you can renew your license(s). This will be 90-120 days before the expiration. All notices will be provided via email. We encourage you to keep your information up-to-date and renew online. DBPR online services offer a quick and easy way to renew your license, find license requirements, apply for a license and update a license.
Before midnight EST on December 2, 2024, you will need to complete the following requirements to renew your license:
For more information concerning your license’s unique requirements, please click the relevant link below:
Licenses expire October 31st every odd year.
DBPR will send you a notification that the renewal period is open, at which time you can renew your license(s). This will be 90-120 days before the expiration. All notices will be provided via email. We encourage you to keep your information up-to-date and renew online. DBPR online services offer a quick and easy way to renew your license, find license requirements, apply for a license and update a license.
Before midnight EST on October 31, 2023, you will need to complete the following requirements to renew your license:
See the “CE Requirements” tab for further information on Continuing Education to renew your license.
For more information concerning your license’s unique requirements, please click the relevant link below:
Continuing Education Provider licenses expire May 31st every odd year.
DBPR will send you a notification that the renewal period is open, at which time you can renew your license. This will be 90-120 days before the expiration. All notices will be provided via email. We encourage you to keep your information up-to-date and renew online. DBPR online services offer a quick and easy way to renew your license, find license requirements, apply for a license and update a license.
Before midnight EST on May 31, 2023, you will need to complete the renewal requirements. For more information, please click this link:
Renewal Information For CE Providers
We encourage you to renew online. However, you can mail your renewal form and fee to:
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783
