Florida Cosmetology License Requirements

If you’re setting goals and see the possibility of a career in cosmetology for your future, following the Florida requirements for holding a cosmetology license is essential. Working as a cosmetologist without the proper licensing is illegal. You could face charges on your state and cosmetology records, fines up to $500 for a first offense, and potential jail time for repeated offenses.

6 Florida Cosmetology Licensing Requirements

This straightforward guide to the cosmetology requirements in Florida can help you keep up with your goals, key steps, and requirements for acquiring a cosmetology license.

Be at Least 16

The state of Florida requires applicants to be at least 16 years old or have received a high school diploma or GED certification (Some cosmetology schools, including Paul Mitchell Schools, require both).

There are exceptions to these requirements, as some Florida high schools offer cooperative cosmetology programs for their students.

Complete 1,200 Cosmetology School Hours

Licensed cosmetology programs in Florida must provide at least 1,200 hours of theory and practical training before graduation. This generally takes between nine and fifteen months to complete.

Be sure that a cosmetology school meets these requirements and is licensed in Florida before enrolling. Watch for additional accreditations from the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS), the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), or the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) to indicate an additional level of standards and requirements the school meets.

Proof of Cosmetology School Graduation

Upon completing your program, you will be issued a cosmetology certificate that you must present to apply for the Florida licensing exam.

Proof of Passing the Cosmetology Exam

There are two parts to the licensing exam. One portion is a written exam covering your cosmetology theory and knowledge base. The other portion assesses your practical skills for competency.

Proof of passing both sections with a score of 75% or better is required to obtain licensure. You will have up to two years from the date of completing/graduating from cosmetology school to complete these exams successfully. If you fail a portion, you must submit a re-examination application to try again.

Proof of HIV/AIDS Course Completion

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation requires all cosmetologists to complete an approved, four-hour HIV/AIDS course covering communicable diseases and infection control. This course must be completed within the two-year window prior to applying for your license.

Payment of Licensing Application Fees

You can apply for your license and pay the application fees online using a credit card, electronic check, or physical check.

Get Started with Paul Mitchell The School Fort Myers

Your future is in your hands. Make it happen by following these steps to obtain your cosmetology education.

• Complete at least 1,200 hours of instructional and hands-on training in your chosen cosmetology program. You’ll need to provide your cosmetology school certificate when registering for the two-part licensing exam. Be sure you have proof of taking the required HIV/AIDS training.
• Successfully pass both exam portions within two years of your program completion.
• Present your certification and evidence of your passing scores on both parts of the licensing exam with your official Florida cosmetology license application. Don’t forget to pay your fees!
• Your application will be processed in approximately one to three weeks.

Ready to get started? Click here to learn more about our cosmetology program and to speak with one of our admissions team members.