How to Become a Barber in Florida

How to Become a Barber in Florida: 4 Steps

Imagine a career where every day is an opportunity to create something unique, connect with people, and bring your artistic vision to life. Barbering can offer all of that and more. Becoming a barber in Florida is your chance to turn your creativity into a rewarding profession. 

Barbering is more than a job; it’s a way to help people feel confident and look their best. By pursuing this career path, you’re learning a skill—and you’re creating an art form that leaves a lasting impression on every client you serve. With the right training and dedication, your passion for barbering can open doors to exciting opportunities.

Steps to Becoming a Barber in Florida

Embarking on a career as a barber can be an exciting and achievable goal, offering you the chance to join Florida’s barbering industry and make your mark in a creative, people-focused profession. 

Whether you dream of mastering precision fades, perfecting beard grooming, or connecting with clients in a vibrant community, the journey to becoming a licensed barber in Florida is within reach. These four steps offer a path to help you transform your passion into reality.

Step 1: Complete a Barber School Program

Once you’ve met the prerequisites, the next step is to enroll in a barber school. At Paul Mitchell The School Fort Myers, our barbering program is designed to equip you with the education needed to obtain a professional license and carve your path in the industry.

Students at Paul Mitchell The School Fort Myers gain hands-on experience with techniques such as classic short haircuts, clipper-over-comb methods, fades, tapers, precision haircutting, styling, beard grooming, shaving techniques, and much more. 

Once you’ve practiced your skills, you can begin preparing a career portfolio as you work more independently to become barbershop-ready. Our program offers the training you need to provide a wide range of services to your future clients. 

You also have the opportunity to learn essential business skills, such as retail skills, client record keeping, salon-type administration, and business ethics. These skills are vital for barbers who want to open their own shops or grow a loyal clientele.

How Long Is Barber School in Florida?

The time it takes to complete barber school varies based on your chosen schedule and your attendance. At Paul Mitchell The School in Fort Myers, students can choose between two-day, three-day, and five-day-a-week schedules. The number of days you attend per week will determine how long it takes to complete the program. Our barber program schedule options can be found in our catalog.  

Step 2: Meet the Requirements to Take the Florida Barber License Exam

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age. To apply for a barber license, students must complete either 600 hours of training at a Florida barbering school and receive approval from a school official to take the barbering exam, or complete a minimum of 900 hours of training.  Applicants must also complete a board-approved Initial HIV/AIDS course and submit a course completion certificate with your application and the required application fee.

Step 3: Pass the Florida Barber License Exam

After completing your barbering education, you’ll need to pass the Florida Barber License Exam. This exam tests your knowledge and skills in both theoretical and practical aspects of barbering.

The exam involves a written test covering topics such as sanitation, safety, hair cutting, and state regulations, as well as a practical exam where you’ll demonstrate your ability to perform services like haircuts, shaves, and other barbering techniques. Preparing thoroughly for this exam is essential. At Paul Mitchell The School Fort Myers, we provide resources and support to help our students get ready for the exam.

Step 4: Obtain Your Barber License

The final step in your journey is obtaining your official barber license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). To do this, you need to:

1. Complete the required paperwork through the DBPR’s online portal.
2. Pay the licensing fee, which varies depending on the application type.
3. Submit documentation of your education and exam completion.

Once approved, you’ll receive your barber license and can officially begin your journey in Florida’s beauty and grooming industry.

Join Paul Mitchell The School Fort Myers

Are you ready to take the first step toward a career in barbering? At Paul Mitchell The School Fort Myers, we’re committed to helping our students start their barbering education journey. From expert instructors to modern facilities, we help provide the education you need to kickstart your career. 

Located in sunny Southwest Florida, our campus is just minutes from the stunning Gulf Coast beaches and the tranquil Caloosahatchee River, offering the perfect blend of education and inspiration. Soak up the Florida sunshine while mastering your craft in an energetic and welcoming community.

Start Your Barbering Journey Today

Begin your barbering journey with Paul Mitchell The School Fort Myers today. Explore our barbering program and see how we can help you turn your passion into a profession. If you’re ready to take the next step toward becoming a barber in Florida, visit our Get Started page to begin your application process.

Your education in barbering can start today—and we can’t wait to see what you’ll achieve!