How to Become a Cosmetologist in Florida

Being a licensed cosmetologist can be a rewarding career that puts you in contact with people from all kinds of life. Everyone needs their hair cut, and cosmetologists will always be able to find work. Cosmetologists can also perform manicures, pedicures and hair removal, and perform skin care services.

Understanding Florida cosmetology requirements will set you on your way to a rewarding and potentially lucrative career.

Requirements for a Cosmetology License in Florida

Like all states, Florida requires cosmetologists to be licensed. Licensing protects customers and ensures that cosmetologists can provide high-quality services. In Florida, you can only provide these services for compensation with a license. For example, it is legal to cut a friend’s hair in their own home, as long as they aren’t paying you. It’s also legal to wash hair for compensation without a cosmetology license – this exemption is primarily aimed at personal care aides helping people with bathing.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• At least 16 years of age or have a high school diploma.
• 1,200 hours of specialized education in an accredited cosmetology program such as Shear Excellence.
• Two written examinations, which must be completed within two years of each other. If you fail, you may need to repeat part of your training.
• Completion of a required HIV/AIDS course

When you apply, you will need to turn in a Graduate Certification Form from your school and pay the required fee. Examinations take place at a Pearson VUE Test Center, and you must make reservations. They recommend calling at least 5 days before your desired date. There are two parts to the written exam: the Written Theory exam and the Written Clinical exam. Each takes 90 minutes to complete. You can also take an online proctored exam. Florida does not require a practical exam, although your school might. A lot of cosmetology training is practical.

How To Meet the Educational Requirements

Your 1,200 hours of education should take place at a Florida beauty school accredited by the state and you should also choose a school that is a member of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools.

You can study part-time or full-time, which affects how long it takes to complete the course. Cosmetology education consists of a mix of traditional classroom training and practical training in a student salon. In the salon, you will perform services on real guests under supervision. People choose student salons because they can get a high-quality hair cut or manicure for a lower fee.

At Shear Excellence, we offer a 30-hour-a-week daytime course that can take as little as 40 weeks to complete, a 26-hour evening course  that can take as little as 48 weeks to complete or a part-time evening course that can take as little as 54 weeks.

Cosmetology students are eligible for financial aid. Financial aid is available only to those who qualify.

HIV/AIDS Training

One Florida-specific requirement is that all licensed cosmetologists must complete an HIV/AIDS course within two years of their exam. That is, if two years pass you will have to take the course again. This course must be taken at an approved training center. The course takes four hours to complete, and is designed to increase awareness and education of AIDs and other communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis.

Licensed cosmetologists also have to take continuing education on the topic.

Shear Excellence’s courses include HIV/AIDS training.

How Much Does it Cost to Become a Cosmetologist in Florida?

In addition to the fees associated with Florida cosmetology requirements, you will have costs related to tuition and supplies. Currently, at Shear Excellence, it costs $15,599 total, of which $13,765 is tuition and $1,834 is supplies and equipment. This is not counting living expenses and many students choose an evening schedule and continue in another job until they are licensed.

While this is quite a bit of money, it’s a lot less than you would spend on a four-year degree and you will be licensed and working in, at most, a year, assuming you complete the course.

You can apply for financial aid to reduce your tuition costs and potentially help you with your cost of living while you are in school. You need to fill out the Federal Application for Free Student Aid (FAFSA) application. You can also look into the Florida Prepaid College Tuition Plan. Shear Excellence also offers scholarships periodically and an in-house zero-interest payment plan to spread costs out.

What To Expect From Cosmetology Schools in Florida

First of all, you will need to meet the school’s requirements. Typically, cosmetology schools do not take students under 16 years of age and you will need a high school diploma or equivalent.

Once you are enrolled, you will start with classroom instruction but rapidly move into practical training. Students will practice with real customers in the school salon and learn customer service and business skills as well as their craft. You will take courses on everything from hair shaping to shop management to the history of cosmetology.

Students are expected to purchase their own cosmetology kit at the start of the program, which includes items that will be useful through their career.

Once you have completed the course, you will be able to apply for your license and take the examination. A good school can set you up to pass the examination the first time. At Shear Excellence Academy, it’s in the name! We strive for excellence anytime we can.  

What About Continuing Education?

Florida requires that licensed cosmetologists do 10 hours of continuing education every 2 years, which includes 1 hour on HIV/AIDs, 3 hours on sanitation and sterilization, 2 hours on laws and rules, one hour on chemical makeup, one hour on environmental issues, and thirty minutes each on OSHA and workers’ compensation. The last hour can be on any subject you want or feel you need to catch up on.

If you want to be a cosmetologist, you’re in good company. Shear Excellence can help you meet these requirements, pass the test, and support you with ongoing career and continuing education help. Contact us to find out more and talk about enrollment today.