How To Get Your Cosmetology License In Florida?

Starting a career in cosmetology in Florida offers numerous opportunities, with the demand for licensed professionals on the rise. Employment for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists in Florida is projected to grow by 8% from 2022 to 2032—outpacing the average growth for most occupations. While this promising growth creates exciting career prospects, it’s important to understand the requirements for obtaining your cosmetology license in Florida. If you’re ready to begin your journey, you’ve come to the right place. Our guide will walk you through the licensing requirements and provide a step-by-step process to help you achieve your Florida cosmetology license.

Understanding the Requirements for Getting Your Cosmetology License in Florida

You must have an active license to work as a cosmetologist, nail, facial, or full specialist (combination of nail specialist and facial specialist) in the state of Florida. Before filling out your application, you need to meet certain requirements. 

• Applicants must be 16 years old or have received a high school diploma.
• You must complete 1,200 school hours in a cosmetology program before applying. A completed Graduate Certification Form from Section III of form COSMO 1 must be submitted with your application. 
• You must complete a 4-hour HIV/AIDS course within 2 years prior to submitting an application. An HIV/AIDS course completion certificate must be submitted with the application. 
• The required fee for your license is $63.75 and must be submitted with your application.
• To get your Florida cosmetology license, you’ll need to fill out the relevant application. You can apply using online services or a printable application, available from the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) website. 

4 steps to Getting Your Florida Cosmetology License

The process to get your Florida cosmetology license requires you to follow specific training requirements and submit relevant documents with your application. Take these steps to obtain your Florida Cosmetology license. 

1. Complete a Cosmetology Course

Applicants are required to complete 1,200 hours in a cosmetology program. You must be at least 16 or have a high school diploma to enter a cosmetology program. Various cosmetology training programs are available in Florida. When choosing a training program, seek a state-accredited beauty school that is a member of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools. 

Our Cosmetology Program provides you with the mandated 1200 hours of course requirements. The course is primarily focused on hair care and offers the majority of salon services. The curriculum includes:

• Hair cutting
• Sanitation
• Law
• Salesmanship
• Management
• Manicuring
• Pedicures
• Hair removal
• Anatomy & Physiology
• Skin
• Hair
• Electricity
• Chemistry
• Shampooing
• Scalp treatment
• Facial & Make-Up
• Hair coloring
• Permanent waving
• Hair relaxing

Training at Shear Excellence includes some traditional classroom training. However, most of the training you’ll receive is acquired through real-life experience with guests. This approach provides students with a real learning experience that will be similar to the cosmetology work environment. You’ll have the option to choose between full-time and part-time classes to get an education that fits with your lifestyle. Full-time classes take place during the day, allowing students to complete 30 hours each week and finish the course in 40 weeks (10 months). Evening class schedules can be completed in 26 hours per week or 22 hours per week, allowing students to finish the course in either 48 weeks or 54 weeks. 

2. Take the Cosmetology License Exam

After completing training, you’ll be prepared to take the cosmetology license exam. Cosmetology exams are completed at a Pearson VUE Test Center. You’ll need to make reservations for your exam at least five days before your chosen test date. Visit the vendor website to find a test center near you and check available dates. 

The cosmetology exam includes two sections: Written Theory and Written Clinical. Each section takes 90 minutes to complete. Two forms of valid signature ID are required for admittance to take the test. The DBPR Candidate Information Booklet for Cosmetology Licensure Examinations is an excellent resource to learn everything you need to know about the exam. 

If you fail to achieve the passing score, you can submit a reexamination application to retake the relevant portion of the test. You’ll need to complete both portions of the exam within 2 years from the date of your first exam to avoid taking the full examination again.

3. Complete an HIV/AIDS Training Course

All Florida cosmetologists are required to take a 4-hour HIV/AIDS course. The course must be completed no more than two years prior to submitting your application. Many cosmetology courses (including the Complete Cosmetology Program from Shear Excellence) include the HIV/AIDS course as a part of training. You’ll need to submit the HIV/AIDS course completion certificate you received from your school with your license application.

4. Submit Your Application Online

Once you’ve fulfilled all the necessary requirements, you’re ready to submit your cosmetology license application. Visit the DBPR website licensing portal to review the requirements and choose whether you’d like to apply online or download a printable application. Scroll to the bottom of the page and select “Apply Using Online Services” or “Apply Using a Printable Application. Along with your completed application, you’ll need to submit your HIV/AIDS course certificate, graduate certification, and required license fee.

Get the Training You Need to Become a Florida Cosmetologist at Shear Excellence Hair Academy

Becoming a Florida cosmetologist allows you to begin a rewarding career that enables you to meet people from all walks of life. Getting your cosmetology license is an important part of the journey. Shear Excellence Hair Academy provides an excellent cosmetology program to obtain the education you need to get your cosmetology license. You’ll receive classroom training and hands-on training for real-life experience to prepare you for your live work environment. Contact us today to learn more about our available cosmetology programs or enroll for the course that will launch your journey to get your Florida cosmetology license.