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Florida cosmetology license — 1,200 training hours, written and practical exams, fees ($95.25), and application steps. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-04-03. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Cosmetologist
Governing Authority
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) - Board of Cosmetology
Official website →Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
76% of data points are verified against official sources. 5 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
Renewal Cycle
Gov. Fees
Get your personalized Florida Cosmetologist roadmap — week-by-week plan, budget, & checklist. — plan, budget, & checklist.
Get My Free RoadmapApplication Fee
$63.75
Initial license application fee
Exam Fee
$31.50
Theory exam ($15.75) + Clinical exam ($15.75)
License Fee
Included in application fee
The $63.75 application fee covers the initial license issuance
Education / Training Cost
$6,000–$20,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Florida's 1,200-hour requirement means program costs vary widely. Also requires a $20–$50 HIV/AIDS course.
Renewal Fee
$45
Every 2 years (biennial)
CE Hours Required
10 hours
Per 2 years (biennial) renewal cycle
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial)
CE Details
CE subjects confirmed by DBPR: HIV/AIDS, Sanitation/Steri...
CE subjects confirmed by DBPR: HIV/AIDS, Sanitation/Sterilization, OSHA, Workers' Compensation, State/Federal Laws & Rules, Chemical Makeup, Environmental Issues, Elective. CE exemption for 10+ year active licensees confirmed effective July 1, 2024.
Renewal Fee
$45
Complete 1,200 hours of instruction at a Florida-licensed cosmetology school
Complete the 4-hour initial HIV/AIDS course (within 2 years prior to application)
Submit application and $63.75 fee to DBPR
Schedule and pass the theory examination ($15.75) through Pearson VUE
Schedule and pass the clinical examination ($15.75) through Pearson VUE
Both exams must be passed within a 2-year period from the first attempt
Receive your cosmetology license from DBPR
Minimum Age
16 years old
Education Level
At least 16 years of age OR have received a high school diploma
Residency
No residency requirement; out-of-state applicants may apply by endorsement
Background Check
Not required
Not sure if you need a cosmetology license? Check whether your state requires one.
Total Training Hours
1,200 hours
Cosmetology school
Apprenticeship Alternative
Not availableOnline Hours Allowed
Florida does not specify online hours for initial training; all practical training must be in-person at a licensed school
Curriculum Includes
You can also compare approved cosmetology schools in Florida or see our picks for the best cosmetology programs in Florida.
Browse Cosmetologist study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Licensed to perform mechanical or chemical treatment of the head, face, and scalp for aesthetic rather than medical purposes, including hair services (cutting, coloring, styling, perming, relaxing), pedicuring, and manicuring.
Florida Cosmetology Theory Examination
Computer-based testing (CBT) available daily at Pearson VUE testing sites worldwide. Covers cosmetology theory, safety, and sanitation.
Florida Cosmetology Clinical Examination
Both portions of the examination must be completed within a two-year period from the date of the first attempt of either portion.
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Overall licensing difficulty: 31/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
Cosmetology State Board Exam
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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Compare approved cosmetologist courses available in Florida. Prices and availability verified 2026.
Paul Mitchell Schools
1,200-hour cosmetology program with Paul Mitchell's progressive curriculum meeting Florida's licensing requirements.
1200 hours · Full-time ~9-12 months
Best for: Students wanting strong brand recognition
We may earn a commission if you enroll through links on our site. This does not affect our recommendations or the price you pay.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Initial license application fee | |
Exam Fee Theory exam ($15.75) + Clinical exam ($15.75) | |
License Fee The $63.75 application fee covers the initial license issuance | |
Total Government Fees Application fee ($63.75) + theory exam ($15.75) + clinical exam ($15.75) |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $6,000–$20,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Florida's 1,200-hour requirement means program costs vary widely. Also requires a $20–$50 HIV/AIDS course.
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Initial License Term
2 years; Group 1 expires October 31 of odd years, Group 2 expires October 31 of even years
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial)
Renewal Fee
$45
Continuing Education
10 hours — CE subjects confirmed by DBPR: HIV/AIDS, Sanitation/Sterilization, OSHA, Workers' Compensation, State/Federal Laws & Rules, Chemical Makeup, Environmental Issues, Elective. CE exemption for 10+ year active licensees confirmed effective July 1, 2024.
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our cosmetology license renewal guide.
Consistent with official DBPR endorsement requirements; comparable/more stringent standard applies
Additional Requirements: Must complete a board-approved 4-hour Initial HIV/AIDS course. Apprenticeship licenses and education are not eligible for endorsement. Out-of-state or out-of-country cosmetologists unable to endorse may be eligible for examination if they have held their license for at least one year.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Skin care, facials, and related services
Manicures, pedicures, and nail services
Hair cutting, shaving, and barbering services
Florida is notable for having no hands-on practical exam -- both the theory and clinical portions are written/computer-based exams. The state also requires a mandatory 4-hour HIV/AIDS course as a prerequisite to application, and exam fees are among the lowest in the nation at $15.75 per section.
Florida requires completion of a board-approved 4-hour HIV/AIDS course before submitting the initial license application. The course must be completed within 2 years prior to application. This is a prerequisite for initial licensure, not part of renewal CE.
Both exams (theory and clinical) are written/computer-based; Florida does not have a hands-on practical exam.
Licenses are assigned to either Group 1 (odd-year expiration) or Group 2 (even-year expiration), both expiring on October 31.
Florida also offers a Full Specialist (FS) registration that covers both facial and nail specialist services.
Apprenticeship licenses are not eligible for endorsement in Florida.
Effective July 1, 2024, Florida cosmetologists who have held an active license continuously for at least 10 years with no disciplinary action are exempt from continuing education requirements. The $45 renewal fee and renewal process are still required. Verify exemption status through MyFloridaLicense.com.
Nail specialists, facial specialists, and full specialists do NOT take a state board exam — only cosmetologists are required to pass the Pearson VUE written theory and written clinical examinations.
Cosmetologist Schools in Florida
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Cosmetologist requirements in nearby states
See how Florida compares: Cosmetologist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Other professional licenses in Florida
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Florida.
Moving to Florida? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Cosmetologist license to Florida →