Cosmetologist
Florida
Cosmetologist (CL) License Requirements
Governing Authority
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) - Board of Cosmetology
Official website →1,200 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
2 years
Renewal Cycle
$95.25
Gov. Fees
How to Get Licensed
VerifiedComplete 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
Basic Requirements
Minimum Age
16 years old
Education Level
16 years of age OR high school diploma or equivalent
Residency
No residency requirement; out-of-state applicants may apply by endorsement
Background Check
Not required
Training Requirements
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
Scope of Practice
VerifiedLicensed 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.
Examination
Written Exam
Florida Cosmetology Theory Examination
- Administered by
- Pearson VUE
- Passing Score
- 75%
- Fee
- $15.75
Computer-based testing (CBT) available daily at Pearson VUE testing sites worldwide. Covers cosmetology theory, safety, and sanitation.
Practical Exam
Florida Cosmetology Clinical Examination
- Administered by
- Pearson VUE
- Passing Score
- 75%
- Fee
- $15.75
Written clinical examination (not a hands-on practical). Both theory and clinical exams must be passed within a 2-year period of the first attempt.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Initial license application fee | $63.75 |
Exam Fee Theory exam ($15.75) + Clinical exam ($15.75) | $31.50 |
License Fee The $63.75 application fee covers the initial license issuance | Included in application fee |
Total Government Fees Application fee ($63.75) + theory exam ($15.75) + clinical exam ($15.75) | $95.25 |
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.
License & Renewal
Initial License Term
2 years (expires October 31 of odd or even years depending on group)
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Renewal Fee
$55
Continuing Education
10 hours — 10 hours of Board-approved CE per 2-year renewal cycle. Must include: 1 hour HIV/AIDS, 3 hours sanitation/sterilization, 0.5 hour OSHA, 0.5 hour workers' compensation, 2 hours Florida laws and rules, 1 hour chemical makeup, 1 hour environmental issues, 1 hour any cosmetology-related topic.
Reciprocity & Endorsement
VerifiedFlorida offers licensure by endorsement to applicants holding an active cosmetology license in another state with requirements comparable to or more stringent than Florida's 1,200 educational hours and passage of a written examination. Endorsement applicants must be at least 16 years old.
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.
Related Licenses in Florida
Esthetician
Separate LicenseSkin care, facials, and related services
Nail Technician
Separate LicenseManicures, pedicures, and nail services
Barber
Separate LicenseHair cutting, shaving, and barbering services
Special Notes
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 a 4-hour initial HIV/AIDS course completed within 2 years prior to the application date.
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.
Sources
Official DBPR cosmetology page
Accessed 2026-02-24
Confirms 1,200 hours
Accessed 2026-02-24
Application fee amount
Accessed 2026-02-24
Endorsement requirements
Accessed 2026-02-24
Out-of-state options
Accessed 2026-02-24
Find Cosmetology Schools in Florida
Florida requires 1,200 hours of cosmetology training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
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