Last Updated: 9/24/2024
Many Florida cosmetology professionals (hairstylists, nail techs, and facial specialists) take short or extended breaks from the profession. Sometimes they leave to be a stay-at-home parent or move to another state. They may call it quits because of burnout, poor/toxic work environments, new careers, health problems, or financial hardships. No matter the reason, many discover that they miss the cosmetology profession and want to get their expired cosmetology license back in good standing.
Sound familiar?
It is possible you simply forgot about the renewal deadline or decided to take just a year off from working in a salon or spa. I understand. It has been a weird couple of years. Maybe you left Florida, or the cosmetology profession, never intending to go back. During that time you let your license expire, thinking that you would never need it again.
How Do I Renew My Expired Cosmetology License?
Things have changed. You have changed. Now you are ready to get your Florida license back. It is possible that you may be putting off this process because you are concerned or unsure about the requirements, cost, or even your skills.
Whether you are a cosmetologist (hairstylist), nail specialist (nail tech), facial specialist (esthetician), or full specialist, your talents and expertise are still needed in the Sunshine State. If you are contemplating a return to the chair or salon, we are ready to help you complete the correct requirements in just a few steps.
Here are three steps to help you get your expired cosmetology license or registration back in good standing quickly.
Step 1: Look Up Your Status
Yes, you have an expired cosmetology license. But that really is not a term the board of cosmetology uses for licenses that have not been renewed. The first thing you must know is if your license or registration is “Delinquent” or is “Null and Void.” There is quite a difference. If you have missed two renewal deadlines, your license or registration is “null and void”. If you have not missed two renewal deadlines it is considered “delinquent”.
This status will determine which requirements you need to complete and what fees you need to pay.
If you are unsure of the status of your license or registration, you can check the State’s verification page.
Next to your name, you will see one of the below statuses:
Status #1
Current, Active
10/31/2024 or 10/31/2025
The date is when the license needs to next be renewed, or should have been renewed. Above is an example of a clear, current, or active license. Below is an example of a license or registration which is delinquent. Once you get your license or registration back in good standing, it will say “Current, Active.”
Status #2
Delinquent, Active
10/31/2022 or 10/31/2023
A delinquent status means one renewal deadline has passed without being renewed. This simply means you need to renew your expired cosmetology license (hair, nail, or facial). If you missed the October 2022 renewal for Group 2 or the October 2023 renewal for Group 1, you likely will see this status.
If you missed the 2022 or 2023 renewal deadline, simply complete the required 10-hours Florida-approved cosmetology continuing education and pay your renewal fees. Click here to learn more about our 10-hour continuing education renewal course.
Group 1: 10/31/ODD Year Renewals
Group 2: 10/31/EVEN Year Renewals
Status #3
Null and Void
10/31/2021 (or earlier)
A null and void status happens after more than two missed renewal deadlines. The date shown is the last time the license or registration was renewed. A null and void license or registration cannot be reinstated unless the applicant demonstrates that he or she failed to renew due to an illness or economic hardship. The application asks that you simply explain the hardships that kept you from renewing. If this is the case, you will also need to complete a 4-hour HIV/AIDS course.
If there were no hardships keeping you from renewing, you may still re-apply as long as your previous license was obtained with the current hour requirements. You are not required to retake the Florida cosmetology examination. You will get a new license number for your fresh start.
Florida’s Minimum Educational Requirements for Each License/Registration
- Cosmetologist License: 1200 Hours
- Nail Specialist License/Registration: 180 Hours
- Facial Specialist License/Registration: 220 Hours
- Full Specialist License/Registration: 220 (Facial) + 180 (Nails) = 400 Hours
Step 2: Complete the Requirements Based on Your Status
Now that you know if your license is delinquent or null and void, you can move on to completing the correct requirements.
Below are the steps and fees for delinquent licenses, null and void licenses with illness or financial hardship, and null and void licenses without illness or financial hardship.
Links, Fees, and Courses for Delinquent Licenses and Registrations
Again, this is for those of you who are a little late to renew and those who have not missed two renewals. You will not have an application to fill out. After you complete a 10-hour Florida cosmetology board-approved continuing education course, log into your account on the DPBR website and click on “manage my license.” You will be directed to pay your renewal and applicable late fees.
- Complete board-approved continuing education course
- Log into your account on the DPBR website to manage your cosmetology license or registration
- Pay Expired Cosmetology License Fees
- $45 plus a $25 late fee for Cosmetology License
- $45 plus a $25 late fee for Nail Specialist, Facial Specialist, or Full Specialist Registrations
Licensees who missed the 2022 or 2023 renewal, will need 10 hours of board-approved continuing education.
Currently, the Board of Cosmetology requires all cosmetologists, facial specialists, nail specialists, and full specialists to complete 10 hours of board-approved continuing education prior to the license/registration renewal. It is no longer required to complete 16 CE hours to renew a delinquent or active license, only 10 hours.
Below are the renewal fees:
Applications, Courses, and Fees for Null and Void Licenses and Registrations (Due to Illness or Financial Hardship)
- Fill out application
- Submit a certificate of completion from a board-approved initial 4-hour HIV/AIDS course
- Pay fees
- $45 for Cosmetology Licenses
- $75 for Nail Specialist, Facial Specialist, or Full Specialist Registrations
- Include an explanation of illness or economic hardship that prevented renewal.
Cosmetologists, nail specialists, facial specialists, full specialists should fill out Cosmetologist License from Null and Void (Expired License) (COSMO 7)
Applications, Courses, and Fees for Null and Void Licenses and Registrations (NOT Due to Illness or Financial Hardship)
- Fill out your null and void application
- See if you need to submit a certificate of completion from a board-approved Initial 4-Hour HIV/AIDS course
- Pay Null and Void Application Fees
- $63.50 for Cosmetology Licenses
- $75 for Nail Specialist, Facial Specialist (Esthetician), or Full Specialist Registrations
Cosmetologists, nail specialists, facial specialists, and full specialists should fill out “Cosmetologist License by Examination Based on Florida Education” (COSMO 1).
This is for cosmetologists, nail specialist, facial specialist, and full specialists only. The course can be taken online here: Initial 4-hour HIV/AIDS
Step 3: That Expired Cosmetology License is History! Get Back to Work
We how that you see that the process to change an expired cosmetology license back to active status is not that difficult. It just takes some time and energy. So, what happens after you get your license back?
Explore your options! You should have a better idea of the type of work environment you thrive in professionally. Do you want to work in a salon, rent a chair, or open your own Florida salon?
Place your resume on online job search sites, or social networking sites. Talk to former colleagues, instructors, or clients about potential openings, ideas, and suggestions. Be prepared to answer why you have been out of the field for a while. Keep a positive attitude about your skills and explain your efforts to re-enter the field and excel at your job.
Once you have decided exactly what you are looking for, be patient. Re-entering the cosmetology profession takes a lot of courage and resiliency. Do whatever it takes to pursue your professional dreams and aspirations. You certainly deserve that.
Whichever path you choose, the journey back to your license begins with a Florida Board of Cosmetology-approved course.
4-hour HIV/AIDS Course (Null and Void Applications – COSMO 7)
10-hour Continuing Education Course (Only if you missed the 2022 or 2023 renewal deadline)
Are you ready to take that first step?
It’s been 20 or more years since I had my cosmetologys license.
If you still meet the requirements, I do not see why you could not apply again.
My license expired 10 years ago and the hours needed have changed. How would I know which courses I need to take to reinstate my license along with the other requirements?
You likely need to follow the steps in the article under “Applications, Courses, and Fees for Null and Void Licenses and Registrations (NOT Due to Illness or Financial Hardship)”. It should be a fairly simple process. Best wishes!
The 4 hour HIV course you likely need can be found on this website.
Null and void license as of 2007. I’ve had medical complications consistently which began in 2010 and while I am thankfully recovered now, the financial strain of medical bills is overwhelming and I’m still paying a great deal of them. How likely is it that a renewed license is probable for me? Do you know at what point they say no?
Very good question. I do not know their criteria for null and void requests. But it cannot hurt to call and ask the board office.
I moved out of Florida late 1994 , I’ve lived in iowa since but work at a salon in Nebraska ! I’ve been licensed in Nebraska for 24 years but never kept up my Florida licence! We’re thinking about moving to Florida again and need to know is there reciprocity? ??? And is it easy to get Florida licence back ?
Hello from Eastern Iowa, Linda!
I am also a part-time Iowa/Florida licensee.
With you likely having a Florida education and possibly taking their exam, I would think you should not have too many issues getting a license again in Florida. Here is the 4 hour HIV course you can start with – https://www.floridacosmetologist.com/4-hour-hiv-aids-course/
And here is the applications -http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/cosmetology/#1490282746541-c2089426-8556
I suggest looking at COSMO1 and COSMO2 to see which best applies to your situation.
I believe my Florida cosmetology licence expired in 1995-1996. Due to multiple surgeries and caring for my deceased husband, it’s been a hardship in all. I’ve been active still doing hair for family, Now that i am a widow, I’d love to get back in a salon.. I miss the people and environment.. So i think i fall under the null and void!! How do i begin and what steps i must take? Thankyou!
Hi Lisa,
While I do not get to make the decisions on who qualifies for reinstatement and who does not, I would think those circumstances would certainly be under the hardships listed. my advice would be:
1. Take the 4 hour HIV course – https://www.floridacosmetologist.com/4-hour-hiv-aids-course/
2. Fill out the null and void application (Cosmo 7) – https://www.myfloridalicense.com/CheckListDetail.asp?SID=&xactCode=1033&clientCode=0501&XACT_DEFN_ID=5235
3. And write your letter about the events that prevented your renewal
I completed the coarse in 2004 and failed clinical. My license shows expired yet I never went back to retest. How do I apply?
I wonder if the application is expired since it sounds like you never had your license. I would look at the COSMO 1 application and contact the board about your next steps. This is kind of a unique situation, but should not be that difficult. Best wishes!
After you meet the null and void requirement led how long does it take?
The DBPR has a pretty fast turn around. I cannot promise anything, but I would say within a week or so if you have all of your materials in order.
Hi! I just called FDPR to check on the 16hr vs 10hr status for a license that’s gone delinquent to clarify. They are only requiring the 10hr course! Good news 🙂
Thank you for the insight and help!
That is news to me! Thanks for the heads up! I will send them another email about that to confirm.
My latest message from the board office said 2018 and 2019 delinquents still need 16 hours. So much confusion!
Hi! My facial specialty license expired in 2011. I went on a different career but I would like to renew my license and get the opportunity to work in the field. I didn’t get any experience though. Would that be hard for me to get a job after reinstating my license, would I have to take any courses to refresh, if I have, are they mandatory anyway? Thank you!
Hi Valerie,
You can see if you qualify for a null and void license application. In that case, you would only need a 4 hour HIV/AIDS course. I would contact the board office about this option and which application you would need to fill out.
As far as experience, I am sure you still have plenty from your previous work in to profession. You can take refresher courses, but it is not required. There are likely many resources online to help you feel more comfortable with your return to the profession. I mean, they just lowered the required hours for Facial specialists licenses quite dramatically.
Hi Ivy!
Thank you so much for your reply. Thank you also for the great information you have available for us trying to figure out what’s the next step.
Would you recommend me taking the 4 hr HIV/AIDS course before applying again so I can be ready to go when applying or would you recommend applying first and see if they accept it? Is the Cosmo 1 the application I need to fill out? I’m new to all this and I want to make sure I am doing things the right way!
Thank You!
Oh and by the way, try to get to the Board’s website and I had to pay a fee just to chat with someone. Is there a direct link or a different website I could reach? Thank you!
You should not have to pay a fee to talk to someone at the board office. Here is the contact info – http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/contact-us/
I would look at Cosmo 1 or Cosmo 7
Cosmo 1
https://www.myfloridalicense.com/CheckListDetail.asp?SID=&xactCode=1010&clientCode=0501&XACT_DEFN_ID=5236
Cosmo 7
https://www.myfloridalicense.com/CheckListDetail.asp?SID=&xactCode=1033&clientCode=0501&XACT_DEFN_ID=5235
And the HIV course you could do just to have done if you use Cosmo 7, or just wait.
Hi Ivy, I left the cosmo industry in 2015. Looking to regain my license. I took your hiv class and got my very for that. I plan on filling out the cosmo1 as soon as I can get in my account. I have an email to them to assist me. Other than the hiv do I need any other ceus to regain my license? And is there a lot of times they don’t reinstate the license or deny the application?
I have never seen anyone need any additional CE besides the 4 hour HIV course and it is extremely rare that anyone has any issues with their null and void applications. Hopefully, you have your new license soon! Welcome back!
Hello. I got my cosmetology license in 1988 and then moved out of Florida in 1990. Never renewed my license, and now I search the DPBR website to find my license number and my name doesn’t even come up at all. Do you know what that means? Would appreciate any suggestions on how I can go about renewing my license (can’t find my FL Cosm license number) as I am considering a move back to Florida. Thank you.
That is strange. But, I will say that older license numbers in the database are strange sometimes it is really picky about the preceding zeros. Message me with your name at the time and your license number and I can check (ivy@floridacosmetologist.com), or contact the board office.
You likely will need to look at the null and void applications. I would ask the board about that too. Then let me know and I can help you with the rest of the steps.
Thank you. I will message you.
Hello! I received my license in 1991 in Connecticut. 4 years ago I let my license go and moved to Florida. How to I get a Florida license with an expired CT one?
To apply by endorsement, you need to have an active license. You may need to get that license active again in order to apply. I would confirm this with the Florida board of cosmetology.
I just want to thank you so much for this article!! I was nervous/scared to try amd get my license back but after reading your article it gave me the confidence to go for it. Now I am very happy to say I have my cosmetologists license back!!
Congrats, Patricia! Your comment made my day!!!
Hi Ivy!
I just took the HIV/AIDS 4 hour course from your site and I am in the process of renewing my license. What can I do to become a Master Esthetician? Do I have to take any special classes or any special certifications. What if I want to work as a medical aesthetician, what do I have to do?
Thank you!
Hello! At this time there is no specific license for a master esthetician from the cosmetology board. There is only a facial specialist registration. There are not any licenses or registrations for medical or master estheticians. I have seen a few schools that have medical esthetician certifications for facial specialists that include phlebotomy certifications to help facial specialists get the training they need to work in medical environments. If you do not have those extra trainings yet, I advise that you contact a program in Florida.
Thank you very much!
I am a bit confused….I am almost 70 going back into the esthetics field. If i miss this October 31, 2020 renewal, I will be expired. I will renew. I need to know if I need a 10 or 16 hour course. My absence has been due to health and financial reasons. I have read that for this year there are no renewal fees. Is this correct?
Hi Julie!
You can email me your license number to ivy@floridacosmetologist.com and I can look up your license and suggest the course I believe that you need for renewal.
Ivy
I was licensed in Nebraska from 1991 to 1995. I left the profession for other opportunities. I now live in FL and would like to look into getting a license here. Would I have to go to school again or would there be a way to apply my schooling from NE to FL?
How hard would it be to get your NE license back. If that is active, you can apply by endorsement to Florida. If it is not possible, I would contact the Florida cosmetology board about what they would suggest. Chances of going back to school are pretty slim.
My license went null and void back in 2010 because I moved out of state. It wasnt due to hardship or illness but wondering if I could reinstate my license as I now live back in Florida.
Hi Chris!
I do have a section above that says what you can do “Applications, Courses, and Fees for Null and Void Licenses and Registrations (NOT Due to Illness or Financial Hardship)”. However, I would message the board and ask if COSMO 1 is still the most appropriate route for you. You likely would get a new license number in that case.
I have the HIV text passed, my license is Null, I did never renovate because had to moved out of Florida, what Link do I need to contacto to complete all and recive my new license.
I would visit the DBPR website and look at COSMO1 or COSMO7 applications. One is for getting a license with Florida education and one is for null and void licenses – http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/cosmetology
I let my license lapse in September 2020 due to Covid now I would like to activate in being I think it is safe to go back to work. What do I have to do to reactivate
2020 late renewals need 10 hours to renew. Here is our 10-hour course – https://www.floridacosmetologist.com/continuing-education/
I let my Florida license expire in the Early 90s due to a career change to nursing. I would love to get my cosmetology license back. Lost paperwork and license # for cosmetology. Please help. Thank you
I was licensed in NY and l let my license go when my husband deployed with the Army. We since moved to Kentucky and now are planning on moving to Florida. I am looking into getting back into the business and whether I can get a license in Florida. I completed cosmetology school in 1997 and was licensed and practiced for several years in NY.
Hi Dana!
I would contact the board office about your current situation. While they have made licensing easier for those that are military spouses, it usually is coupled with having an active license in another state. Ask them what your options are to get licensed in Florida.
I took the full specialist course and passed my state board in 2017. I never took the HIV/AIDs course and never applied for my license. Would I have to start from scratch or is there a way I can still can get my license. I have all of my paperwork.
I would think if you went to a Florida school, you should not have much of an issue. Again, that is just my opinion. You can always contact the board office and ask. I believe your HIV class needs to be less than 2 years old. So, if you do decide to move forward and need that course, we do offer it online on this website.
My Florida Licence is null and void as I let it expire when I moved to Texas in 1997.
I am currently applying for a GA cosmetology license. I currently hold a Texas Cosmetology Licence and have had this license since 1997. However it has been challenging to get my record from my original Florida Licence and State board exam results, which is required on the Georgia application.
Living in Texas and having a long-term Texas Licence, my Florida Licence expired years ago. I have attempted to retrieve my Previously held Florida Licence and State board exam information and have had no luck.
They don’t show me in the system. I have not been able to talk to anyone at the Florida licensing bureau they are always busy and have emailed multiple times. Asking how to get this done and have gotten generic responses of how to retrieve records of my a previously held Florida Licence.
Ugh. I hate generic responses. But they are pretty common. I wish I could help you more, but this is not something that I am able to do. I assume they want you to create an account on http://www.myfloridalicense.com to look up your old number and retrieve your records.
How long will it take for the hours to be reported to the DBPR and listed on myfloridalicense.com?
They are reported within 24 hours and often post to your license within 48 hours.
It’s been 32 or 33 year’s since my license expired and couldn’t Renu. Could I still apply for null and void application?
I am not aware of a time limit for null and void applications. Since it has been so long, I would contact the board office first before proceeding.
I have a LPN license that I have kept current. My esthetian license expired 2010. I have kept up with all requirements including HIV course every 2 yrs for nursing. Will that count or do I need to take the 4 hour HIV course
If your course was also a 4 hour course that is also approved by the cosmetology board, then it may work. Otherwise, you will need a 4 hour course approved by the cosmetology board for your null and void license facial specialist application.
I took classes and did the hours, but never took the exam in 97-98. Is it possible those hours still count?
I would contact the board for guidance. The good news is that I have never seen educational hours “expire”.
My license has been expired for maybe 8-10 years. It was valid in Michigan and also TN. Now I live in FL. Do I just do the FL application?
I’m a little confused…. Your Florida license has been expired for 8-10 years? If so, you would do a null and void application for Florida. If you are referring to other state licenses that are expired and you are trying to get a Florida license for the first time, I would contact the board office for assistance. You may need to get one of those other state licenses active again in order to apply to Florida by endorsement.
Hi – this article is SO helpful! I appreciate you outlining all of the required information for cosmetologists.
On that note, I have a couple questions. I got my cosmetology license in 2013 and renewed once then it became null & void. When I originally got my license, I finished 1000 cosmetology hours and my instructor signed saying I was ready to take the exam. I am now reapplying for my cosmetology license per your instructions and am wondering if they will approve me for a new license # because I completed 1000 hours instead of 1200 hours?
Also, they have said that it is a requirement for me to retake the exam? I would appreciate your input. Thanks so much!
Hi Blake! Happy to help!
If you never passed the exam, then I imaging they still will have you take it as it is a requirement to at least pass it once. I have never heard of someone needing to take it again though.
Are you doing the null and void application? Make sure you are not doing the new license application.
I think your hours should be fine too. Sounds like a just a few more steps and you hopefully should have that new license and number. The 4 hour HIV course would be a good place to start.
Hi there. I was licensed in Indiana in 2007 and has since been null and void.. I live in Florida now and would like to reinstate my cosmetology practice. I completed 1500 hours. Do you know what the process is for null and void from out of state? Thank you for your time!
In my experience, people seeking endorsement to Florida need to get their other license active again. I would contact the Florida board to confirm this here – http://www.myfloridalicense.com/contact-us