Opening Your Own Florida Mobile Salon in 5 Steps

So, you want to open your own mobile salon? Imagine driving up to your client’s hours in your uniquely-you mobile salon vehicle. Your client walks out of their office, home, and into your mobile salon where they are transported into another world where you make all of their hair, nail, or skincare dreams come true.

Whether you’re a seasoned cosmetologist, nail, facial, or full specialist – or just starting out a mobile salon is a growing trend that can help you start your own business without the initial cost of buying and renovating a building.

Let’s review some of the benefits of a mobile business before we begin.

– lower overhead costs

– the ability to reach a wider range of customers

– increased flexibility and freedom

– the opportunity to build a strong personal brand

If you’re considering opening your own mobile salon, there are a few things you should keep in mind before you fill your camper van with a tank of gas. In this blog post, we’ll give you some tips for opening your own mobile salon in Florida.

Step 1: Read the Board of Cosmetology Mobile Salon Rules

No one likes reading rules. But it is a necessary duty of being a business professional. It will make your inspection go smoothly and keep you from needing to attend disciplinary hearings in front of the cosmetology board, paying fines, or having your licenses revoked. I promise you are better off being a little bored and reading and following all the rules than doing any of the previously mentioned things.

61G5-20.010: Mobile Salons – Florida Administrative Code is where you can find the rules for Florida mobile salons. This is where you will find information on water storage, sanitation, chemical toilets, and other Florida mobile salon requirements.

Click the link to read 61G5-20.010: Mobile Salons – Florida Administrative Code

Step 2: Decide On a Salon Vehicle

Now, this is the fun, creative, and expensive part. Decide what type of vehicle you want for your salon. There are four main types of vehicles to consider: those that operate out of a camper, bus, travel trailer, or van. Each has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the one that is best for your hair, nail, or skin care specialty.

While starting a mobile salon is likely to be less expensive than the brick-and-mortar alternative – renovating your salon vehicle will not be cheap.

It will be a balance of meeting state salon requirements, making a comfortable working environment for you, and creating a stellar salon experience for your clients.

Bus

Buses are roomy, which is perfect if you plan on offering hair, nail, and skincare services out of your mobile salon. You can also use the extra space to store products and supplies. The downside of using a bus is that they’re not always easy to maneuver in tight spaces and they require a special license to operate.

Van

Vans are easier to maneuver than buses and they don’t require a special driving license to operate. They’re also less expensive to renovate than a bus. The downside of using a van is that you’ll have less space to work with, which means you might have to get creative when it comes to storing products and supplies.

Travel Trailer

You’ll have more space to work with than a van, but less than a bus. The downside of using a travel trailer is that they can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces and they’re not always easy to park.

Camper

A camper is the probably most affordable option and will likely need the least amount of renovations. But like a travel trailer, you will need a good car, truck, or SUV to haul it with. It also will not be a picnic to park.

Step 3: Obtain Your Mobile Salon License and Local Permits

Just because you are not operating out of a building, does not mean you will not need a salon license. The DBPR and Cosmetology Board still want to make sure the public is receiving services in a safe and sanitary l

You’ll need to make sure that you have the proper licensing and permits in place. You can contact your local county or city business licensing office to inquire about the requirements in your area. Once you have your business license, you’ll need to obtain a mobile salon license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

The DBPR website is where you can find the application for a mobile salon license. Here is the link for that application: COSMO 6 Mobile Salon Application.

Step 4: Wait for Mobile Salon Inspection

After you have completed the application for your mobile salon license, you will need to schedule an inspection with the DBPR. The inspector will review your application and make sure that your salon meets all of the requirements for licensure. Once you have passed the inspection, you will be issued a license and can begin operating your business.

Step 5: Go See Your Clients

Once you have your business license, mobile salon license, any necessary insurance, and your vehicle you’re ready to start operating your mobile salon! Safe Travels!

Like all other Florida salon licenses, moble salon license expire November 30th of even years. Salon licenses are also not subject to the same continuing education requirements as your cosmetology, nail, facial, or full specialist license.

If this option isn’t for you and you want to explore opening a traditional salon. Here is our post on Tips for Opening a Florida Salon.