Florida Cosmetologist

Cosmetology Articles and Guides

Florida Full Specialist FAQ: Career, Licensing, and Renewal Tips

By 36 Comments

As you look through possible careers in the Florida health and beauty industry, or search for the license of a Florida beauty professional, you may see a unique term, a “full specialist” on cosmetology school and salon websites. What is exactly is a full specialist?

A nail specialist and a facial specialist are both pretty self-explanatory. In Florida, nail techs are registered by the state as “nail specialists”. A nail specialist is someone who does manicures and pedicures. And what most other states call estheticians, are registered by the Board of Cosmetology in Florida as facial specialists. A facial specialist is someone who is licensed to perform skincare services, such as facials and makeup.

The Board of Cosmetology also registers Full Specialists. This is someone who is trained and registered to offer the services of both a nail and facial specialist. They can do manicures, pedicures, facials, and many other skincare services. If you have more questions about this career, including renewal courses and licensing questions for out of state estheticians and nail techs, I promise to cover all of that below. [Read more…] about Florida Full Specialist FAQ: Career, Licensing, and Renewal Tips

Florida Microblading License Guide and FAQ

By 43 Comments


If you are a Florida cosmetologist (hair stylist), facial specialist (esthetician), nail specialist (nail technician), or full specialist and want to offer microblading or permanent cosmetics in your salon, you need to venture outside the Cosmetology board’s jurisdiction. If you are not licensed under the cosmetology board and still want to learn more about microblading, no problem. This information is for anyone wanting to learn more about microblading in the Sunshine State.

In Florida, microblading and permanent cosmetics are considered a form of tattooing. And tattooing in Florida requires a tattoo artist license issued by the Department of Health. Not only that, tattooing must take place within a licensed tattoo establishment -much like hair, skin, and nail services must occur in a licensed salon.

Now that we have established that you need a tattoo artist license, and possibly a tattoo establishment license, we should cover the applicant requirements. Applicants for a tattoo license must be at least 18 years old. That is it. Next, let’s cover the steps to get licensed in Florida.
[Read more…] about Florida Microblading License Guide and FAQ

2020 Florida Cosmetology Continuing Education Changes

By 2 Comments

Wow! So good to have 2020 behind us. The below article is now, like banana clips, a little out of date. If your license expired in 2020, you need to refer to our page on Florida cosmetology board null and void licenses.

2020 was quite a year. You likely had to stop working suddenly due to a pandemic, battle unemployment websites, and return to work with masks and new anxieties. Those working in the cosmetology profession deserve a break. And now, October 31st is coming and it is time to start thinking about completing your Florida cosmetology continuing education requirements.

Thankfully, we have some good news for the 2020/2021 cosmetology board renewals for cosmetologists, nail, facial, and full specialists. Let’s start with the best news for those still needing to renew for 2020. Then we will get to the changes that affect both the 2020 and 2021 renewals

No Renewal Fees for 2020

How much is the fee to renew a Florida cosmetology license? This year (2020), it is zero dollars. Just like in 2019, the board of cosmetology waived all renewal fees for cosmetologists, nail specialists, facial specialists, and full specialists in Group 1. It says it includes active and inactive licenses.

With the fees waived, this means that you only need to complete your continuing education requirements to renew your license or registration in 2020. And, yes, there are even fewer continuing education hours required for this renewal. We do not have any news about changes for 2021 fees at this time.

Less Continuing Education Hours Needed

This change applies to both 2020 and 2021 renewals. Back in February 2020, we shared with you that the Florida board of cosmetology reduced the number of continuing education hours required for renewing a Florida cosmetology, nail specialist, facial specialist, or full specialist license or registration in 2020 from 16 hours to 10 hours.

Our 10-hour Florida cosmetology continuing education course can be completed online at any time that works for your schedule.

Purchase Course for $20

Once you complete your course. we report your hours within 24 hours to the Florida Board of Cosmetology (or DBPR). Once your hours are posted to your account, your license or registration will be automatically renewed since there are no renewal fees.
[Read more…] about 2020 Florida Cosmetology Continuing Education Changes

Deregulation of Hair Braiders and Other Law Changes

By 18 Comments

There were many changes this past week for the cosmetology profession in Florida, including the deregulation of three registrations. Governor DeSantis signed the Occupational Freedom and Opportunity Act. The goal is to reduce barriers to work in Florida.

The Act includes many changes under the DBPR, including deregulation of some registrations, removal of hurdles for licensing for out-of-state cosmetology professionals, salon changes, and a reduction of hours for obtaining a license for specialists. All of the changes look like they took effect on July 1st. Let’s review some of them.
[Read more…] about Deregulation of Hair Braiders and Other Law Changes

How to Transfer a Barber License to Florida

By 30 Comments


Moving to a new state is usually exciting. Florida’s sunshine, beaches, and opportunities make it an attractive place to live and work. However, once you start to transfer a barber license to Florida (or any other state) the process can become overwhelming. That is because it is new and unfamiliar.

Helping barbers transfer a barber license to Florida is not new to us. We have helped thousands of professionals transfer licenses to Florida, quickly and easily. Whether you are moving to Miami, Orlando, or (best coast-west coast) Tampa, let’s cover the licensing process, step by step, and help you take the first steps today towards getting your license. And we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions we hear from new licensees and applicants.

If you are ready to get started on transferring your license to Florida, we are ready to help you get started on this process. Let’s go.

3 Steps to Transfer a Barber License to Florida

  1. Complete a Barber Board-approved 2-Hour HIV/AIDS course
  2. Fill out the appropriate application and pay the application fee
  3. Print your license

Yes, that does seem simple. But we know you still have questions about the required hours, applications, and licensed barbershops. So, let’s cover each step in a little more detail.
[Read more…] about How to Transfer a Barber License to Florida

COVID-19 Information For Your Salon or Barbershop

By Leave a Comment

It is impossible for cosmetology professionals and barbers to work remotely, cut hair over Zoom, or stay six feet apart from clients. That is why we are all home right now. But, eventually, we are going to open. And COVID-19 will require all of us to make changes are so we can get back to work. Let’s talk about what is happening right now and how we all can prepare.

[Read more…] about COVID-19 Information For Your Salon or Barbershop