Florida Cosmetologist

Cosmetology Articles and Guides

Opening Your Own Florida Mobile Salon in 5 Steps

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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.

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Help! I Am an Out-Of-Country Cosmetologist Moving to Florida

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If you are a cosmetologist in another country moving to Florida, you are probably excited about the warm weather and endless opportunities that draw people to the Sunshine State. But, you probably are not excited about the stress and paperwork of getting or “transferring” an out-of-country cosmetology license to Florida. That is why I am here today – to help you with this international move.

If you are moving to Florida but licensed in another U.S state, this isn’t your article, but you can get yours here – How to Transfer a Cosmetology License to Florida.

Today, I am going to help you get started with the process and answer the questions you’re probably having about getting licensed as a cosmetologist, nail specialist (esthetician), or nail specialist (nail technician).

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Can You Have Cosmetology Licenses in Multiple States?

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I have a cosmetology license in (insert state), but I am considering moving to (insert different state). I really do not want to give up my other license. What happens to my old license? Can I have two cosmetology (nail or facial) licenses?

Of course, you can! Trust me.

I have had multiple professional licenses in multiple states for many years. I have helped thousands of applicants get licensed in the massage and cosmetology fields in a second state. And I have written many articles on license reciprocity, or the lack thereof, in the health and beauty fields. Here are some questions you probably have as you prepare to move or get licensed in another state.

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

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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

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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.
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2020 Florida Cosmetology Continuing Education Changes

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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.
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