How to Become a Cosmetologist in Florida

Who can apply

• You must be at least 16 years old or have a high school diploma.
• You must complete at least 1,200 hours of cosmetology training at a licensed Florida cosmetology school, a public school program, the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind, or a government-operated program.
• You must complete a Board-approved initial HIV/AIDS course of at least four hours within two years before you apply.

Step by step

1. Complete the 1,200-hour cosmetology program and the 4-hour initial HIV/AIDS course at your school.
2. Submit the Cosmetologist License by Examination application (COSMO 1) online or by mail with the $45 fee, your HIV/AIDS certificate and the school's Graduate Certification (Section III).
3. After DBPR approves you, Pearson VUE notifies you to schedule. Pay Pearson VUE its share of the exam fee ($49.50).
4. Pass both computer-based exams (Written Theory and Written Clinical) at a Pearson VUE test center.
5. DBPR issues your license. Between passing and receiving it, you may work under a licensed cosmetologist in a licensed salon.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: Florida Statute 477.019 requires at least 1,200 hours of training at a licensed cosmetology school or an approved public or government program. A school may certify you to take the exam after 1,000 actual school hours; if you pass, the hour requirement is met, but if you fail you must finish all 1,200 hours before retesting.

Exam: Florida's exam has two parts, both written and given on computer by Pearson VUE: a Written Theory exam and a Written Clinical exam, each 65 multiple-choice questions in 1.5 hours. There is no hands-on practical. You must pass both parts within two years of your first attempt or retake both. If you fail, file a re-examination application before rescheduling; your school may require remedial hours.

What it costs in Florida

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

Keeping your license

Renewal: Cosmetology licenses renew every two years on October 31. DBPR splits licensees into two groups: Group 1 renews in odd-numbered years and Group 2 in even-numbered years (the Group 2 deadline in 2026 was extended to November 2). Check the DBPR renewal page for the current renewal fee. Before each renewal you must complete at least 10 hours of Board-approved continuing education: 1 hour HIV/AIDS and communicable diseases, 3 hours sanitation and sterilization, 0.5 hour OSHA, 0.5 hour workers' compensation, 2 hours Florida laws and rules, 1 hour chemical makeup, 1 hour environmental issues and 1 hour elective.

Good to know in Florida

Military families: DBPR has separate licensure paths for military personnel, veterans and spouses, and under the federal Servicemember Civil Relief Act. Veterans, spouses and Florida National Guard members may qualify for fee waivers or discounts.

Specialty registrations: Nail, facial and full specialists are registered separately with their own applications and fees.

Licensed in another state: The Board must certify for licensure by endorsement anyone with a current active cosmetology license in another state. The endorsement application fee is $50 plus the $40 original license fee. If you cannot endorse your license but have held a cosmetology license in another state or country for at least one year, you may instead qualify to take the Florida exam (COSMO 2 application).

Sources

• DBPR - Board of Cosmetology
• DBPR - Cosmetologist License by Examination Based on Florida Education (COSMO 1) checklist
• DBPR - COSMO 1 Application
• DBPR - Cosmetology Candidate Information Booklet (effective February 2026)
• Florida Statutes 477.019 (2026)
• Fla. Admin. Code 61G5-24.002 - Cosmetologist fees
• Fla. Admin. Code 61G5-32.001 - Continuing Education
• Florida DBPR COSMO 4-B Application for Initial License by Endorsement
• Florida DBPR Group 1 Cosmetologist renewal information (CL1 insert)
• DBPR - Cosmetologist License by Current Licensure in Another State or Country (COSMO 2)