Barber in Florida

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for FL. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$46,900

trending_up +20.4% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Florida.

engineering

1,730

Jobs (FL)

monitoring Strong

+4.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$202

Licensing fees

schedule

6-12 months

Time to complete

route How to become a barber in Florida

To become a licensed Barber in Florida, individuals must complete either 600 hours of training at a Florida barbering school with a competency certification or 900 hours of training at a DBPR-licensed barber school, along with a 2-hour HIV/AIDS course. The licensing body is the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Florida Barbers' Board. After completing the education, applicants must pass the Florida Barber Examination (written only) and pay the associated application and exam fees. Florida offers licensure by endorsement for barbers licensed in other states with comparable requirements, but does not have direct reciprocity agreements.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $30,320

25th percentile $31,300

50th (median) $46,900

75th percentile $60,550

90th (experienced) $79,270

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Florida. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Florida requirements

Licensing body	Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Florida Barbers' Board
State license	Required
Education	600 hours of training with competency certification or 900 hours of training at a DBPR-licensed barber school, and a 2-hour HIV/AIDS course.
Exam	Florida Barber Examination (Written) ($46)
Application fee	$156
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	2.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age is 16 years old. Florida does not require a practical exam for licensure. A Restricted Barber license (chemical services excluded) requires 600 hours of training. Applicants must possess a Social Security number. A background check is required.

Source: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Florida Barbers' Board

workspace_premium Florida license tiers

Florida offers multiple tiers of barber licensing:

Tier	Hours required
Barber Assistant	N/A
Barber	900

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+4.1%

Faster than average

Annual openings

8,400

Nationwide per year

Total employment

76,000

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.73/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleFlorida license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a barber career is the right fit?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a barber in Florida? expand_more

In Florida, becoming a barber requires you to complete the required education (600 hours of training with competency certification or 900 hours of training at a DBPR-licensed barber school, and a 2-hour HIV/AIDS course.), pass the Florida Barber Examination (Written), and submit your application ($156 fee).

Does Florida require barber licensure? expand_more

You cannot practice as a barber in Florida without a state license from Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Florida Barbers' Board. The required exam is the Florida Barber Examination (Written).

How much does a barber make in Florida? expand_more

Florida barbers bring home a median salary of $46,900. — 20% higher than the $38,960 national figure. Wages range from $30,320 (10th percentile) up to $79,270 (90th percentile).

What are the fees to become a barber in Florida? expand_more

Between exam fee ($46) and application fee ($156), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

How long does it take to become a barber in Florida? expand_more

In Florida, becoming a barber generally takes 6-12 months, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

What's required to renew a barber license in Florida? expand_more

Florida requires 2.0 hours of continuing education every 2.0 years to maintain your barber license.