Cosmetologist in Florida
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for FL. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Florida.
Jobs (FL)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a cosmetologist in Florida
To become a licensed cosmetologist in Florida, you must complete a 1,200-hour training program at a Florida-licensed cosmetology school and be at least 16 years old or have a high school diploma or GED. You must also pass both the written theory and written clinical portions of the Florida Cosmetology examination and complete a 4-hour HIV/AIDS training course. The licensing body is the Florida Board of Cosmetology, under the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Florida offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees who meet specific criteria, including verification of training hours or work experience and completion of the HIV/AIDS course.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Florida. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Florida requirements
| Licensing body | Florida Board of Cosmetology |
| State license | Required |
| Education | 1200-hour training program and High school diploma or GED |
| Exam | Florida Cosmetology Written Theory and Written Clinical Exams ($32) |
| Application fee | $64 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 10.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Applicants must be at least 16 years old or have a high school diploma/GED. A 4-hour HIV/AIDS training course must be completed within two years prior to applying for licensure. Florida does not require a practical exam for licensure. Both portions of the written exam must be passed within a two-year period of each other. Some cosmetology schools may require both minimum age and high school diploma/GED. Professional liability insurance is required to practice cosmetology in Florida. |
Source: Florida Board of Cosmetology
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleFlorida license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.6%)
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk