Cosmetologist in Florida
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for FL
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.
Cosmetologist Requirements in Florida
| Detail | Florida |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Florida Board of Cosmetology |
| State License Required | Yes |
| 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
Cosmetologist Salary in Florida
The median cosmetologist salary in Florida is $29,760 per year, which is 15.6% below the national median of $35,250.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $24,960 |
| 25th | $27,030 |
| 50th (median) | $29,760 |
| 75th | $46,450 |
| 90th (experienced) | $60,780 |
Florida employs approximately 23,220 cosmetologists.
Cosmetologist Job Outlook
AI Impact on Cosmetologists
Low AI Exposure (Score: -0.68/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a Cosmetologist in Florida Worth It?
Factors to consider: Florida's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.