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Cosmetology or Barber License (DBPR) in Pinellas County

Statewide

Cosmetologists and barbers are licensed statewide by DBPR. Cosmetology requires 1,200 hours of training (FS 477.019); full barbers need a minimum of 900 hours and restricted barbers 600 hours. Salons and barbershops need separate location licenses.

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Who needs this

Anyone practicing cosmetology or barbering, or opening a salon or barbershop, in Pinellas County.

Steps

  1. 1

    Complete required training

    Cosmetology: minimum 1,200 hours (a school may certify a student to sit for the exam after 1,000 actual school hours, but a failed exam requires completing the full 1,200 before retesting). Barber: minimum 900 hours; restricted barber (cutting/shaving only, no chemical services): 600 hours. A 2-hour HIV/AIDS course is required.

    flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/0477.019
  2. 2

    Apply to DBPR and pass the Pearson VUE exam

    Submit the license application via MyFloridaLicense.com; DBPR approves you to schedule the written examination with Pearson VUE.

    www2.myfloridalicense.com/cosmetology/
  3. 3

    License the location

    A cosmetology salon license (renewal $45) or barbershop license (renewal listed between $70 and $110 on DBPR pages; confirm with DBPR) is required for the physical location. Home salons are allowed if separated from living quarters by a permanent wall with a separate entrance and bathroom.

    www2.myfloridalicense.com/barbers/

Requirements

  • Required training hours
  • Passing Pearson VUE exam
  • Separate salon/shop license for the location

Documents

  • Proof of education hours
  • HIV/AIDS course certificate

Fees

ItemAmountNotes
Initial application/exam fees$45 cosmetologist initial examination application (Florida education path); $75 nail/facial/full specialist registrationDBPR Form COSMO 1 (accessed 2026-09-01); Pearson VUE exam vendor cost billed separately and not published by DBPR

Good to know

Barber hours were reduced from 1,200 to 900 effective January 1, 2021; cosmetology remains 1,200. City BTR still applies to shop locations in municipalities.