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.
Anyone practicing cosmetology or barbering, or opening a salon or barbershop, in Pinellas County.
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/2025/0477.019Apply 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/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/| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial application/exam fees | Not published as a single figure | DBPR pages instruct applicants to pay applicable fees at application; call DBPR 850-487-1395 for current amounts |
Fee amounts change, the linked official schedule always controls.
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.