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Florida has its own cosmetology exam (not NIC), requires 1,200 training hours, and mandates an HIV/AIDS course. Here is the full breakdown for 2026.
1,200
Training Hours
State
Specific Exam
$45
Renewal Fee
10 hrs
CE per Renewal
Florida does things a little differently from most states. Instead of using the NIC or PSI national exams, Florida has its own state-specific cosmetology exam. The exam is divided into two written sections: theory and clinical application. There is no practical (hands-on) component.
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) oversees all cosmetology licensing in Florida. You need 1,200 hours of training, which is on the higher end nationally, and Florida is one of a few states that requires an HIV/AIDS education course before you can be licensed.
You must be at least 16 years old to begin cosmetology school in Florida. This is younger than many states, which typically require you to be 17. There is no specific high school graduation requirement, but you must be enrolled in or have completed high school.
Attend a Florida-approved cosmetology school and complete 1,200 hours of training. At full-time attendance (about 35 hours per week), this takes approximately 9-10 months. Florida does not currently allow distance education hours to count toward the requirement.
Florida requires a state-approved HIV/AIDS education course (typically 4 hours) before you can be licensed. This is separate from your cosmetology school hours. Many schools include it in their curriculum, but verify with your school. You can also complete it online through an approved provider.
Schedule and pass the Florida cosmetology exam through Pearson VUE. Part one covers theory (scientific concepts, hair, skin, nails). Part two covers clinical application. You need 75% on each part. If you fail one part, you can retake just that section.
Submit your license application through the DBPR online portal. Include proof of training completion, exam results, and your HIV/AIDS course certificate. The application fee is approximately $75. DBPR processes applications and issues your license.
Florida's cosmetology exam is unique because it is entirely state-developed. It is not the NIC exam used by most other states, and it is not the PSI exam used by states like Texas. The exam is administered by Pearson VUE and consists of two written parts.
Covers the same foundational knowledge you would find on any cosmetology exam: scientific concepts, hair care, skin care, and nail care. The questions test your understanding of the science and theory behind cosmetology services. You need a 75% to pass this section.
Tests your knowledge of how to apply theory in real-world clinical settings. This covers procedures, client consultation, sanitation protocols, and safety. It is still a written exam, not a hands-on practical, but the questions are scenario-based. You need a 75% to pass.
Florida requires a 75% passing score, which is higher than the 70% used by most NIC-based states. Combined with the state-specific question format, this makes the Florida exam slightly more challenging. Study materials from other states may not fully prepare you for Florida's exam.
Florida is one of the few states that specifically requires an HIV/AIDS education course for cosmetology licensure. The course is typically 4 hours and must be completed through a state-approved provider. Many cosmetology schools incorporate this into their curriculum, but you should confirm with your school.
The course covers HIV and AIDS transmission, prevention methods, infection control procedures specific to cosmetology services, and Florida laws related to communicable diseases. If your school does not include the course, you can complete it separately through an online provider approved by the DBPR. Keep your completion certificate since you will need it when applying for your license.
Florida cosmetology licenses renew every 2 years at a cost of $45. You need 10 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle, which is more than most states require. However, Florida offers a nice perk for long-time licensees.
Continuing education must be completed through DBPR-approved providers. Courses cover updated techniques, sanitation standards, and Florida-specific regulations. CE courses are available online and in person.
If you have held a clean Florida cosmetology license for 10 or more consecutive years with no disciplinary action, you may be exempt from continuing education requirements. You still need to pay the renewal fee and renew on time.
The $45 renewal fee plus the cost of 10 CE hours (typically $30-$60 for online courses) puts your total renewal cost around $75-$105 every 2 years. Renew through the DBPR online portal before your license expires to avoid late fees and reinstatement requirements.