Working in the beauty industry, not just in Florida, has a wide range of benefits, from enjoying great flexibility to accessing high-demand opportunities that pay well. But none of this comes easy. You must put in the work, and most of that has to do with training to become a cosmetologist.
And if you are thinking about working in beauty in Florida, you might be wondering whether you need a cosmetologist licence. In that case, here is everything you should know.
So, Do You Really Need That Licence?
The simple answer is Yes! You must have a cosmetologist licence in Florida to perform services like cutting, colouring, or treating hair. It’s the same licence you will need to offer skin care or nail services. Of course, it looks a lot easier to ignore this or even delay getting your licence. If such thoughts come into your mind, remember these consequences: hefty fines, cease-and-desist orders, stalled careers, or an outright ban from future licensing.
If you ask us, it is much easier to deal with the pressure and stress of obtaining and maintaining a licence. Besides, you can always take simplified pre-licensing and Florida cosmetology license renewal courses from a top provider like RocketCert. This eases the overall load of obtaining or renewing your licence, so you can focus more on what you love doing.
What Does the Florida Cosmetology Licence Cover?
The licence that the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) offers should be good for the following services:
● Hair care, including cutting, colouring, styling, and more.
● Nail services like manicures, pedicures, nail extensions, and such.
● Skin care services such as facials and basic treatments.
To get licensed, you must complete 1,200 school hours, pass the state exam, and take a 4-hour HIV/AIDS course. After this, you can submit your application to the DBPR, with the simplest way to do that being through their online licensing portal. Of course, there is an application fee, which you submit alongside the application.
After graduating, you must renew your licence every two years before October 31st. The licence will expire in either odd or even years, depending on your licence group. During the renewal period, you will have to complete 10 hours of continuing education from an approved professional education provider.
It’s crucial to check that your provider is cleared by the DBPR, since that’s the only way you will be sure of taking the right topics.
Do I Need a Licence for Locs or Braiding?
Well, it is important to understand that you need a licence to offer hair services like cutting, dyeing, and such. But what about braiding, locking, or twisting? Here is where things get a little bit interesting and, to some, confusing. A 2020 law change removed the requirements for a specific licence for natural hair care services like cornrowing, wrapping, and such. This means you don’t need a cosmetology licence if your services revolve around working with locs or braids.
The confusing part is this: You still need a licence if you will offer any chemical treatments, such as bleaching, perming, or colouring. Of course, it is always recommended to keep checking the official DBPR’s website for the most current regulations so you’re always compliant. But if you are planning to incorporate more advanced services down the road, it is always safer to get the cosmetology licence.
Taking the Next Step
Now that you know when you need a cosmetologist licence in Florida, it is time to jump into action. And while you may be tempted to start without a licence, this is a “shortcut” that can come with serious ramifications. That’s why we strongly advise against it.
If you ask us, taking an expertly written and fully narrated course from RocketCert should simplify your journey enough. That’s your sign to visit rocketcert.com today to see what they offer.
