Last updated: March 7, 2026.
Fast Answer: What Do You Need to Open a Salon in Florida?
You need two separate licenses to legally operate a cosmetology salon in Florida:
- A personal cosmetology license -- proves YOU are qualified to perform services
- A salon license (COSMO 6) -- proves your BUSINESS meets health, safety, and regulatory standards
Most new salon owners already have their personal license. The part they underestimate is the salon license process -- DBPR inspections, equipment requirements, and compliance with Chapter 477 of the Florida Statutes. This guide walks you through every step.
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Salon License vs. Personal License: Key Differences
One of the biggest mistakes aspiring salon owners make is assuming their personal cosmetology license is enough. It is not. Florida law requires a separate establishment license before any cosmetology services can be performed at a location.
| Requirement | Personal License | Salon License (COSMO 6) |
|---|---|---|
| What it authorizes | YOU to perform cosmetology services | Your BUSINESS to operate as a salon |
| Issued by | DBPR (Department of Business and Professional Regulation) | DBPR |
| Governing law | F.S. 477.019 | F.S. 477.025 |
| Prerequisites | 1,200 hours training + exam | Licensed cosmetologist on premises + facility standards |
| Requires inspection? | No | Yes -- DBPR inspection before opening |
| Renewal cycle | Biennial (every 2 years) | Biennial (every 2 years) |
| CE required? | 10 hours every 2 years | No CE for salon license itself |
| Can you skip it? | No -- illegal to practice without it | No -- illegal to operate a salon without it |
Critical rule: Under F.S. 477.0263, cosmetology services can ONLY be performed in a licensed salon, with limited exceptions for services performed in nursing homes, hospitals, or a client's residence due to physical incapacity. Operating without a salon license is a violation subject to fines and disciplinary action.
Step-by-Step: How to Get a Florida Salon License (COSMO 6)
Step 1: Secure Your Location
Before applying, you need a physical location that meets Florida's salon requirements. DBPR will inspect the premises, so choose a space that can satisfy health and safety standards (detailed below). You do NOT need to be fully operational before applying, but the space must be ready for inspection.
Step 2: Ensure a Licensed Cosmetologist Is Designated
Florida law requires that at least one licensed cosmetologist be designated as responsible for the salon. This person must hold a current, active Florida cosmetology license. If you are the owner and a licensed cosmetologist, you satisfy this requirement. If you are a non-cosmetologist owner, you must employ or contract with a licensed cosmetologist who will be on the premises during business hours.
Step 3: Apply Through MyFloridaLicense.com
Submit your salon license application online through MyFloridaLicense.com, the DBPR's official licensing portal.
Application requirements:
- Completed COSMO 6 application form
- Salon name and physical address (P.O. boxes not accepted)
- Name of the designated licensed cosmetologist
- Proof of liability insurance (recommended but not required by statute for all salon types)
- Application fee payment
Step 4: Pay the Required Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial salon license application | $50 |
| Biennial renewal | $50 |
| Late renewal surcharge | $25 |
| Change of ownership | $50 |
| Change of location | $50 |
| Reinstatement (delinquent license) | Additional fees apply |
Note: Fees are set by DBPR and subject to change. Always verify current fees on MyFloridaLicense.com before submitting.
Step 5: Pass the DBPR Salon Inspection
After your application is processed, DBPR will schedule an inspection of your salon. The inspector will verify compliance with all health, safety, and equipment requirements under Chapter 477 and Florida Administrative Code 61G5.
You cannot open for business until you pass this inspection and receive your salon license.
Health and Safety Standards: What Inspectors Check
Florida salon inspections are thorough. The inspector will evaluate your facility against specific requirements in the Florida Administrative Code. Here is what you need to have in place:
Sanitation and Disinfection
- EPA-registered disinfectant available and properly labeled at every workstation
- All implements must be cleaned and disinfected between clients
- Single-use items (neck strips, cotton, gloves) must be disposed of after one use
- Dirty implements must be stored separately from clean/disinfected implements
- Towels and linens must be laundered after each client use
- Closed containers for soiled linens and waste
Facility Requirements
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| Ventilation | Adequate ventilation for chemical services (hair color, perms, relaxers) |
| Lighting | Sufficient lighting at each workstation |
| Restroom | Accessible restroom with running water and soap |
| Hot and cold running water | Required at shampoo stations and workstations |
| Floors and walls | Smooth, cleanable surfaces (no carpet at workstations) |
| Waste disposal | Covered waste receptacle at each station |
| First aid kit | Accessible first aid supplies on premises |
Equipment and Workstations
- Each cosmetologist must have a separate workstation with adequate space
- Shampoo area with hot and cold running water
- Covered storage for clean implements
- Wet disinfectant container at each station (for combs, brushes, shears)
- Electrical outlets must be GFCI-protected near water sources
- All electrical equipment must be in safe, working condition
Chemical Storage
- Chemicals must be stored in a well-ventilated area away from clients
- SDS (Safety Data Sheets) must be accessible for all chemical products
- Flammable products must be stored per fire code requirements
- Mixing of chemicals must follow manufacturer instructions
Licensed Cosmetologist On-Premises Requirement
Under F.S. 477.025(3), a licensed cosmetologist must be on the premises at all times when cosmetology services are being performed. This means:
- You cannot have unlicensed staff performing cosmetology services, even under supervision
- Nail technicians performing ONLY nail services in a cosmetology salon must hold a nail specialist license
- Facial specialists performing ONLY facials must hold a facial specialist license
- Apprentices working toward their hours must be under direct supervision of a licensed cosmetologist
Common violation: Having an unlicensed individual perform any cosmetology service -- even shampooing -- when no licensed cosmetologist is present. Shampooing as part of a cosmetology service is considered a cosmetology service under Florida law.
Personal Cosmetology License Requirements (Quick Reference)
If you still need your personal license before opening a salon, here are the requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Training hours | 1,200 hours from a DBPR-approved cosmetology school |
| Written exam | NIC written exam -- 110 questions, 90 minutes, 75% to pass |
| Practical exam | NIC practical exam -- hands-on demonstration, 2.5-3 hours |
| HIV/AIDS course | Board-approved HIV/AIDS course (required before licensure) |
| Application | Submit through MyFloridaLicense.com |
| Background check | Electronic fingerprinting required |
| License fee | $50 initial application |
Continuing Education for License Renewal
- 10 hours of CE every 2 years (biennial renewal)
- Must include HIV/AIDS content (required by DBPR)
- Must include sanitation and chemical safety hours
- CE must be from DBPR-approved providers
- Complete CE BEFORE your renewal date -- practicing on an expired license is a violation
Ongoing Compliance: What Salon Owners Must Know
Getting your salon license is only the beginning. Here is what you need to maintain compliance:
Display Requirements
- Salon license must be displayed in a conspicuous location visible to clients
- Each cosmetologist's personal license must be displayed at their workstation
- Business name on the license must match the name displayed on the premises
Routine Inspections
DBPR inspectors can conduct unannounced inspections at any time during business hours. They will check:
- All licenses are current and displayed
- Sanitation standards are maintained
- Equipment is in safe working condition
- Chemical storage is proper
- No unlicensed practice is occurring
Common Violations and Penalties
| Violation | Potential Penalty |
|---|---|
| Operating without a salon license | Fine up to $500 per occurrence + cease operations order |
| Unlicensed practice on premises | Fine + disciplinary action against salon license |
| Sanitation violations | Fine + mandatory re-inspection |
| Failure to display licenses | Fine + citation |
| Expired license (salon or personal) | Fine + late renewal surcharge + potential suspension |
Specialty Salon Types in Florida
Florida issues different establishment licenses depending on the services offered:
| License Type | Services Authorized |
|---|---|
| COSMO 6 (Cosmetology Salon) | Hair, skin, nails -- full cosmetology services |
| Nail Specialist Salon | Nail services only (manicure, pedicure, artificial nails) |
| Facial Specialist Salon | Facial/skin care services only |
| Full Specialty Salon | Both nail and facial specialty services |
| Body Wrapping Salon | Body wrapping services only |
If you plan to offer full cosmetology services (hair, skin, and nails), you need the COSMO 6 license. Choosing a more limited license type restricts what services your establishment can legally provide.
Exam Connection: How This Relates to the Cosmetology Exam
Florida salon requirements are heavily tested on the NIC cosmetology written exam, particularly in the Scientific Concepts section (35% of the exam). Expect questions on:
- Sanitation vs. disinfection vs. sterilization -- know the differences and when each is required
- OSHA and EPA regulations -- chemical handling, SDS sheets, ventilation requirements
- Florida-specific salon rules -- services only in licensed salons, display requirements, inspection procedures
- Infection control -- proper disinfectant use, implement storage, single-use items
- Client safety -- GFCI outlets near water, proper ventilation for chemical services
Understanding salon requirements is not just about passing the exam -- it is practical knowledge you will use every day as a salon owner or employee.
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