Florida Salon License 2026: COSMO 6 Requirements

Last updated: June 29, 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:

1. A personal cosmetology license -- proves YOU are qualified to perform services
2. 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.

Critical rule: Under F.S. 477.0263, cosmetology services are generally restricted to a licensed salon. But Florida Administrative Code Rule 61G5-20.0015 carves out several exceptions: a licensed cosmetologist may perform shampooing, hair cutting, hair arranging, nail polish removal, nail filing, nail buffing, and nail cleansing outside a salon (using disposable or EPA-registered sanitized implements); provide services at special events lasting no more than three consecutive days (weddings, fashion shows, photo shoots); or serve clients who are physically unable to travel to a salon (nursing homes, hospitals, or residences). Operating an unlicensed salon, however, is still a violation subject to fines and disciplinary action.

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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

Note: Fees are set by DBPR (Florida Administrative Code Chapter 61G5-24) and subject to change. Always verify current fees on MyFloridaLicense.com before submitting.

Step 5: Receive Your License, Then Pass the DBPR Inspection

Florida is unusual here: for most salons, the license is issued first and the inspection happens afterward. Once your application is approved and fees are paid, DBPR issues your salon license, and an inspector conducts an unannounced initial inspection within 90 days to verify compliance with Chapter 477 and Florida Administrative Code 61G5 (sanitation, facility standards, recordkeeping, and license display).

The one exception is flea-market salons, which must be inspected before a license is issued. If your salon fails inspection, you will receive a list of deficiencies that must be corrected, followed by a re-inspection.

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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

These standards come directly from Florida Administrative Code Rule 61G5-20.002, which the DBPR inspector uses as a checklist.

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

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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 a cosmetology service inside the salon when no licensed cosmetologist is present.

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Mobile Salons in Florida

Florida licenses mobile cosmetology salons (services performed from a self-contained vehicle or trailer), and they must meet the same sanitation standards as a fixed salon plus a few extras under Rule 61G5-20.002:

• A self-contained flush chemical toilet with a holding tank
• A minimum 35-gallon clean-water storage tank
• Wastewater storage capacity equal to or greater than the clean-water capacity
• A permanent business address on file with DBPR and a written itinerary so inspectors can locate the unit

Mobile salons still require the COSMO 6 establishment license and a designated licensed cosmetologist -- the vehicle does not exempt you from licensure.

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Personal Cosmetology License Requirements (Quick Reference)

If you still need your personal license before opening a salon, here are the requirements:

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

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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

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Specialty Salon Types in Florida

Florida issues different establishment licenses depending on the services offered:

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.

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Exam Connection: How This Relates to the Cosmetology Exam

Florida salon requirements are heavily tested on the state's written theory exam, where general safety and sanitation procedures make up roughly 34% of the questions, and laws and rules make up about 10%. 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 -- when services may be performed outside a salon, 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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Frequently Asked Questions