Florida Salon Requirements

Operating a cosmetology salon in Florida requires compliance with detailed regulations outlined in Chapter 61G5-20 of the Florida Administrative Code. Understanding these requirements is essential for both the exam and future salon ownership or management.

Salon Licensing Requirement

Under Chapter 477, Florida Statutes, no cosmetology or specialty salon may operate without a proper DBPR salon license. This is separate from individual cosmetologist licenses.

Types of Salon Licenses

• Cosmetology Salon - Full service (hair, skin, nails)
• Specialty Salon - Limited to specific services (nail salon, facial salon)
• Mobile Salon - Services provided from a vehicle (additional requirements apply)

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Space Requirements

Space Calculation Example

• 1 cosmetologist = 100 sq ft minimum
• 2 cosmetologists = 150 sq ft minimum
• 3 cosmetologists = 200 sq ft minimum
• 4 cosmetologists = 250 sq ft minimum

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Sanitation Requirements

General Cleanliness

• Walls, ceilings, furniture, and equipment must be kept clean and dust-free
• Hair must NOT be allowed to accumulate on the floor
• Hair must be deposited in a covered waste receptacle
• Salon must be well ventilated

Linens and Towels

• Clean linens must be stored in a closed, dustproof cabinet
• Soiled linens must be kept in a closed receptacle
• Soiled linens may only be kept in open containers if entirely separated from the service area
• A sanitary towel or neck strip must be placed around the patron's neck to prevent direct contact with shampoo capes

Implements and Tools

• Use of any brush, comb, or implement on more than one patron without being disinfected is PROHIBITED
• Salons must have sufficient implements to allow for adequate disinfection practices
• All creams must be removed from containers using spatulas (no fingers)
• Containers for lotions and preparations must prevent contamination of unused portions

Nail Services Ventilation

Salons providing nail extension or sculpturing services must:

• Provide these services in a separate area
• Ensure the area is adequately ventilated for safe dispersion of fumes

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Pedicure Equipment Requirements

Florida has specific requirements for pedicure equipment due to infection risks:

Cleaning Protocol

• All pedicure equipment must be cleaned and disinfected between each client
• Footbaths must be properly sanitized using EPA-registered disinfectant
• Filter screens and all removable parts must be cleaned

Required Documentation

• A record or log book must be maintained documenting:
  • Dates of all cleaning and disinfection procedures
  • Times of all cleaning and disinfection procedures
• Log must be kept in the pedicure area
• Must be available for review by consumers or DBPR inspectors upon request

Consumer Protection Notice

All salons with footbaths must display a Consumer Protection Notice regarding:

• Footbath sanitation procedures
• Safety information
• Client rights

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Toilet and Lavatory Facilities

Every salon must provide adequate toilet and lavatory facilities either:

• On the premises, OR
• In the same building and within 300 feet of the salon

Required Equipment

• Toilet tissue
• Soap dispenser with soap (or other hand cleaning material)
• Sanitary towels or other hand-drying device (wall-mounted blow dryer acceptable)
• Waste receptacle

Maintenance

• Facilities must be kept clean
• Must be in good repair
• Must be well-lighted
• Must be adequately ventilated to remove objectionable odors

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Home-Based Salon Requirements

Florida permits salons to operate from a residence, but specific requirements must be met:

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Separation from Other Businesses

Salons must be properly separated from other businesses:

• No salon may operate in the same licensed space with any business that adversely affects sanitation
• No salon may share space with a cosmetology school
• Where a salon adjoins another business or school:
  • Permanent walls must separate the spaces
  • Separate and distinctly marked entrances are required

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Animals in Salons

Florida regulations regarding animals in salons:

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Display Requirements

Salons must display:

• Current salon license
• Individual licenses of all practitioners
• Consumer Protection Notice (for salons with pedicure equipment)
• Any required health and safety notices

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DBPR Inspection Program

Purpose

"To ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the consuming public is protected by inspecting every licensed cosmetology establishment."

Inspection Schedule

• Initial Licensure: Inspection required before salon can open
• Routine Inspections: Biennially (every 2 years) on a fiscal year basis
• Complaint-Based: Additional inspections may occur in response to complaints

What Inspectors Check

• Valid salon license displayed
• Valid individual licenses for all practitioners
• Sanitation compliance
• Space requirements
• Proper storage of clean/soiled linens
• Implement disinfection practices
• Pedicure logs (if applicable)
• Separation from other businesses
• General cleanliness and safety

Violation Consequences

• Written warnings
• Fines (up to $5,000 per violation)
• License suspension
• License revocation
• Required corrective actions

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Key Takeaways

• Every salon needs a separate DBPR salon license
• Minimum 100 sq ft for one person, plus 50 sq ft for each additional
• Home salons must have permanent wall separation and separate entrance
• Pedicure cleaning logs are mandatory and must be available for inspection
• All implements must be disinfected between clients
• No animals except service animals and fish in aquariums
• Inspections occur at initial licensure and every 2 years