Chapter 9 of 1060% of exam

Florida Laws, Rules & Licensing

This chapter covers the Florida-specific legal framework that supplements your national cosmetology theory. It focuses on who regulates the profession in Florida, the kinds of licenses issued, and the everyday rules every licensee must follow to keep a license in good standing.

The Regulating Authority

In Florida, cosmetology is regulated by the Florida Board of Cosmetology.
It operates as a board within the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
The board sets the rules for licensing, sanitation, and professional conduct, and it can investigate complaints and discipline licensees.
Statutes and administrative rules—not individual salons—define what practitioners may legally do.

License Types & Scope of Practice

The board issues distinct credentials such as cosmetologist, full specialist (facials, nails, waxing), hair braider/wrapper registration, and salon licenses.
Each license defines a scope of practice; you may only perform services your license authorizes.
Practicing without a valid license, or beyond your scope, is prohibited and subject to discipline.
Salon/shop and individual practitioner credentials are separate—registering a salon does not license its workers.

Display, Renewal & Prohibited Practices

Keep your current license displayed or available at your work station as the board requires.
Licenses are issued for a set term and must be periodically renewed to remain valid.
Renewing on time and meeting any continuing-education the board requires keeps a license active.
Prohibited acts include unlicensed practice, exceeding scope, fraud, and unsanitary conditions.
Do not present unpublished figures (hours, fees, exam length, passing score) as official—verify them with the board.

State-specific details

State exam facts

State regulator
Florida Board of Cosmetology (DBPR)
Exam vendor
Pearson VUE
Prelicensing education
1,200 hours (schools may certify students to sit at 1,000 hours) plus a 4-hour HIV/AIDS course
Passing score
75
How many training hours does Florida require for a cosmetology license?

Florida requires 1,200 hours; schools may certify students to sit for the exam at 1,000 hours, and passing satisfies the 1,200-hour requirement. A 4-hour HIV/AIDS course is also required.

Who licenses cosmetologists in Florida?

The Florida Board of Cosmetology, within the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), licenses cosmetologists under Chapter 477, Florida Statutes. Exams are delivered by Pearson VUE.

Does Florida still require a practical exam?

No. Florida uses two written exams — a Written Theory exam and a Written Clinical exam — with no hands-on practical. A score of 75% is required on each.

Sources: https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/cosmetology/faqs/, https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/servop/testing/documents/cos_cib.pdf

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