License Types

There are very few things people like more than a really good pedicure.

Because that pedicure is followed with a pair of flip flops and getting that perfect picture of their toes in the sand. You know the ones that I am talking about. Legs stretched out while sitting on the beach or by the pool by someone on vacation while we are all at work.

Nail specialists make that Instagram or Facebook post happen.

In order to provide those jealousy-invoking services, you need a nail specialist license in Florida. Whether you are already licensed as a nail tech in another state and moving to Florida, or just thinking about finding a nail specialist program, let’s get started on answering some common questions.

[Read more…] about How to Get Your Florida Nail Specialist License

Flip-flops are always in season in Florida, which means pedicures never go out of style. The combination of beautiful weather, year-round traffic from tourists, and Florida’s entrepreneur-friendly environment make Florida an ideal place to open a nail salon.

According to NailsMag, there are 34,000 registered nail specialists in Florida. This means Florida likely has a sizable share of the 8.5 billion dollar a year nail industry. Opportunities in the nail industry certainly exist.

Anyone can open a specialty, or nail, salon in Florida. You do not need to be a nail specialist, cosmetologist, or full specialist to obtain a Florida salon license.

However, opening and maintaining a successful nail salon takes lots of planning, patience, and attention to detail.

If you are ready for that challenge and thinking about opening your own specialty nail salon, this step-by-step guide will simplify the process. There are some things you should know before you build your polish display case.
[Read more…] about How to Open a Nail Salon in Florida

Many Florida cosmetology professionals (hairstylists, nail techs, and estheticians) take short or extended breaks from the profession. Sometimes they leave to be a stay-at-home parent or move to another state. They may call it quits because of burnout, poor/toxic work environments, new careers, health problems, or financial hardships. No matter the reason, many discover that they miss the cosmetology profession and want to get their expired cosmetology license back in good standing.

Sound familiar?

It is possible you simply forgot about the renewal deadline or decided to take just a year off from working in a salon or spa. Maybe you left Florida, or the cosmetology profession, never intending to go back. During that time you let your license expire, thinking that you would never need it again.

Things have changed. You have changed. You are ready to get your Florida license back. It is possible that you may be putting off this process because you are concerned or unsure about the requirements, cost, or even your skills.

Whether you are a cosmetologist (hairstylist), nail specialist (nail tech), facial specialist (esthetician), full specialist, or hair braider, your talents and expertise are still needed in the Sunshine State. If you are contemplating a return to the chair, we are ready to help you complete the correct requirements in just a few steps.

Here are three steps to help you get your license or registration back quickly.
[Read more…] about How to Renew Your Expired Florida Cosmetology License

Nearly every cosmetologist, barber, nail specialist, or facial specialist dreams about opening their own salon or barbershop.

Opening a salon or barbershop is an exciting adventure! But before you set your sandwich board out on the sidewalk announcing your grand opening and get your product display shelf just right—you have some paperwork to complete. This means sending in applications, preparing for inspections, and reading over the Florida laws and rules to make sure your space meets all the requirements. No one wants their salon or barbershop to be cited during an inspection.

This article isn’t about how much of your space should be devoted to organic retail or how to create a cool and calming atmosphere. The Board isn’t concerned about your pricing, cute business cards, online scheduling portal, or the size of your retail space. The board is concerned with ensuring the safety of the public in Florida. This needs to be a large part of your planning, not just an afterthought.

If you have a lot of questions or do not know where to begin with your official paperwork, that’s understandable! Opening a salon is a huge undertaking, and we want to make this whole process easier for you. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions along with their applicable Florida Statute or Board Rule. We also have included links to applications and a few tips to help you move forward with your business dream.

Since writing this post, there have been some significant changes in the cosmetology regulations, especially for Salons. Some services are now allowed to take place outside a salon!
[Read more…] about Tips for Opening a Florida Salon or Barbershop

Ever wondered what the difference between a licensed cosmetologist and barber are in the state of Florida? The differences are important to know if you are considering hiring a barber for your salon, or a cosmetologist in your barbershop.

Can they color, use a straight razor, or do nails? Or who you should contact if you are opening a trendy barbershop in Winter Park or a specialty nail salon in Naples? Both professions share many common traits, but each is truly unique.

Here are 5 differences between the professions in Florida.
[Read more…] about Barber vs Cosmetologist: What Is the Difference?