Ready to learn how to transfer a Cosmetology license from New York to Florida? This guide isn’t just for New York cosmetologists and stylists. We will also for nail specialists (nail techs), facial specialists (estheticians), and barbers.
If you are looking to transfer one of these licenses to Florida from somewhere other than New York, you should check out this other article for step by step instructions on transferring your license. Massage therapists, you can visit this website for more information on transferring your massage license to Florida.
New Yorkers, keep reading.
Whether you are permanently moving to Florida or looking to temporarily escape the New York winters, transferring your license from another state can be a bit overwhelming and confusing. how to transfer a Cosmetology license to from New York to Florida To make this transition as quick and easy as possible, we have broken down the necessary steps you need to complete in order to obtain a license or registration to legally work in the state of Florida.
How to Transfer a Cosmetology License From New York to Florida
First, in Florida, Cosmetologists, Nail Specialists, Facial and Full specialists are all under the authority of the Florida Cosmetology Board. Barbers and Massage therapists each have their own board. And hair braiders are no longer regulated in Florida as of July 1, 2020.
But something good actually happened in 2020. Florida made it much easier for out-of-state cosmetologists to get licensed in Florida, especially New York cosmetologists.
Cosmetologists
Endorsement
For cosmetologists, to qualify for licensure in Florida by endorsement without having to take an examination, you need an active license in New York, or another state, whose requirements for licensure are comparable to Florida.
Previously, New York was not on Florida’s “list of acceptable states” for endorsement. However, now with the 2020 law change, the endorsement process is much easier and many New York cosmetologists do not need to take the Florida cosmetology exam in order to get licensed in Florida. If you have an active cosmetology license in New York, you can now look at the endorsement application, Cosmetologist License by Endorsement (COSMO 4-B).
Other Registrations: Nail Specialists and Facial Specialists/Estheticians
If you have an active nail specialty or esthetician license, you can apply to Florida via endorsement. Links to the application and the HIV/AIDS course requirement are below.
If your license is not active in NYS (Nail and Facial Specialists/Estheticians)
If you do not have an active license, or are still in school in NYS, you do not meet the endorsement requirement and will likely need to apply initially or make your NYS license active and then apply by endorsement.
Barbers
Because New York State does not have a specific hours requirement, I suggest you contact the Florida Barber Board about the licensing requirements.
Your Next Steps
Complete a Florida Board-approved HIV/AIDS course
All cosmetology board applicants must complete a Florida Cosmetology Board approved 4-Hour HIV/AIDS course and send documentation of the completed course in with the application. Our online 4-hour HIV course can be found here.
All barber board applicants must take a Florida Barber Board approved 2-Hour HIV/AIDS course for licensure and submit it with their application.
Find your Application
You may notice that Florida has a number of applications for each license and specialty. Make sure to find the correct application for your specific field (cosmetology, nail specialist, facial specialist, or full specialist) and your current license situation).
Verify Your License
Don’t forget to verify your current license if you apply by endorsement. To do that, contact the state where you are licensed and have the license certification is to be sent to the Department. If mailed, the certification is to be sent to the address on the application.
Be One Step Closer Today
Again, you are required to complete a board-approved HIV course to apply for any license with the Cosmetology or Barber board. These courses can be completed quickly and easily online for under $20. Complete the course you need now and be one step closer to your dream job in the Sunshine State today.
Cosmetologists, Facial Specialists/Estheticians, Nail Specialists/Nail Techs, and Full Specialists:
4-hour HIV Course Registration
Barbers, below is your 2-hour HIV course registration link:
2-hour HIV Course Registration
Still Have a Question?
Contact us here, and we’ll try our best to get you the information you need.
I have a wax license in NYC and have been working for almost three years. I need more information because I’m planing to move to Miami regarding my license.
According to the board website, A cosmetologist, facial specialist or full specialist can perform body waxing services. I would look into Facial specialist training programs and see what they say.
http://myfloridalicense.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1686/~/who-can-perform-body-waxing%3F
I have taken the HIV course about 10 years ago here in Florida. I have and still have my NJ cosmetology license for about 45 years now. I just moved to Florida in June of this year. I would like to work here in Florida now.
This article should explain a little more – https://www.floridacosmetologist.com/category/license-transfers/
Your situation may be a little different if you have a Florida education.
However, the 4 hour course usually needs to be taken within two years of the application.
I am ny state licensed cosmetologist of 31 years how do I get my Fl. license? I already have my HIV certificate
Just follow the steps in this post depending on what requirements you have already met (like education hours and exam completion).
I have cosmetology license from New York.
I won’t to change to Florida ?
Just look through the information in this post and let me know if you have questions.
I have an active NYS Cosmetology license. I have been doing hair for about 30 yrs. Do I have to go thru all these steps?
Without knowing if you took an exam or how many hours you completed in school, it is hard for me to guess. Years of experience do not count for obtaining a license.
why does it say you have 2 steeps but it only has 1 4 hour coarse
One course is for barbers (2 hour HIV) and one course (4 hour HIV) is for Cosmos and specialists.
have a ct license moving to coral gables florida … have been with regis since 2006 … been a cosmetologist since 1985… have always held a licence…i am 67… please adives… thanks valerientapp203@ gmail.com 860 630 0502
Hi Valerie!
This post might help you out more. https://www.floridacosmetologist.com/category/license-transfers/
If your license in CT is still active, then I would look at the endorsement applications.
Thank you for making this process so simple! your course was great !
Is it possible to have dual license, Florida and New York?
Sure! Here is an article I wrote on “dual licenses”.
I have an active NY cosmetology license and I also have over 20 years of experience and I’m planning to come to Florida in the near future. Please give me the update on how I can change my license
This article should give you all the steps you need. Or see this article on transferring a cosmetology license to Florida. https://www.floridacosmetologist.com/category/license-transfers/
Hi I have my temporary license is ny but I’m planing on moving out of state can I transfer my temporary and take an exam in Florida, I took at 600hr course in ny
Excellent question! No one has ever asked me this before. My guess is likely not until you have full, active license. But that is just my guess. I would contact the Florida board office to see what they say about your situation.
Valuable information!!
Glad it helped!
I have been licensed in Massachusetts as a manicurist for many years. What would I have to do to become licensed in Florida? The information is confusing to me.
Sure! You need to look at a nail specialist license in Florida – https://www.floridacosmetologist.com/nail-specialist/
I’m a licensed cosmetologist from New York for over 30 yrs now living in Florida can i have a Florida license and is it possible for me to have both. Licenses? Or Do I have to do endorsement?
Yes! If your license in NYS is active, you should apply by endorsment.