How to Transfer Your Cosmetology License to Florida

Thinking of taking your hair, nail, skincare, braiding, or other beauty skills south? Whether this move is just for the winter months or permanent, you are probably excited to get the process started right now.

However, maybe the initial excitement wore off as soon as you clicked on the Florida Cosmetology Board website. It can be tad boring, but also overwhelming and confusing.

That is where we come in.

We want you to stay excited about this move and adventure, because it is exciting! We have personally assisted many other hair, nail, facial professionals like yourself successfully make this transition, quickly and easily.

To make everything less overwhelming, we have broken the licensing process down into six bite-sized steps.

First, here is a free printable checklist to guide you through all of the steps for getting a cosmetology, nail, facial, or full specialist license.

And below is a quick video with a few more details on each licensing step.

And if those two resources have answered your questions, here is our cosmetology board-approved initial 4-hour HIV/AIDS course for cosmetology, nail, facial, and full specialist licenses and registrations.

Purchase 4-Hour HIV Course

Sometimes, it can take a couple of weeks or months to get everything together and processed, so it is best to get everything in order now to avoid delays.

Some people like to know a few (or a lot) more details about the application process and cosmetology profession in Florida. If that is you, let’s get started.

Step 1: Learn Florida Professional Terminology

You may call yourself a hairstylist, nail tech, or esthetician now. However, in Florida, you may have a different professional title. This information is especially handy before you search for applications and navigate the Florida Cosmetology Board website. The following licenses issued by the Florida Cosmetology board.

Cosmetologists

An equivalent license may be a Hairstylist, Stylist, Hairdresser, or Beautician.

In Florida, a licensed cosmetologist is a professional that focuses on hair, skin, and nails. They have the highest educational hour requirements, but are licensed to provide the widest variety of services.

If you obtain a cosmetology license, there is no need to seek separate nail or facial registrations.

Specialty Registration Licenses

This is for those that are not trained cosmetologists, but have completed training in other specialty areas.

Facial Specialist

An equivalent license in another state could be titled Esthetician, Medical Aesthetician, Makeup Artist, or Skin Care Specialist.

A facial specialist may perform facials in the state of Florida. Facials may include the massaging or treating of the face or scalp with oils, creams, lotions, or other preparations.

Nail Specialist

An equivalent license in another state could be titled Manicurist, Pedicurist, or Nail Technician.

A nail specialist may practice manicuring and pedicuring in the State of Florida, which includes the cutting, polishing, tinting, coloring, cleansing, adding, or extending of the nails, and massaging of the hands. It also includes the shaping, polishing, tinting, or cleansing of the nails of the feet, and massaging or beautifying of the feet.

Full Specialist

A ‘full specialist’ is a combination of the nail specialist and facial specialist registrations.

“Other” Registrants

Prior to July 1st, 2020, the below were regulated in Florida. However, they no longer are licensed under the cosmetology board.

Hair Braiding (Natural Hair Stylist, Braider)

Hair Wrapping

Body Wrapping

Barbers and Massage Therapists

Both Barbers and Massage Therapists have their own respective Boards.

Click here to learn more about transferring a Barber license to Florida.

This is where you can learn more about transferring a massage license to Florida.

Step 2: Meet the Florida Minimum Education Hours/Exam Requirements

The good news is that most states require more hours in almost every profession. So the chances you have enough hours are very good. The even better news is that in 2020 Florida made is MUCH easier to apply by endorsement for cosmetologists.

If you have an active cosmetology license you can now look at the endorsement application, Cosmetologist License by Endorsement (COSMO 4-B).

If your license is not valid, you should read more about the difference between applying by examination or endorsement. You may need to take and exam, or get your a license you previously held back in good standing.

Step 3: Take a 4-Hour HIV/AIDS Course

Cosmetology board applicants, including cosmetologists, nail specialists, facial specialists, and full specialists, are required to complete a Florida Cosmetology Board-approved 4-hour HIV/AIDS course.

Purchase 4-Hour HIV/AIDS Course

Documentation, or a certificate from the completed course, should be included with your application.

Step 4: Find Your Application

Florida has several applications for each license and specialty registration. Make sure to find the correct application for your specific field (cosmetology, nail specialist, facial specialist, full specialist, or braider) and your current license situation (endorsement, out-of-state, examination).

Find your application here: Board of Cosmetology Applications

Step 5: Verify/Certify Your License/Transcript

Don’t forget to verify your current license or submit your school transcripts, if needed. Submitting a copy of your license will not meet this requirement. Contact the state where you are licensed and have the license certification sent to the Department.

Most state boards have a website page that allows licensees to request that the board verify or certify license. You may pay a small fee to have this information sent to the Florida board for you. If mailed, the certification needs to be sent to the address on the application, not to you.

Example: Illinois Professional License Certification

Step 6: Wait and Prepare

Continue to plan your move while you wait for your license. You can find your dream job, or begin your salon business plan. Florida is an amazing place with unique opportunities. Enjoy dreaming and making your plans a reality.

The good news is that you are already done with steps 1 and 2. For most of you, it is time to move on to step 3, the Initial 4-hour HIV/AIDS course. And it is an easy step you can complete right now.

You can have Step 3 done today for only $16 and be even closer to beginning your career in Florida.

Initial 4 hour HIV/AIDS course

And here is that step-by-step checklist to guide you through the process one more time.

Welcome to Florida!

Still Have Questions?

Help! I Am an Out-Of-Country Cosmetologist Moving to Florida

February 18, 2022 By Ivy Hultquist 4 Comments

If you are a cosmetologist in another country moving to Florida, you are probably excited about the warm weather and endless opportunities that draw people to the Sunshine State. But, you probably are not excited about the stress and paperwork of getting or “transferring” an out-of-country cosmetology license to Florida. That is why I am here today – to help you with this international move.

If you are moving to Florida but licensed in another U.S state, this isn’t your article, but you can get yours here – How to Transfer a Cosmetology License to Florida.

Today, I am going to help you get started with the process and answer the questions you’re probably having about getting licensed as a cosmetologist, nail specialist (esthetician), or nail specialist (nail technician).

Can You Have Cosmetology Licenses in Multiple States?

December 24, 2020 By Ivy Hultquist 14 Comments

I have a cosmetology license in (insert state), but I am considering moving to (insert different state). I really do not want to give up my other license. What happens to my old license? Can I have two cosmetology (nail or facial) licenses?

Of course, you can! Trust me.

I have had multiple professional licenses in multiple states for many years. I have helped thousands of applicants get licensed in the massage and cosmetology fields in a second state. And I have written many articles on license reciprocity, or the lack thereof, in the health and beauty fields. Here are some questions you probably have as you prepare to move or get licensed in another state.

How to Transfer a Barber License to Florida

May 2, 2020 By Ivy Hultquist 24 Comments

Moving to a new state is usually exciting. Florida’s sunshine, beaches, and opportunities make it an attractive place to live and work. However, once you start to transfer a barber license to Florida (or any other state) the process can become overwhelming. That is because it is new and unfamiliar.

Helping barbers transfer a barber license to Florida is not new to us. We have helped thousands of professionals transfer licenses to Florida, quickly and easily. Whether you are moving to Miami, Orlando, or (best coast-west coast) Tampa, let’s cover the licensing process, step by step, and help you take the first steps today towards getting your license. And we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions we hear from new licensees and applicants.

If you are ready to get started on transferring your license to Florida, we are ready to help you get started on this process. Let’s go.

3 Steps to Transfer a Barber License to Florida

Complete a Barber Board-approved 2-Hour HIV/AIDS course
Fill out the appropriate application and pay the application fee
Print your license

Yes, that does seem simple. But we know you still have questions about the required hours, applications, and licensed barbershops. So, let’s cover each step in a little more detail.
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Everything You Need To Know About The Florida Cosmetology Exam

January 22, 2019 By Ivy Hultquist 118 Comments

beach image with article title

You made it through cosmetology school (1200 hours!). You are only one step away from your dream career in Florida!

That last step may feel difficult.

If you graduated from a Florida cosmetology program or are moving to Florida and not able to apply by endorsement, you must pass the Florida cosmetology exam to get your Florida cosmetology license.

I know you want to pass your exam and get your Florida cosmetology license with as little stress as possible. You may be confused about the requirements and even a little (or a lot) nervous about taking a professional licensing exam.

Whatever you do, do not let this exam get in the way of your career plans. Even if you struggle with exam anxiety, previously failed, or are taking the exam after being out of school for years; I believe you can do this.

I talk to people in similar situations all the time who go on to pass their exam and get their license. A majority of the time, people just do not know where to begin. The unknown creates anxiety and typically halts progress towards goals or dreams.

I will walk you step by step through this process and hopefully calm the fear of the unknown along the way. Plus, I have a short practice quiz for you at the end of the article.
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How to Transfer Your Cosmetology License From California to Florida

January 7, 2019 By Ivy Hultquist 8 Comments

view of Los Angeles from plane — Photo Credit: Viktor Hanacek (Adapted)

An easy guide for cosmetologists, manicurists, estheticians, and massage therapists.

California and Florida share a few similarities such as warm weather, beaches, and palm trees. But they are actually two very different places. At Florida Cosmetologist, we are partial to the Sunshine State. Florida has a lot to offer those moving here, like lower taxes, white sandy beaches, and (obviously) Publix.

But seriously, if you are thinking about making Florida your new home, we know you need to get to work too. This means obtaining the proper license or registration you need to practice your craft, art, or trade.

Licensing can be both confusing and time-consuming. However, do not let this process deter your move. We have helped thousands of professionals like you from all over the country (actually the world) transfer licenses to Florida. We have made this easy guide to help you survive the licensing process, so you can concentrate on all of the other things you need to do to make this cross-country move happen.
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How to Transfer a Cosmetology License from New York to Florida

March 28, 2018 By Ivy Hultquist 25 Comments

transfer cosmetology license from new york to florida

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.
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