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Opening Your Own Florida Mobile Salon in 5 Steps

April 21, 2022 By Ivy Hultquist 24 Comments

So, you want to open your own mobile salon? Imagine driving up to your client’s hours in your uniquely-you mobile salon vehicle. Your client walks out of their office, home, and into your mobile salon where they are transported into another world where you make all of their hair, nail, or skincare dreams come true.

Whether you’re a seasoned cosmetologist, nail, facial, or full specialist – or just starting out a mobile salon is a growing trend that can help you start your own business without the initial cost of buying and renovating a building.

Let’s review some of the benefits of a mobile business before we begin.

– lower overhead costs

– the ability to reach a wider range of customers

– increased flexibility and freedom

– the opportunity to build a strong personal brand

If you’re considering opening your own mobile salon, there are a few things you should keep in mind before you fill your camper van with a tank of gas. In this blog post, we’ll give you some tips for opening your own mobile salon in Florida.

mobile salon
Woman’s hand with key against campervans background.

Step 1: Read the Board of Cosmetology Mobile Salon Rules

No one likes reading rules. But it is a necessary duty of being a business professional. It will make your inspection go smoothly and keep you from needing to attend disciplinary hearings in front of the cosmetology board, paying fines, or having your licenses revoked. I promise you are better off being a little bored and reading and following all the rules than doing any of the previously mentioned things.

61G5-20.010: Mobile Salons – Florida Administrative Code is where you can find the rules for Florida mobile salons. This is where you will find information on water storage, sanitation, chemical toilets, and other Florida mobile salon requirements.

Click the link to read 61G5-20.010: Mobile Salons – Florida Administrative Code

Step 2: Decide On a Salon Vehicle

Now, this is the fun, creative, and expensive part. Decide what type of vehicle you want for your salon. There are four main types of vehicles to consider: those that operate out of a camper, bus, travel trailer, or van. Each has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the one that is best for your hair, nail, or skin care specialty.

While starting a mobile salon is likely to be less expensive than the brick-and-mortar alternative – renovating your salon vehicle will not be cheap.

It will be a balance of meeting state salon requirements, making a comfortable working environment for you, and creating a stellar salon experience for your clients.

Bus

Buses are roomy, which is perfect if you plan on offering hair, nail, and skincare services out of your mobile salon. You can also use the extra space to store products and supplies. The downside of using a bus is that they’re not always easy to maneuver in tight spaces and they require a special license to operate.

Van

Vans are easier to maneuver than buses and they don’t require a special driving license to operate. They’re also less expensive to renovate than a bus. The downside of using a van is that you’ll have less space to work with, which means you might have to get creative when it comes to storing products and supplies.

Travel Trailer

You’ll have more space to work with than a van, but less than a bus. The downside of using a travel trailer is that they can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces and they’re not always easy to park.

Camper

A camper is the probably most affordable option and will likely need the least amount of renovations. But like a travel trailer, you will need a good car, truck, or SUV to haul it with. It also will not be a picnic to park.

Step 3: Obtain Your Mobile Salon License and Local Permits

Just because you are not operating out of a building, does not mean you will not need a salon license. The DBPR and Cosmetology Board still want to make sure the public is receiving services in a safe and sanitary l

You’ll need to make sure that you have the proper licensing and permits in place. You can contact your local county or city business licensing office to inquire about the requirements in your area. Once you have your business license, you’ll need to obtain a mobile salon license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

The DBPR website is where you can find the application for a mobile salon license. Here is the link for that application: COSMO 6 Mobile Salon Application.

Step 4: Wait for Mobile Salon Inspection

After you have completed the application for your mobile salon license, you will need to schedule an inspection with the DBPR. The inspector will review your application and make sure that your salon meets all of the requirements for licensure. Once you have passed the inspection, you will be issued a license and can begin operating your business.

Step 5: Go See Your Clients

Once you have your business license, mobile salon license, any necessary insurance, and your vehicle you’re ready to start operating your mobile salon! Safe Travels!

Like all other Florida salon licenses, moble salon license expire November 30th of even years. Salon licenses are also not subject to the same continuing education requirements as your cosmetology, nail, facial, or full specialist license.

If this option isn’t for you and you want to explore opening a traditional salon. Here is our post on Tips for Opening a Florida Salon.

Filed Under: License Types

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Marie says

    October 14, 2022 at 9:30 am

    Ty, this was very helpful.

    Reply
    • Ivy Hultquist says

      October 17, 2022 at 4:11 pm

      Happy to hear that! Best wishes!

      Reply
  2. Angela says

    October 28, 2022 at 2:08 pm

    What about performing services in the clients homes? What licensing and rules accompany that?

    Reply
    • Ivy Hultquist says

      October 31, 2022 at 10:10 am

      There was a law passed in 2020 that removed some of the barriers for licensees going to a client’s home. You can read more about in the Hot Topics on http://www.myfloridalicense.com. In addition to your professional license, you may need to contact your local county government about business licenses.

      Reply
  3. Ericka says

    November 6, 2022 at 9:03 am

    Very valuable information. Thank you for having the regulations on there for Florida so we can just click on it. 💛

    Reply
  4. Shari S McDonald says

    March 27, 2023 at 6:31 pm

    Thank you so much for this information. It was very helpful.

    Reply
  5. Ron L says

    May 30, 2023 at 8:51 am

    I’m looking for any guidance on rules/regulations for operating a mobile Barber shop in Florida. Any info on that?

    Reply
    • Ivy Hultquist says

      May 31, 2023 at 4:14 pm

      Try this article for tips on opening a barber shop – https://www.floridacosmetologist.com/salon-barbershop-license/

      Reply
  6. Sary says

    May 31, 2023 at 3:46 pm

    What permits are needed to start a from home business in nail tech

    Reply
    • Ivy Hultquist says

      May 31, 2023 at 4:15 pm

      You likely still need a salon license in addition to any local business licenses and your nail specialist license.

      Reply
  7. Nicholas says

    June 22, 2023 at 7:57 am

    Can you have a valid barber license and apply for this ?

    Reply
    • Ivy Hultquist says

      June 23, 2023 at 8:24 am

      Anyone can apply for a mobile salon license. A barber, cosmetology, nail tech, esthetician license is not necessary to apply for the license.

      Reply
  8. Tami L Brickhouse says

    July 26, 2023 at 10:06 am

    I would like info on beginning a mobile hair salon. I am licensed hairdresser and have mobile salon bus ready to begin this process

    Reply
    • Ivy Hultquist says

      July 26, 2023 at 12:26 pm

      Sure! Here is a link https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/cosmet/salons/apply-mobile-shop.htm

      Reply
  9. Karen says

    July 31, 2023 at 8:14 pm

    Can a Florida license estheticians be a traveling esthetician? For example, traveling to a client’s home to provide procedures, etc… I find a lot of information about mobile estheticians (using a vehicle as a salon), however, no guidance on traveling estheticians. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Ivy Hultquist says

      August 1, 2023 at 1:19 pm

      The board website still says in many places that facial services must happen in a licensed salon. But, I would contact the board office and see if they have any guidance for you http://www.myfloridalicense.com/contactus

      Reply
  10. Michael says

    October 4, 2023 at 5:45 am

    Is it mandatory to have a restroom in a mobile barber shop?

    Reply
    • Ivy Hultquist says

      October 7, 2023 at 11:24 am

      Hi Michael! Florida does not have a mobile barber shop license at this time. Here is a link to the board FAQ – http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/barbers/faqs/#1488479578748-eca87682-0c11

      Reply
  11. Stardust13 says

    October 28, 2023 at 9:30 am

    What is the minimum square footage for a trailer/camper salon?

    Reply
    • Ivy Hultquist says

      October 30, 2023 at 10:27 am

      I would check with the board office for more information. Mobile salon rules change frequently.

      Reply
  12. Sherry says

    April 8, 2024 at 7:18 pm

    I’m a Barber and would like to know the laws on running a mobile unit?

    Reply
    • Ivy Hultquist says

      April 7, 2025 at 10:39 am

      I would contact the DBPR about this – http://www.myfloridalicense.com/contact-us

      Reply
  13. Sherry says

    April 8, 2024 at 7:18 pm

    I’m a Barber and would like to know the laws on running a mobile unit?

    Reply
  14. Dream99 Admin says

    April 26, 2025 at 1:42 am

    This post is super helpful! I’ve always dreamed of starting my own mobile salon in Florida, and the step-by-step guide makes it seem so achievable. Thanks for breaking down the process and including tips on licensing and marketing! I can’t wait to get started!

    Reply

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