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!
I already have a (cosmetologist, nail specialist, facial specialist, or full specialist) professional license or registration; do I also need a salon license?
The Florida Board of Cosmetology licenses and regulates cosmetologists, nail specialists, facial specialists, full specialists, cosmetology salons, and mobile cosmetology salons. Florida requires a salon license for any location where cosmetology or a specialty (nail, facial, full specialists) is practiced. Again, the purpose is to make sure the public in Florida has access to salon services in a safe and sanitary environment. Operating a salon or barbershop without a license is considered unlicensed activity. Unlicensed activity in Florida is a criminal offense and can result in misdemeanor or felony charges if an individual is convicted.
61G5-20.001 Salon Defined.
“Salon” means any establishment or place of business wherein cosmetology as defined in Section 477.013(4), F.S., or any specialty as defined in Section 477.013(6), F.S., is practiced for cosmetology in a licensed barbershop, or the practice of barbering in a licensed cosmetology salon, provided the salon employs a licensed cosmetologist. Except as provided in Rule 61G5-20.010, F.A.C., a salon must be at a fixed location.
I only do nails and facials do I need a salon license if I do not do hair?
Services from nail, facial, and full specialists are considered specialties under Section 477.013(6), F.S.. Many services are required to be carried on in a salon or specialty salon. But, again, there have been some changes to this requirement.
477.013 Definitions.–As used in this chapter:
(1) No cosmetology salon or specialty salon shall be permitted to operate without a license issued by the department except as provided in subsection (11).
(8) “Specialty salon” means any place of business wherein the practice of one or all of the specialties as defined in subsection (6) are engaged in or carried on.The Specialties in Subsection 6:
(6) “Specialty” means the practice of one or more of the following: (a) Manicuring, or the cutting, polishing, tinting, coloring, cleansing, adding, or extending of the nails, and massaging of the hands. This term includes any procedure or process for the affixing of artificial nails, except those nails which may be applied solely by use of a simple adhesive. (b) Pedicuring, or the shaping, polishing, tinting, or cleansing of the nails of the feet, and massaging or beautifying of the feet. (c) Facials, or the massaging or treating of the face or scalp with oils, creams, lotions, or other preparations, and skin care services.
I want to go to my client’s location; do I need a salon license?
Remember, there were changes made to allow some services to be performed outside a salon. Ready more here.
And Mobile salons are also licensed in Florida. If you plan to open one, mobile salons are subject to similar rules as salons, including periodic inspections.
477.025 Cosmetology salons; specialty salons; requisites; licensure; inspection; mobile cosmetology salons.–
(10)(a) The board shall adopt rules governing the licensure, operation, and inspection of mobile cosmetology salons, including their facilities, personnel, and safety and sanitary requirements.
(b) Each mobile salon must comply with all licensure and operating requirements specified in this chapter or chapter 455 or rules of the board or department that apply to cosmetology salons at fixed locations, except to the extent that such requirements conflict with this subsection or rules adopted pursuant to this subsection.
Are there any other exceptions for needing a salon license?
Yes, but just a few. They include going to a nursing home, hospital, or residence when a client is unable to make it to a licensed salon for reasons of ill health. There are also exceptions if the salon service is part of a motion picture shooting on location, trade show demonstration, or educational seminar.
477.0263 Cosmetology services to be performed in licensed salon; exception.
(2) Pursuant to rules established by the board, cosmetology services may be performed by a licensed cosmetologist in a location other than a licensed salon, including, but not limited to, a nursing home, hospital, or residence, when a client for reasons of ill health is unable to go to a licensed salon. Arrangements for the performance of such cosmetology services in a location other than a licensed salon shall be made only through a licensed salon.
(3) Any person who holds a valid cosmetology license in any state or who is authorized to practice cosmetology in any country, territory, or jurisdiction of the United States may perform cosmetology services in a location other than a licensed salon when such services are performed in connection with the motion picture, fashion photography, theatrical, or television industry; a photography studio salon; a manufacturer trade show demonstration; or an educational seminar.
Do hair braiders need a salon license?
Hair braider licenses are no longer regulated in Florida.
Can you have both a barbershop license and a salon license?
No. Both board websites state that only one business license can be issued per location. However, both state the following on their respective FAQ pages:
“A licensed barber is allowed to work in a cosmetology salon as long as a licensed cosmetologist is also employed. A licensed cosmetologist is allowed to work in a barbershop as long as a licensed barber is also employed.”
Check out the following links for more information on differences between barbershops and salons:
Barber Board FAQ
Cosmetology Board FAQ
Differences Between Barber and Cosmetologist
Are barbershops also regulated by the cosmetology board?
No. The Florida Barbers’ Board regulates barbers, restricted barbers, barber assistants, and barbershops.
Does a licensed barber also need a barbershop license?
Yes. Just like the cosmetology board, licensed barbers are required to work in a licensed barbershop. They also are inspected after a barbershop is licensed.
61G3-19.008 Barbershop Defined.
“Barbershop” means any place of business wherein the practice of barbering is carried on; however this does not prevent the practice of barbering in a licensed cosmetology salon or the practice of cosmetology in a licensed barbershop, provided the barbershop employs a licensed barber.
When can I open my salon or barbershop? Do I need to wait until after the inspection?
No, but you must wait for the license to be issued so it can be posted/displayed. After the license has been issued, an inspector will visit your shop unannounced within 90 days for the initial inspection.
Inspections are designed to keep the public safe, so the focus will be on sanitation. Inspectors will be looking for the minimum size of the salon, the presence of MMA, display of licenses, and maintenance/cleaning records of certain equipment. If something needs to be addressed, they will typically let you know about it right away so it can be corrected quickly.
The paper applications for salons and barbershops have a list of items the inspector will be auditing during their visit.
Salon and Barbershop Applications
COSMETOLOGY SALON LICENSE APPLICATION(COSMO 6)
BARBERSHOP LICENSE APPLICATION (BAR 5)
For a complete list of safety and sanitary requirements for salons, please refer to Rule 61G5-20.002, Florida Administrative Code.
For a complete list of safety and sanitary requirements for barbershops, please refer to Rule 61G3-19.011, Florida Administrative Code.
How much is the application and renewal fees for a salon or barbershop?
Initial Salon Application: $40.00, plus a non-refundable application fee of $50.00.
Salon Renewal Fees: $40.00 paid on or before November 30th biennially (even-numbered years).
Initial Barbershop Application: The application fee is $130 (includes inspection).
Barbershop Renewal Fees: $110.00 paid on or before November 30th biennially (even-numbered years).
See the Board websites for more information on fees and renewal deadlines:
Barbers’ Board
Cosmetology Board
I want to have a salon in my home. Is that legal?
It is legal and is handled like any other salon but with a few additional requirements, outlined below. Also, you should be aware of additional zoning regulations that may exist and may prohibit you from conducting business in your home. Check with your city or county government offices.
61G5-20.002 Salon Requirements
3. A salon, or specialty salon may be located at a place of residence. Salon facilities must be separated from the living quarters by a permanent wall construction. A separate entrance shall be provided to allow entry to the salon other than from the living quarters. Toilet and lavatory facilities shall comply with subparagraph (c)2. above and shall have an entrance from the salon other than the living quarters.
4. Animals: no animals or pets shall be allowed in a salon, with the exception of service animals and fish kept in closed aquariums.
I want to have a massage therapist rent a room in my salon or barbershop; is there anything additional required for that?
Yes! The Board of Massage is under a different department than the Cosmetology and Barber Boards. The Florida Department of Health, not the Department of Professional Business Regulation, oversees massage therapists and massage establishments.
Requirements for a massage establishment license include an application and fee of $255. It also requires a separate inspection and background check (with fingerprinting) for the owner of the license. The owner is also required to maintain property damage and bodily injury liability insurance coverage on the massage establishment. You can have the massage therapist own the establishment license. If they leave the establishment, the license goes with them.
The renewal fee for massage establishments is $155 and is due every other year by August 31st.
For more about massage establishments, I recommend looking over the following resources:
Application
Florida Board of Massage
Sample Inspection Form
Tips and FAQ
Do I need any other permits or licenses?
Probably. Numerous permits are required before opening a salon. Other permits and licenses may include a business operation license, a certificate of occupancy, a license to sell retail, a fire department permit, and a state cosmetology license. Contact your local municipality to see if anything else is required for opening a new business.
Additionally, you must choose a business structure for your salon, such as a partnership or corporation. We recommend that you meet with an attorney, who can explain tax and legal ramifications that will help you decide.
Time to get started!
You can either go to work, or you can be the boss. You’ve been dreaming about owning your own space and the flexibility and autonomy it brings. This information is all part of this dream of yours. Enjoy the new adventure!
Do you have any other questions? If so, let us know and we would be happy to help you find the answer.
Do you, yourself, have to hold a cosmetology or barbers license to hold the salon or Barbershop business license? Can I open the business and have only licensed professionals work there?
No. Anyone can hold a barber or salon license – you just cannot offer the services without the barber or cosmo licenses.
what zoning does the barbershop or salon have to be in ? example b-3, b-5 , m-1 etc?
Zoning ordinances are unique to each city or county. Contact your city or county government to see what they say.
Here is an example of permitted uses in Orlando for certain zoning areas – http://www.cityoforlando.net/city-planning/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2014/09/Code1974.pdf
I plan to open a beauty bar, do I myself have to have a cosmetology license if I only plan to do lashes, waxes, nails & brows?
No, a nail, facial, or full specialist can obtain a salon license. Actually, anyone can obtain a salon license. Nail and facial services must be performed in a licensed salon.
Thank you, for your reply! I have one more question, will I need a cosmetology license if I am a licensed braider/hair wrapper to perform services in the beauty bar?
What kind of services?
A few stylist want to open up a salon together and all run their own business.
We are all licensed, do we need anything else besides a salon license and a inspection?
Are there other fees to open up?
The landlord is paying for water, sewer and trash.
Thank you,
Joyce
I would check with your local county. You should look into your tax permits and if there is a business/occupational license needed in your area.
I am a licensed hair braider and want to open a hair braiding shop, do I need a salon license for that?
Very good question. I would read this about braiding and salons (See (2)) – http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0400-0499/0477/Sections/0477.0132.html
I would always recommend contacting the board or lawyer in this case, just in case things have changed.
hello, I am a licensed cosmetologist and I have a hair salon with a cosmo salon license. i now want to add a nail tech, is there any additional salon licensing i need to apply for thru the state or does my cosmo salon license cover me? Also does my nail tech required to have a cosmo license?
If you look at the rules, nail services are included under the salon rules. There is not a separate application for nail services.
Nail techs are nail techs. They cannot provide all the services a cosmetologist can offer.
A cosmetologist can offer the services a nail tech offers.
I rent a room inside a spa, eyelash extensions, facial services. I have my business cosmetology salon license hanging in my room and my individual facial specialist license hanging in the waiting area only. My question is do I also have to have the facial specialist license hanging in my room? And do I need a photo of me on the cosmetology salon license? I already have a photo of me on my facial specialist one. And if I am missing any other licenses.
I would not think if you have both licenses displayed in areas where all clients can see them that it would be an issue. I am not aware of any other state licenses you would need. Maybe local? But I cannot think of any right now that need to be displayed.
I want to start a mobile Barbering home/ office business. Most of my clients are elderly and cannot get to a Barbershop . What are the steps I need to take to make this legal ? I will be cutting their hair in their home or office
Hi Chris, I know there is current legislation to make cosmetology services outside the salon much easier – http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/cosmetology/. If signed that would take place July 1. I do not see barbering included in the bill, unfortunately.
Here is what I found in the Laws and Rules book
476.188 Barber services to be performed in registered barbershop; exception.–
(1) Barber services shall be performed only by licensed barbers in registered barbershops, except as otherwise
provided in this section.
(2) Pursuant to rules established by the board, barber services may be performed by a licensed barber in a location
other than a registered barbershop, including, but not limited to, a nursing home, hospital, or residence, when a
client for reasons of ill health is unable to go to a registered barbershop. Arrangements for the performance of
barber services in a location other than a registered barbershop shall be made only through a registered
barbershop.
(3) Any person who holds a valid barber’s license in any state or who is authorized to practice barbering in any
country, territory, or jurisdiction of the United States may perform barber services in a location other than a
registered barbershop when such services are performed in connection with the motion picture, fashion
photography, theatrical, or television industry; a manufacturer trade show demonstration; or an educational
seminar. History.–ss. 67, 117, ch. 83-329; ss. 19, 20, ch. 85-297; s. 46, ch. 89-374; s. 4, ch. 91-429.
Read more here – http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/pro/barb/documents/printable_barber_lawbook.pdf
Hi I’m planning to move to the Miami area within the next 6 months to open a mobile spa. I will be transferring my license from Ohio … where else should I start ? Do I need A brick n mortar? I’m also looking for a place with a separate entrance as well for a possible home spa as well.
Florida used to required that cosmetology services were in a mobile salon or salon (brick and mortar). But from what I understand, they can now be done outside the salon in many circumstances. I would read over the laws and rules booklet. It really is the best place to find answers to some of your questions.
http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/pro/cosmo/documents/printable_cosmetology_lawbook.pdf
Hi! I live in Florida and I’m really confused on how to go about starting a Salon in a spare bedroom out of my house for lashes extensions waxing and facials. I’m a licensed full speciality esthetician. I’ve been trying to find my states regulations on how to start and what rules to follow but I can only find regulations for cosmetology and barbers.
Hi Mercedes!
At first, I was confused about the difference between a salon and a specialty salon. Since your full specialist services fall under the definition of cosmetology, you need to follow the rules and laws of a salon, even though a lot of them pertain to hair and nails.
477.013 Definitions.–As used in this chapter:
(4) “Cosmetology” means the mechanical or chemical treatment of the head, face, and scalp for aesthetic rather than
medical purposes, including, but not limited to, hair shampooing, hair cutting, hair arranging, hair coloring, permanent
waving, and hair relaxing for compensation. This term also includes performing hair removal, including wax treatments,
manicures, pedicures, and skin care services.
See page 14 in the link below for the Salon requirements. It also mentions requirements for a salon at home.
Here is the laws and rules book to look over – http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/pro/cosmo/documents/printable_cosmetology_lawbook.pdf
Also, the board has a little information about a possible change for services outside a salon if the Governor signs a new Bill. It would be effective July 1st, but I have not heard any news on it lately.
I have a few questions im not finding any solid answers to hopefully you can help..
So im taking microblading in miami in September, i live in Bradenton.. so im curious about Fl regs etc.. what does body sculpting/contouring fall under? What kind of establishment? Does one who wants to perform non invasive cavitation, laser lipo pads, vacuuming- have to be a cosmetologist? Esthetician? Where would i find this info? im interested in having a small studio to offer tge above mentioned but jot quite sure where to start with the type of licensing and establishment…
This is complicated with so many different offerings. I am no sure about the non-invasive cavitation, laser lipo pads, vacuuming – to be honest. I am not sure if those are under the Esthetician scope, but I cannot think of what other regulation they would be under. I would contact the cosmetology board about those services.
I believe microblading is under the tattoo board and you will need a tattoo establishment license for that
hey there, GREAT info!! Thank you for all the resources in one easy to use spot. I’m under contract to open a salon. I currently have my cos license, llc, sin, and resale permit. I’m in the process of submitting my cos 6 application but got nervous because I read state board will visit within 90 days of licensure. Should I wait till closer to closing to apply for the salon license? Just nervous they will come and I won’t be set up
First of all, congrats on the new business! I know it is exciting and nerve-wracking for the first inspection.
So, with COVID and all, I know there are some “self inspections” happening. Here is a link on that – http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/reg/documents/Cosmetology%20Self-inspections%20FAQs.pdf
It even mentions the initial inspection. If you have questions about it, I would call the number on that sheet.
Best wishes!
During this covid crisis, at least short term, would it be worth pursuing renovations at home to accommodate a licensed barbershop?
Why not? I loved having a home business for years.
Hello, Being a facial specialist are we required to have a cosmetologist on board in order to run our own business?
If so can you direct me to that info please.
thanks
Hey can I open a salon without being a stylists and having a license? I don’t want to do hair or nails myself I just wanna own it
Sure!
If you are renting a suite in a salon and are already an esthetician/cosmetologist, do you still need a business license even though the salon that you are renting for has one? Thank you!
Do you mean do you need another salon license? If the location already has one, you should not need another one.
I am trying to rent a Salon Suite here in Florida and am having problems having to jump through hoops . I have a cosmetology license & thought all I needed was a business license. They have a salon & business license in there establishment. They are telling me to I have to call the zoning board contact the board & I need areal views of the building & site plan. Im frustrated & confused are they confused on what I trying to do? Any in site for me helpful advice? Thank you
If you have a business license, I do not see why they need more. The business license usually takes in account the zoning of the location. I wish I had some advice, but I would contact your county’s occupational/business licensing location and ask for some advice. Sorry I am not of much help here.
Best!
Ivy
Hello… I am interested in opening a salon in Hernando County Fl. My question is, I want to do booth rentals, is there anything special I or the renter need to do above the Salon License that I will have. I read about a Booth Renter license but I cannot find one. I am a licensed Cosmetologist in Florida already. I’m specifically asking about the booth renter info, I can handle all the regular Salon License stuff. Thank you for your assistance.
Not that I am aware of on a state level.
I’m located in Orlando Florida. I don’t do hair and I’m only interested in owning my salon and have Booth renters what are my responsibilities for owning a salon? Do I need to have license posted in the salon for the Booth Renters?
The location will need a salon license and pass the inspection.
Can I own a salon/spa without a cosmetology license? I would manage it and have licensed cosmetologists provide the treatments. Thanks!
Yes. You do not need to be a cosmetologist or specialist to obtain a salon license.
Hello! I’m opening my suite salon and I don’t have a salon license yet! How do I apply for one?
Congrats! Here are the applications – https://www.myfloridalicense.com/CheckListDetail.asp?SID=&xactCode=1030&clientCode=0502&XACT_DEFN_ID=5237
We are adding space to our dental office to perform neuromodulators, fillers, RF MicroNeedling, Fibroblast, Cool Peel, facials, and lashes. Do we need any additional permits other than what we have for our dental office? Can our estheticians use the microneedling machine or fibroblast if trained and under doctor’s supervision?
Excellent questions. But not ones I feel qualified to answer. Those are a lot of different services and I have some doubts all of those are under the scope of facial specialists in FL (particularly microneedling). The facials and lashes would likely need a salon license. Sorry I cannot be of more help, but this is something you will need to research further.
Hi, I own a hybrid salon some commission and I also rent out 10 suites. I don’t want to be responsible for the suite , I would like to require them to have their own salon license, i can’t control if they are doing all the required items needed to pass inspection. I would prefer they are not under my salon license.