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How to become an esthetician in Florida

Florida estheticians are licensed by the Florida Board of Cosmetology, Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Here is what it takes to work as a licensed esthetician in Florida, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.

Who can become an esthetician in Florida?

Florida esthetician license requirements

Licensed byFlorida Board of Cosmetology, Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
License nameFacial Specialist registration (Florida's term for esthetician)
Education or training220 hours in a facial specialty program at a Florida school of cosmetology.
License term2 years; registrations expire October 31 of an odd or even year depending on group.
Continuing educationBoard-approved continuing education is required for renewal (not to exceed 10 hours every two years under s. 477.019(7)).
ReciprocityEndorsement is available if you hold a current, active registration or license in another state whose requirements are equal to or greater than Florida's; apprentice licenses do not qualify.

How much does it cost?

Initial specialist registration fee$40
Specialist registration application fee$30
Specialist registration by endorsement fee$24
Biennial renewal fee (rule 61G5-24.008)$40

Fees as listed by the state. Schools, courses, exam prep, insurance and equipment cost extra and vary by provider.

Steps to become an esthetician in Florida

  1. Complete 220 hours in a facial specialty program at a Florida cosmetology school
  2. Submit the facial specialty registration application and fees to DBPR
  3. Receive your registration once the application is approved
  4. Renew every two years after completing required CE

Apply on the official Florida site

How do you check an esthetician's license in Florida?

Questions people ask

Do you need a license to be an esthetician in Florida?

Yes. Florida requires a Facial Specialist registration (Florida's term for esthetician) from the Florida Board of Cosmetology, Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

How much does an esthetician license cost in Florida?

The fees the state lists include initial specialist registration fee $40, specialist registration application fee $30, specialist registration by endorsement fee $24, biennial renewal fee (rule 61g5-24.008) $40. Schools, courses, exam prep and insurance cost extra and vary by provider.

How do I check an esthetician's license in Florida?

Search the person's name or license number on the official Florida license lookup, and check that the status is active.

How long does an esthetician license last in Florida?

2 years; registrations expire October 31 of an odd or even year depending on group.

How to become an esthetician in other states

Sources: https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/cosmetology/faqs/ · https://www.flrules.org/gateway/RuleNo.asp?id=61G5-24.002 · https://www.flrules.org/gateway/RuleNo.asp?id=61G5-24.008 · http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0477/Sections/0477.019.html. Expert Helper is not a government agency; rules change, so confirm with the state before you apply.