Skip to content

How to Get Your Barber License in Florida

Posted on March 7, 2025 - Posted in: News

Embarking on the journey to becoming a barber offers a fulfilling career with countless opportunities. Whether you have the desire to work in a traditional barbershop, beauty salons, resort spas, or even creating your own business, you have multiple avenues you can explore. As demand for skilled professionals in the beauty and grooming industry continues to grow, obtaining your barbering license in Florida can be a gamechanger for your career.

To obtain your barber license in Florida, you will need to fulfill the state’s requirements which include completing at least 600 hours of training through a barbering school or 900 hours through training at a Florida barbering school. These hours can easily be completed through a comprehensive education program* designed to provide you with the hands-on experience and knowledge to be successful within the field.

The path to becoming a barber and obtaining your barber license can look different for every individual depending on goals and life commitments. One of the most common routes to obtain a barbering license is enrolling in a barber school program, though the lengths can vary. For example, you can attend a 30-week barber program* totaling 900 hours of theory and hands-on training. A comprehensive educational program like this will prepare you to meet Florida’s barber licensing requirements and prepare you for your exam by ensuring you have the skills needed to succeed as a professional barber.

What is a barber?

A barber is a skilled professional that works within the cosmetology industry who specialize in the cutting, grooming, and styling of hair primarily for males, though many barbers also work with females. The services they offer can vary depending on each client’s needs, and they typically can include haircuts, facial shaving, beard trims, hair styling, and more. Barbers are trained with a variety of different tools including clippers, razors, and scissors, to provide precise and tailored results for each client. In addition to performing these services, barbers can often offer recommendations for best haircare products, groom techniques, and treatments for scalp conditions, which helps their clients maintain healthy hair and well groom appearances.

Benefits of Earning Your Barbering License in Florida

As a licensed barber in Florida, you have several key benefits you gain:

Increased Job Opportunities: As an individual who has obtained their barbering license in Florida, you will open doors to a variety of different opportunities. Based off your interest, you can work in a variety of settings including barbershops, salons, resorts, spas or even be a mobile barbering service.

Gain Credibility: Upon successful completion of a barbering license in Florida, it showcases that you have received the necessary education and training to perform barbering services professionally and safely. In addition to this, it builds rapport with clients ensuring that you have a lasting clientele.

Job Security: The demand for professional barbers according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics** predicts that job growth in this field to grow by seven percent between 2023-2033. With a valid barbering license in Florida, you position yourself in a stable industry. Plus, the climate in Florida often drives tourism in the state which in turn could provide potential steady flow of clients.

Legal Protection: By obtaining your barbering license in Florida, it ensures that you comply with Florida’s Regulatory Board, which can protect you legally in the event of disputes or issues regarding the services you provide occur.

Steps to Becoming a Barbering License in Florida

Step 1: Meet the General Requirements

  • Any individual who wants to obtain a barber license in Florida, must be at least 16 years old or have a high school diploma
  • Have a valid Social Security number

Step 2: Education Requirements

  • In order to be eligible for Florida’s barbering license and examination, you must complete one of the following education requirements:
    • Complete a total of at least 600 educational hours and be determined competent by a school official to sit for the barbering exam
    • Complete 900 hours of training at a Florida barbering school. These 900 hours can be obtained through a state-certified barbering program, which includes the following breakdown of hours:
      • 225 of Florida laws and rules
      • 270 hours of safety, sanitation, and sterilization
      • 90 hours of hair structure chemistry
      • 135 hours of hair cutting- taper cuts and style cuts with blow dry
      • 45 hours of shampooing
      • 90 hours of chemical services including permanent weaving, coloring, bleaching, hair relaxing, and curling
      • 45 hours of shaving, beard trimming, and mustache trimming
  • Complete a board-approved HIV/AIDS barber course that is at least two hours and taken within two years prior to submitting your application.
  • A certificate of course completion for both the school program and barbering HIV/AIDS course will be required when submitting your application

Step 3: Submit Your Application & Pay the Fee

  • An individual seeking a barbering license must submit a completed application which includes the following:
    • Provide certificates of completion for your education course of at least 600 hours or 900 hours and two-hour HIV/AIDS barber course
    • Complete the background check, including providing an explanation for any response that you indicate yes to
    • A signed affirmation of a written declaration of your application
  • Based on the license type you’re applying for; you will pay the following application fees via a credit card or electronic check:
  • For Licensure as a Barber
    • $155.50 if applying between April 1 of an even year and July 31 of an odd year
    • $130.50 if applying between August 1 of an odd year and March 31 of an even year
  • For Licensure as a Restricted Barber
    • $188.50 if applying between April 1 of an even year and July 31 of an odd year
    • $163.50 if applying between August 1 of an odd year and March 31 of an even year

Step 4: Pass Florida’s Barbering License Examination

Once your examination application has been approved, you will be contacted to schedule your test through Pearson VUE.

  • If you pass your exam the first time, you will be able to work in a licensed barbershop under the supervision of a licensed barber as long as they post your exam results and a photo at their station.
  • If you fail your exam the first time, you will not be able to work until you apply to the department for a reexamination, provide a copy to the barbershop/salon owner a copy of your reexamination application and exam authorization from Pearson VUE, and posts a copy of your exam results as well as a recent photo at their station.
    • It’s important to note that you will have 180 days to retake and pass the examination, if you fail to pass the examination again you will be unable to work until you pass it.

Step 5: Receiving Your Barbering License

Upon passing your exam, submitting your completed application with fee, and passing the background check, you will receive your valid Florida barbering license. This will allow you to legally work as a barber within the state of Florida.  The license is valid for two years.

Step 6: Renew Your License

Florida’s regulatory requirements require any individual who holds a barbering license to complete a board-approved HIV/AIDS barbering courses prior to licensing expiring on or before July 31 of even-numbered years.

Get Started on Your Journey Today

Act today and begin the journey to obtaining your barbering license. Each individual has their own unique career calling, and if this sounds like the best path for you, take action now find a program that meets your educational goals and Florida’s requirements. Once you’ve completed a program and a HIV/AIDS course, you will be able to submit your application for licensure. With the knowledge and skillsets, you’ve learned from a program, you’ll be well prepared to take Florida’s barbering license exam. After passing the exam, you will officially obtain your Florida barbering license and be able to continue your own unique career journey.

Additional Information/Resources: