Florida Licensing Overview for a Barber
Licensing for a barber in Florida is controlled by the Florida Division of Professions, Barbers’ Board.
General Guidelines for a Barber in Florida
Specific requirements to perform barber services can generally be used as a guideline, but make sure to check with your local governing rules and regulations.
Who’s allowed to perform these services?
Anyone holding a barber license
General requirements for a barber license?
1,200 hours of training at a barber school
Apprenticeship is not currently necessary for a barber license
What’s the state licensing site for a barber?
Florida Division of Professions, Barbers’ Board
What are some training programs available for a barber?
How long is a license good for and when do I need to renew?
Renews every 2 years.
What are fees associated with licensing?
$105
Barber Licensing
A barber is a professional who specializes in the cutting, styling, and grooming of men and boy’s hair and beards. This profession has a long-standing history filled with tradition and is an important subsection of the beauty industry. Many of the techniques and tools of barbering are as old as the profession itself. This includes the tools, techniques and overall aesthetic of the barbershop itself. Barbers are experts in their field. A barber’s job is primarily in customer satisfaction, which revolves around the customer service, friendliness, and communication of the barber.
To become a licensed barber in Florida there are several steps that must be taken.
- The completion of a formal barber program or apprenticeship
- Apply for registration with the Florida State Board for Barbers
- Undertake state licensing exams
- Ensure your license remains up to date
The completion of a formal barber program or apprenticeship
In Florida there is only one method in which to gain the necessary qualifications to become a licensed barber: through a formal barbering program. When going the route of a formal barbering program, students are required to undertake a minimum of 1200 hours of registered coursework.
Florida does not currently require apprenticeships as a career path to become a barber.
Apply for registration in the state of Florida
Following the completion of formal education via an institution, barbers are required to apply for registration with the Florida State Board for Barbers. Once this application has been processed, barbers are then able to apply for the licensing examinations. In order to have this application processed, applicants are required to submit:
- Application for Initial License Based on Florida Education
- An application fee
- Other specified documentation
Undertake state licensing exams
In Florida there are two licensing exams that can be undertaken: the restricted license exam and the barber license. Barber examinations in Florida are created by Bureau of Education and Testing. The Bureau utilizes Pearson VUE to schedule, administer, and score the examinations. There will be a fee for these examinations.
The main concepts that will be covered in the restricted barber examination may include (but are not limited to) the following:
- 30 multiple choice questions that cover state laws and regulations surrounding barbering
The main concepts that are covered in the barber examination may include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Safety, Sanitation, and Sterilization
- Florida Barber Rules and Laws
- Hair Cutting and Hair Styling
- Chemical Procedures
- Hair Structure
- Shaving, Beard, and Moustache Trimming
- Shampooing
Barbers will be sent an official notice from the Board detailing their results from both examinations. If successful, barbers will be eligible to apply for licensure to practice within the state of Florida.
Ensure your license remains up to date
Licensed barbers are required to update their license on or before July 31 in even-numbered years. This can be done easily online Florida State Board’s online license renewal portal. There is a $105 renewal fee for this license.
There is currently no ongoing education requirement for barbers during their licensing period in Florida. However, barbers must undertake a Board-approved HIV/AIDS course before the expiration of their license during each licensing period. Barbers may also choose to undertake ongoing education to further their career opportunities and stay up to date in current fashions and trends.