IMPORTANT NEWS...

Florida Board of Cosmetology Prohibits Fish Pedicures

February 20, 2009

TALLAHASSEE—In recent months, several cosmetology salons in Florida have been offering fish pedicures, the use of tiny, live carp to clean feet.  At their January 2009 meeting, the Florida Board of Cosmetology, housed within the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, determined that fish pedicures are not permitted in cosmetology salons in Florida.   Fish pedicures violate two previously standing rules, one that prohibits animals or pets, excluding animals trained to assist the hearing impaired, visually impaired, or the physically disabled, in salons and another that sets the standards for pedicure sanitation requirements.

If salons are found performing fish pedicures, the salon and the cosmetologist may be subject to citations and fines.  The Board of Cosmetology consists of seven members: five cosmetologists and two consumer members.

The department’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly.  The department licenses more than one million businesses and professionals ranging from real estate agents, veterinarians, and accountants to contractors and cosmetologists.  For more information, please visit MyFloridaLicense.com. 

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