Board of Cosmetology

Do you have a cosmetology license in another state?

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I transfer my cosmetology license from another state?

You are eligible for a Florida license by endorsement if you have a current and active license in another state, if the requirements of the other state are equal to or greater than the requirements for Florida cosmetology students. Florida cosmetology applicants are required to have 1,200 school hours and pass a licensing examination. If you meet those requirements, you are not required to take the Florida cosmetology examination.

What if my other state did not require that I complete 1,200 school hours?

If you have a current and active license in another state (such as New York or Massachusetts) that is based upon the completion of 1,000 school hours you can attend (in or outside of Florida) any cosmetology school to obtain the additional 200 educational hours to qualify for endorsement. In addition, you must provide proof of passing a state written examination.

OR

If you have a current and active license in another state (such as New York or Massachusetts) that is based upon the completion of 1,000 school hours and you do not want to complete the additional 200 school hours you may apply to take the Florida cosmetology examination. However, if you fail the examination twice there is a requirement for 40 additional school hours before being eligible to re-examine, and if you fail the examination three times, there is a requirement for 80 additional school hours before being eligible to re-examine. This option does not require you to complete the additional 200 school hours.

Apprenticeship licenses and apprenticeship education are not eligible for endorsement.

Also, if your initial hours of study were completed abroad, and you hold a cosmetology license from another state and the requirements of the other state are equal to or greater than the requirements for Florida cosmetology students, you may be eligible for a Florida license by endorsement.

What must I provide to demonstrate proof of at least 1,200 school hours and passing a written examination in another state?

Please contact the other state’s Cosmetology Board Office to request a license certification.  The license certification will verify the current and active status of the license, the completion of 1,200 or more school hours and the examination information.

Do any states require less than 1,200 school hours for licensure?

States such as New York and Massachusetts require the completion of 1,000 school hours for the cosmetology license.  It is a good idea to contact the state from which you are transferring to verify their cosmetology license requirements.