Study guide
8.2 Florida State Laws & Regulations
Cosmetology State Board Exam Exam
Track your progress as you read
Finished sections get a check mark.
1 Introduction to the Cosmetology State Board Exam
1.1 About the Cosmetology State Board Exam 1.2 NIC vs State-Specific Exams 1.3 Exam Content Breakdown 1.4 How to Register and What to Expect 1.5 How to Use This Study Guide
2 Chapter 2: Scientific Concepts (35% of NIC Exam)
2.1 Infection Control & Sanitation 2.2 Bacteriology 2.3 Anatomy & Physiology - Skin 2.4 Anatomy & Physiology - Hair & Nails 2.5 Chemistry for Cosmetology 2.6 Electricity & Safety
3 Hair Care and Services
3.1 Hair Analysis and Consultation 3.2 Shampooing and Conditioning 3.3 Haircutting Fundamentals 3.4 Hairstyling and Finishing 3.5 Chemical Texture Services 3.6 Hair Coloring
4 Skin Care & Esthetics
4.1 Skin Analysis & Consultation 4.2 Facial Treatments 4.3 Hair Removal 4.4 Makeup Application
5 Chapter 5: Nail Care
5.1 Nail Anatomy & Disorders 5.2 Manicure Services 5.3 Pedicure Services 5.4 Nail Enhancements 5.5 Nail Art & Finishing
6 Chapter 6: State Licensing Requirements
6.1 How State Licensing Works 6.2 Training-Hour Requirements Across States 6.3 Exam Components: Theory and Practical 6.4 Application, Background Checks & Fees 6.5 Reciprocity, Endorsement & License Transfer 6.6 Renewal and Continuing Education 6.7 Scope of Practice & License Types 6.8 State Sanitation Rules & Discipline 6.9 Multi-State Comparison & Relocation Guide
7 Chapter 7: New York Cosmetology Exam
7.1 About the New York Cosmetology Exam 7.2 New York State Laws & Regulations 7.3 NY Written Exam Content 7.4 NY Practical Exam 7.5 NY-Specific Practice Questions
8 Chapter 8: Florida Cosmetology Exam
8.1 About the Florida Cosmetology Exam 8.2 Florida State Laws & Regulations 8.3 Florida Salon Requirements 8.4 FL Theory Exam Content 8.5 FL Clinical Exam Content 8.6 FL-Specific Practice Questions
9 Chapter 9: Test Strategies
9.1 Test-Taking Strategies 9.2 Preparing for the Written Exam 9.3 Preparing for the Practical Exam 9.4 Exam Day Checklist 9.5 Comprehensive Practice Questions 9.6 Final Review Checklist
8.2 Florida State Laws & Regulations
Key Takeaways Explain This Topic AI
DBPR (Department of Business and Professional Regulation) oversees all cosmetology licensing in Florida
Chapter 477, Florida Statutes is the "Florida Cosmetology Act" - the primary law governing cosmetology
Chapter 61G5, Florida Administrative Code contains the detailed rules and regulations
A 4-hour HIV/AIDS course must be completed within 2 years prior to initial license application
- 10 hours of continuing education required every 2 years for license renewal
- Last updated: January 2026
Understanding Florida's cosmetology laws and regulations is essential for passing your exams and maintaining compliance throughout your career. A significant portion of both exams tests your knowledge of these state-specific requirements.
- Regulatory Structure
- DBPR - Department of Business and Professional Regulation
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is the state agency responsible for overseeing all professional licensing, including cosmetology. The DBPR:
- Issues and renews licenses
- Conducts inspections
- Investigates complaints
- Enforces disciplinary actions
- Maintains license records
- Contact: www.MyFloridaLicense.com
- Florida Board of Cosmetology
The Board of Cosmetology operates under the DBPR and consists of industry professionals and public members appointed by the Governor. The Board:
- Sets standards for education and training
- Approves examination content
- Establishes practice standards
- Reviews disciplinary cases
- Approves continuing education providers
- Chapter 477, Florida Statutes - The Florida Cosmetology Act
Chapter 477 is the primary law governing cosmetology in Florida. Key provisions include:
Purpose (477.011)
"The Legislature deems it necessary in the interest of public health to regulate the practice of cosmetology in this state."
Key Definitions (477.013)
- Term Legal Definition
- Cosmetology Mechanical or chemical treatment of the head, face, and scalp for aesthetic (not medical) purposes
- Cosmetologist A person licensed to engage in the practice of cosmetology
- Salon A licensed establishment where cosmetology services are performed
- Specialty Facial specialist, nail specialist, or full specialist
- License Types Under Chapter 477
- Cosmetologist - Full scope of practice
- Facial Specialist (Esthetician) - Skin care services only
- Nail Specialist - Manicure and pedicure services only
- Full Specialist - Both facial and nail services
- Salon License - Required for any establishment
- Services NOT Requiring a License (Exemptions)
As of July 1, 2020, the following services are deregulated in Florida:
- Hair braiding
- Hair wrapping
- Body wrapping
Additionally, no license is required for:
- Makeup/cosmetology services for theatrical, film, or entertainment productions
- Services provided to actors, musicians, or other talent (not the general public)
- Chapter 61G5, Florida Administrative Code
Chapter 61G5 contains the detailed rules and regulations implementing Chapter 477. This includes:
- Application procedures
- Examination requirements
- Salon requirements
- Sanitation standards
- Continuing education requirements
- Disciplinary guidelines
- Key Sections to Know
- Section Topic
- 61G5-18 Applications and Examinations
- 61G5-20 Cosmetology Salons
- 61G5-22 Licenses
- 61G5-29 Continuing Education
- 61G5-30 Disciplinary Guidelines
- HIV/AIDS Education Requirement
Florida requires HIV/AIDS education for all cosmetology professionals:
- Initial Licensure
- 4-hour HIV/AIDS course required
- Must be completed within 2 years prior to application submission
- Must be from a DBPR-approved provider
- Covers transmission, prevention, infection control, and legal requirements
- Why This Matters
Cosmetologists may come into contact with blood and bodily fluids during services. Understanding HIV/AIDS and other bloodborne pathogens is essential for:
- Protecting clients
- Protecting yourself
- Proper sanitation procedures
- Legal compliance
- Continuing Education Requirements
To renew your Florida cosmetology license, you must complete continuing education every 2-year renewal period:
10-Hour CE Requirement Breakdown
- Subject Hours Required
- HIV/AIDS & Communicable Diseases 1 hour
- Sanitation & Sterilization 3 hours
- OSHA Regulations 0.5 hour
- Workers' Compensation 0.5 hour
- Laws & Rules 2 hours
- Chemical Makeup 1 hour
- Environmental Issues 1 hour
- Elective (any cosmetology subject) 1 hour
- TOTAL 10 hours
- CE Exemption (Effective July 1, 2024)
Licensees who meet ALL of the following criteria may be exempt from CE:
- Held an active Florida license for at least 10 consecutive years
- No disciplinary action during that period
- License Renewal
- Renewal Schedule
- Individual licenses expire October 31st every 2 years
- Group 1: Odd years (2025, 2027, etc.)
- Group 2: Even years (2026, 2028, etc.)
- Salon licenses expire November 30th of even years
- Renewal Requirements
- Complete 10 hours of approved continuing education
- Pay renewal fee
- Verify current mailing address
- Complete renewal application online or by mail
- Delinquent/Null and Void Licenses
- Delinquent: License expired but less than 12 months - can reactivate with CE + late fee
Null and Void: License expired more than 12 months - must complete new 4-hour HIV/AIDS course and may need to retake exams
Disciplinary Actions
The Board of Cosmetology can take disciplinary action for violations including:
- Practicing without a license
- Fraudulent conduct
- Violation of sanitation requirements
- Practicing under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Failure to display license
- Advertising violations
- Criminal convictions related to the profession
- Possible Penalties
- Fines (up to $5,000 per violation)
- Probation
- License suspension
- License revocation
- Required additional education
- Key Takeaways
- The DBPR and Board of Cosmetology regulate all aspects of cosmetology in Florida
- Chapter 477 is the Florida Cosmetology Act - know its key provisions
- Chapter 61G5 contains the detailed rules and regulations
- HIV/AIDS education is mandatory for initial licensure and renewal
- Complete 10 hours of CE every 2 years to maintain your license
- Hair braiding, hair wrapping, and body wrapping are NOT regulated in Florida