Florida is shaking things up for beauty pros statewide. What does this mean for your beauty biz? You might need a refresh or refocus on the new Florida rules affecting estheticians.
These rules affecting estheticians could impact everything from continuing education to menu offerings, and even change how mobile services are shared. You want to make sure you bypass fines, license issues, or unhappy clients? This blog will guide you on what you need to know!
Let’s dive into the latest regulatory changes every beauty pro in Florida (and beyond) should be aware of.
Key Takeaways
If you're a licensed beauty professional in Florida, these regulatory changes are more than just fine print, they directly impact how you work, what services you can offer, and how you grow your business. The new Florida rules affecting estheticians include trimmed CE requirements, reduced training hours, expanded mobile salon permissions, and clarified scope-of-practice restrictions. Staying informed (and insured) isn’t optional—it’s the key to keeping your license in good standing.
The Updates on Florida's New Esthetics Laws
Esthetics Continuing Education Updates
Florida trimmed its continuing-education requirement from 16 to 10 hours for all cosmetology licenses. That includes facial, nail, full specialists, and cosmetologists. Here's the breakdown of the required CE hours you should know about:
- 1 hr HIV/AIDS
- 3 hrs Sanitation & sterilization
- 0.5 hr OSHA
- 0.5 hr Workers’ compensation
- 2 hrs Laws & rules
- 1 hr Chemical makeup
- 1 hr Environmental issues
- 1 hr Elective
As of July 1, 2024, all licensees with an active Florida license for 10+ consecutive years and no disciplinary actions are exempt from the CE requirements (thanks SB 382!)
The DBPR will let qualified professionals know, but still, it's smart to double-check your online account to see if you're in the clear.
Need help finding a board-approved CE course? Want to better understand an esthetician's blueprint toward their career? We've got a blog for that!
Mobile Salon Regulations & Updates
Do you have a mobile esthetician setup? Are you planning one? Good news! Florida now licenses mobile cosmetology salons, but they must comply with the rules under Florida Statute 477.025 and Rule 61G5-20.010.
To sum it up, these rules basically tell mobile estheticians and those with mobile salons that they must:
- Maintain a permanent business address within your DBPR inspection area
- File a monthly itinerary, including locations, dates, and hours
- Display license/vehicle info prominently
- Keep client/appt records available for inspection
- Meet OSHA, ADA, and all local codes
- Provide a self-contained restroom, 35+ gallon fresh water, and proper sewage systems
Mobile salons do offer beauty pros the ultimate freedom, but noncompliance can result in hefty fines or license suspension. (And pssssst, you'll need a special kind of mobile esthetician insurance for that, too!)
Updates on Scope of Practice & What’s Now Off-Limits
Not everything goes in an esthetician's salon. Some things, tools, and equipment require a specific type of license or space.
The Florida Board of Cosmetology keeps its scope tight, it's important to know that these kinds of services are considered medical, and will require proper licensure, insurance, and special regulation:
- Microneedling
- Microblading
- Laser/IPL & HIFU/Ultrasound
- Plasma/Hyaluron pens
- Injectables & medical devices
Here's the thing to remember, too – being a licensed esthetician who can offer these things and services doesn’t mean you’re covered for these from a liability standpoint.
Our advice? Don’t risk it. There's a fine line of difference between estheticians and aestheticians – and their coverage is completely different!
Deregulated Service Updates – What You Can Do Now
On the flip side of things, there have been some esthetics and beauty pro services that have been deregulated. In other words, there are some beauty and service modalities that are completely license-free.
Here are a few that are now deregulated services:
- Hair braiding & wrapping
- Body wrapping
- Nail polish
- Makeup application
Here's the sticking point! When you combine these deregulated services with regulated services (like facials, peels, and more!), you still need to have the proper licensure. You can offer those services, but only within the legal confines.
Training Hours Reduced – Quicker Path In
In the past few months, with changes in legislation, Florida has reduced their required training hours, which most new professionals are counting as a win! Here's an update on the training hours that have been reduced:
- Facial Specialist: From 260 to 200 hours
- Nail Specialist: From 240 to 180 hours
- Full Specialist: From 500 to 400 hours
Importantly, we want to acknowledge that, yes, that means faster entry. But with the new regulations comes a concern – will schools uphold quality?
If you plan to mentor, work with, or hire new grads, double-check that their training has actually hit the mark.
Estheticians' Legal Risks & How to Stay Confidently Covered
Let’s be real for a second – navigating state laws and licensing requirements isn’t exactly the glamorous side of being a beauty pro. But, it is one of the most important parts of being a beauty pro or esthetician. With Florida’s new rules shaking up CE requirements, scope of practice, and mobile salon regulations, staying informed (and insured) isn’t just a suggestion, it’s an absolute and unequivocal must.
Here’s what could happen if you miss the mark and ignore regulation:
- You could face steep fines or formal disciplinary action
- Your professional license could be suspended or revoked
- You might even open yourself up to lawsuits or civil penalties if a client claims harm or misrepresentation
And even if you didn’t know you were out of compliance, you’re still on the hook to handle the fallout. Because in the eyes of the board, the excuse “I didn’t know” just won't cut it – they take regulations very seriously.
What’s a smart beauty pro to do? First, make sure you’re crystal clear on the latest Florida regulations by checking in with the Florida Board of Cosmetology.
If you’re still unsure where your services fall (or you’re expanding into mobile work or advanced modalities like body contouring or LED therapy), get in touch with your professional liability insurance provider.
At Beauty Insurance Plus, we specialize in helping licensed estheticians and beauty pros stay covered with insurance policies that fit your services and your business model.
Whether you’re spa-based, mobile, or building your own med spa empire, our coverage is built to move with you.
Confidence starts with knowing you’re protected. Let us help you stay fully licensed, fully legal, and fully backed.
FAQs About New Florida Rules Affecting Estheticians
- Is makeup really license-free? Yes! Services like makeup, braiding, and body wraps are deregulated, but only when done alone. Obviously, if you combine them with licensed services, then proper certification is still required.
- How do I check my CE exemption status? Log in to your DBPR account or check the MyFloridaLicense portal – SB 382 exemptions took effect July 1, 2024 for eligible professionals.
- What if I mix regulated and deregulated services in one appointment? You’ll need a license that covers the regulated service. Deregulation doesn’t give blanket permission; it just allows stand-alone braiding, wrapping, or polishing work without a license.
- Can I do mobile facials? Absolutely! Just as long as you comply with mobile salon rules: permanent address, itinerary filing, records retention, ADA/OSHA, and water and sewage systems.
A Few Last-Minute Things to Know About New Florida Rules Affecting Estheticians
Florida’s beauty biz landscape is shifting – and fast! As always, knowledge and awareness are your best protectors. From trimmed CE requirements and mobile salon freedom to stricter medical scope and faster certification paths, staying legal is what it takes to stay in business.
Need help with coverage, compliance, or navigating med spa regulations? Beauty Insurance Plus is here with tools, tips, and, of course, policies to keep you covered and confident.
