477.012 Purpose.—The Legislature deems it necessary in the interest of public health to regulate the practice of cosmetology in this state. However, restrictions shall be imposed only to the extent necessary to protect the public from significant and discernible danger to health and not in a manner which will unreasonably affect the competitive market. Further, consumer protection for both health and economic matters shall be afforded the public through legal remedies provided for in this act.
(2) “Department” means the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
(3) “Cosmetologist” means a person who is licensed to engage in the practice of cosmetology in this state under the authority of this chapter.
(4) “Cosmetology” means the mechanical or chemical treatment of the head, face, and scalp for aesthetic rather than medical purposes, including, but not limited to, hair shampooing, hair cutting, hair arranging, hair coloring, permanent waving, and hair relaxing for compensation. This term also includes performing hair removal, including wax treatments, manicures, pedicures, and skin care services.
(5) “Specialist” means any person holding a specialty registration in one or more of the specialties registered under this chapter.
(6) “Specialty” means the practice of one or more of the following:
(a) Manicuring, or the cutting, polishing, tinting, coloring, cleansing, adding, or extending of the nails, and massaging of the hands. This term includes any procedure or process for the affixing of artificial nails, except those nails which may be applied solely by use of a simple adhesive.
(b) Pedicuring, or the shaping, polishing, tinting, or cleansing of the nails of the feet, and massaging or beautifying of the feet.
(c) Facials, or the massaging or treating of the face or scalp with oils, creams, lotions, or other preparations, and skin care services.
(7) “Shampooing” means the washing of the hair with soap and water or with a special preparation, or applying hair tonics.
(8) “Specialty salon” means any place of business wherein the practice of one or all of the specialties as defined in subsection (6) are engaged in or carried on.
(9) “Hair braiding” means the weaving or interweaving of natural human hair or commercial hair, including the use of hair extensions or wefts, for compensation without cutting, coloring, permanent waving, relaxing, removing, or chemical treatment.
(10) “Hair wrapping” means the wrapping of manufactured materials around a strand or strands of human hair, for compensation, without cutting, coloring, permanent waving, relaxing, removing, weaving, chemically treating, braiding, using hair extensions, or performing any other service defined as cosmetology.
(11) “Photography studio salon” means an establishment where the hair-arranging services and the application of cosmetic products are performed solely for the purpose of preparing the model or client for the photographic session without shampooing, cutting, coloring, permanent waving, relaxing, or removing of hair or performing any other service defined as cosmetology.
(12) “Body wrapping” means a treatment program that uses herbal wraps for the purposes of cleansing and beautifying the skin of the body, but does not include:
(a) The application of oils, lotions, or other fluids to the body, except fluids contained in presoaked materials used in the wraps; or
(b) Manipulation of the body’s superficial tissue, other than that arising from compression emanating from the wrap materials.
(13) “Skin care services” means the treatment of the skin of the body, other than the head, face, and scalp, by the use of a sponge, brush, cloth, or similar device to apply or remove a chemical preparation or other substance, except that chemical peels may be removed by peeling an applied preparation from the skin by hand. Skin care services must be performed by a licensed cosmetologist or facial specialist within a licensed cosmetology or specialty salon, and such services may not involve massage therapy, as defined in s. 480.033, through manipulation of the superficial tissue.
(1) This chapter does not apply to the following persons when practicing pursuant to their professional or occupational responsibilities and duties:
(a) Persons authorized under the laws of this state to practice medicine, surgery, osteopathic medicine, chiropractic medicine, massage therapy, naturopathy, or podiatric medicine.
(b) Commissioned medical or surgical officers of the United States Armed Forces hospital services.
(c) Registered nurses under the laws of this state.
(d) Persons practicing barbering under the laws of this state.
(e) Persons employed in federal, state, or local institutions, hospitals, or military bases as cosmetologists whose practices are limited to the inmates, patients, or authorized military personnel of such institutions, hospitals, or bases.
(f) Persons whose practice is limited to the application of cosmetic products to another person in connection with the sale, or attempted sale, of such products at retail without compensation from such other person other than the regular retail price of such merchandise.
(2) A license is not required of any person whose occupation or practice is confined solely to shampooing.
(3) A license or registration is not required of any person whose occupation or practice is confined solely to cutting, trimming, polishing, or cleansing the fingernails of any person when said cutting, trimming, polishing, or cleansing is done in a barbershop licensed pursuant to chapter 476 which is carrying on a regular and customary business of barbering, and such individual has been practicing the activities set forth in this subsection prior to October 1, 1985.
(4) A photography studio salon is exempt from the licensure provisions of this chapter. However, the hair-arranging services of such salon must be performed under the supervision of a licensed cosmetologist employed by the salon. The salon must use disposable hair-arranging implements or use a wet or dry sanitizing system approved by the federal Environmental Protection Agency.
(5) A license is not required of any individual providing makeup, special effects, or cosmetology services to an actor, stunt person, musician, extra, or other talent during a theatrical, film, or other entertainment production. Such services are not required to be performed in a licensed salon. Individuals exempt under this subsection may not provide such services to the general public.
(6) A license is not required of any individual providing makeup or special effects services in a theme park or entertainment complex to an actor, stunt person, musician, extra, or other talent, or providing makeup or special effects services to the general public. The term “theme park or entertainment complex” has the same meaning as in s. 509.013(9).
(7) A license or registration is not required for a person whose occupation or practice is confined solely to hair braiding as defined in s. 477.013(9).
(8) A license or registration is not required for a person whose occupation or practice is confined solely to hair wrapping as defined in s. 477.013(10).
(9) A license or registration is not required for a person whose occupation or practice is confined solely to body wrapping as defined in s. 477.013(12).
(10) A license or registration is not required for a person whose occupation or practice is confined solely to applying polish to fingernails and toenails.
(11) A license or registration is not required for a person whose occupation or practice is confined solely to makeup application, which includes, but is not limited to, application of makeup primer, face paint, lipstick, eyeliner, eye shadow, foundation, rouge or cheek color, mascara, strip lashes, individual lashes, face powder, corrective stick, and makeup remover; but does not include manual or chemical exfoliation, semipermanent lash application, lash or brow tinting, permanent makeup application, microblading, or hair removal.
477.014 Qualifications for practice.—No person other than a duly licensed cosmetologist shall practice cosmetology or use the name or title of cosmetologist.
(1) There is created within the department the Board of Cosmetology consisting of seven members, who shall be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate, and whose function it shall be to carry out the provisions of this act.
(2) Five members of the board shall be licensed cosmetologists and shall have been engaged in the practice of cosmetology in this state for not less than 5 years. Two members of the board shall be laypersons. Each board member shall be a resident of this state and shall have been a resident of this state for not less than 5 continuous years.
(3) The Governor may at any time fill vacancies on the board for the remainder of unexpired terms. Each member of the board shall hold over after the expiration of his or her term until a successor is duly appointed and qualified. No board member shall serve more than two consecutive terms, whether full or partial.
(4) Before assuming his or her duties as a board member, each appointee shall take the constitutional oath of office and shall file it with the Department of State, which shall then issue to such member a certificate of his or her appointment.
(5) The board shall, in the month of January, elect from its number a chair and a vice chair.
(6) The board shall hold such meetings during the year as it may determine to be necessary, one of which shall be the annual meeting. The chair of the board shall have the authority to call other meetings at his or her discretion. A quorum of the board shall consist of not less than four members.
(7) Each member of the board shall receive $50 for each day spent in the performance of official board business, with the total annual compensation per member not to exceed $2,000. Additionally, board members shall receive per diem and mileage as provided in s. 112.061, from place of residence to place of meeting and return.
(8) Each board member shall be held accountable to the Governor for the proper performance of all his or her duties and obligations. The Governor shall investigate any complaints or unfavorable reports received concerning the actions of the board, or its members, and shall take appropriate action thereon, which action may include removal of any board member. The Governor may remove from office any board member for neglect of duty, incompetence, or unprofessional or dishonorable conduct.
History.—s. 1, ch. 78-253; ss. 13, 15, 25, 30, 34, 39, 62, ch. 80-406; s. 2, ch. 81-318; ss. 23, 35, 36, ch. 85-297; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 167, ch. 94-218; s. 402, ch. 97-103.
477.016 Rulemaking.—
(1) The board may adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement the provisions of this chapter conferring duties upon it.
(2) The board may by rule adopt any restriction established by a regulation of the United States Food and Drug Administration related to the use of a cosmetic product or any substance used in the practice of cosmetology if the board finds that the product or substance poses a risk to the health, safety, and welfare of clients or persons providing cosmetology services.
477.018 Investigative services.—The department shall provide all investigative services required by the board or the department in carrying out the provisions of this act.
(1) A person desiring to be licensed as a cosmetologist shall apply to the department for licensure.
(2) An applicant is eligible for licensure by examination to practice cosmetology if the applicant:
(a) Is at least 16 years of age or has received a high school diploma;
(b) Pays the required application fee, which is not refundable, and the required examination fee, which is refundable if the applicant is determined to not be eligible for licensure for any reason other than failure to successfully complete the licensure examination; and
(c) Has received a minimum of 1,200 hours of training as established by the board, which must include, but is not limited to, the equivalent of completion of services directly related to the practice of cosmetology at one of the following:
1. A school of cosmetology licensed pursuant to chapter 1005.
2. A cosmetology program within the public school system.
3. The Cosmetology Division of the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind, provided the division meets the standards of this chapter.
4. A government-operated cosmetology program in this state.
The board shall establish by rule procedures whereby the school or program may certify that a person is qualified to take the required examination after the completion of a minimum of 1,000 actual school hours. If the person then passes the examination, he or she has satisfied this requirement; but if the person fails the examination, he or she may not be qualified to take the examination again until the completion of the full requirements provided by this section.
(3) Upon an applicant receiving a passing grade, as established by board rule, on the examination and paying the initial licensing fee, the department shall issue a license to practice cosmetology.
(4) If an applicant passes all parts of the examination for licensure as a cosmetologist, he or she may practice in the time between passing the examination and receiving a physical copy of his or her license if he or she practices under the supervision of a licensed cosmetologist in a licensed salon. An applicant who fails any part of the examination may not practice as a cosmetologist and may immediately apply for reexamination.
(5) Renewal of license registration shall be accomplished pursuant to rules adopted by the board.
(6) The board shall certify as qualified for licensure by endorsement as a cosmetologist in this state an applicant who holds a current active license to practice cosmetology in another state.
(7)(a) The board shall prescribe by rule continuing education requirements intended to ensure protection of the public through updated training of licensees and registered specialists, not to exceed 10 hours biennially, as a condition for renewal of a license or registration as a specialist under this chapter. Continuing education courses shall include, but not be limited to, the following subjects as they relate to the practice of cosmetology: human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome; Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations; workers’ compensation issues; state and federal laws and rules as they pertain to cosmetologists, cosmetology, salons, specialists, specialty salons, and booth renters; chemical makeup as it pertains to hair, skin, and nails; and environmental issues. Courses given at cosmetology conferences may be counted toward the number of continuing education hours required if approved by the board.
(b) The board may, by rule, require any licensee in violation of a continuing education requirement to take a refresher course or refresher course and examination in addition to any other penalty. The number of hours for the refresher course may not exceed 48 hours.
(1) Any person is qualified for registration as a specialist in any specialty practice within the practice of cosmetology under this chapter who:
(a) Is at least 16 years of age or has received a high school diploma.
(b) Has received a certificate of completion for:
1. One hundred and eighty hours of training, as established by the board, which shall focus primarily on sanitation and safety, to practice specialties as defined in s. 477.013(6)(a) and (b);
2. Two hundred and twenty hours of training, as established by the board, which shall focus primarily on sanitation and safety, to practice the specialty as defined in s. 477.013(6)(c); or
3. Four hundred hours of training or the number of hours of training required to maintain minimum Pell Grant requirements, as established by the board, which shall focus primarily on sanitation and safety, to practice the specialties as defined in s. 477.013(6)(a)-(c).
(c) The certificate of completion specified in paragraph (b) must be from one of the following:
1. A school licensed pursuant to s. 477.023.
2. A school licensed pursuant to chapter 1005 or the equivalent licensing authority of another state.
3. A specialty program within the public school system.
4. A specialty division within the Cosmetology Division of the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind, provided the training programs comply with minimum curriculum requirements established by the board.
(2) A person desiring to be registered as a specialist shall apply to the department in writing upon forms prepared and furnished by the department.
(3) Upon paying the initial registration fee, the department shall register the applicant to practice one or more of the specialty practices within the practice of cosmetology.
(4) Renewal of registration shall be accomplished pursuant to rules adopted by the board.
(5) The board shall adopt rules specifying procedures for the registration of specialty practitioners desiring to be registered in this state who have been registered or licensed and are practicing in states which have registering or licensing standards substantially similar to, equivalent to, or more stringent than the standards of this state.
(6) Pending issuance of registration, a person is eligible to practice as a specialist upon submission of a registration application that includes proof of successful completion of the education requirements and payment of the applicable fees required by this chapter, provided such practice is under the supervision of a registered specialist in a licensed specialty or cosmetology salon.
(1) A cosmetologist’s license that has become inactive may be reactivated under s. 477.019 upon application to the department.
(2) The board shall adopt rules relating to licenses that become inactive and for the renewal of inactive licenses. The rules may not require more than one renewal cycle of continuing education to reactivate a license. The board shall prescribe by rule a fee not to exceed $50 for the reactivation of an inactive license and a fee not to exceed $50 for the renewal of an inactive license.
477.0213 Cosmetology graduates of Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind; licenses.—The department shall license candidates upon graduation from the Cosmetology Division of the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind. The department shall, by rule, provide fees for licenses issued to candidates from the Cosmetology Division of the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind and shall also provide, by rule, for the type of licenses to be issued and for any required applications.
(1) The board shall ensure that examinations adequately measure both an applicant’s competency and her or his knowledge of related statutory requirements. Professional testing services may be utilized to formulate the examinations. The board may offer a written clinical examination or a performance examination, or both, in addition to a written theory examination.
(2) The board shall ensure that examinations comply with state and federal equal employment opportunity guidelines.
(3) The examination shall be given at least once a year.
(4) All licensing examinations shall be conducted in such manner that the applicant shall be known by number only until her or his examination is completed and the proper grade determined. An accurate record of each examination shall be made; and that record shall be filed with the secretary of the department and shall be kept for reference and inspection for a period of not less than 2 years immediately following the examination.
477.023 Schools of cosmetology; licensure.—No private school of cosmetology shall be permitted to operate without a license issued by the Commission for Independent Education pursuant to chapter 1005. However, nothing herein shall be construed to prevent certification by the Department of Education of cosmetology training programs within the public school system or to prevent government operation of any other program of cosmetology in this state.
(1) No cosmetology salon or specialty salon shall be permitted to operate without a license issued by the department except as provided in subsection (11).
(2) The board shall adopt rules governing the licensure and operation of salons and specialty salons and their facilities, personnel, safety and sanitary requirements, and the license application and granting process.
(3) Any person, firm, or corporation desiring to operate a cosmetology salon or specialty salon in the state shall submit to the department an application upon forms provided by the department and accompanied by any relevant information requested by the department and by an application fee.
(4) Upon receiving the application, the department may cause an investigation to be made of the proposed cosmetology salon or specialty salon.
(5) When an applicant fails to meet all the requirements provided herein, the department shall deny the application in writing and shall list the specific requirements not met. No applicant denied licensure because of failure to meet the requirements herein shall be precluded from reapplying for licensure.
(6) When the department determines that the proposed cosmetology salon or specialty salon may reasonably be expected to meet the requirements set forth herein, the department shall grant the license upon such conditions as it shall deem proper under the circumstances and upon payment of the original licensing fee.
(7) No license for operation of a cosmetology salon or specialty salon may be transferred from the name of the original licensee to another. It may be transferred from one location to another only upon approval by the department, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.
(8) Renewal of license registration for cosmetology salons or specialty salons shall be accomplished pursuant to rules adopted by the board. The board is further authorized to adopt rules governing delinquent renewal of licenses and may impose penalty fees for delinquent renewal.
(9) The board is authorized to adopt rules governing the periodic inspection of cosmetology salons and specialty salons licensed under this chapter.
(10)(a) The board shall adopt rules governing the licensure, operation, and inspection of mobile cosmetology salons, including their facilities, personnel, and safety and sanitary requirements.
(b) Each mobile salon must comply with all licensure and operating requirements specified in this chapter or chapter 455 or rules of the board or department that apply to cosmetology salons at fixed locations, except to the extent that such requirements conflict with this subsection or rules adopted pursuant to this subsection.
(c) A mobile cosmetology salon must maintain a permanent business address, located in the inspection area of the local department office, at which records of appointments, itineraries, license numbers of employees, and vehicle identification numbers of the licenseholder’s mobile salon shall be kept and made available for verification purposes by department personnel, and at which correspondence from the department can be received.
(d) To facilitate periodic inspections of mobile cosmetology salons, prior to the beginning of each month each mobile salon licenseholder must file with the board a written monthly itinerary listing the locations where and the dates and hours when the mobile salon will be operating.
(e) The board shall establish fees for mobile cosmetology salons, not to exceed the fees for cosmetology salons at fixed locations.
(f) The operation of mobile cosmetology salons must be in compliance with all local laws and ordinances regulating business establishments, with all applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act relating to accommodations for persons with disabilities, and with all applicable OSHA requirements.
(11) Facilities licensed under part II of chapter 400 or under part I of chapter 429 are exempt from this section, and a cosmetologist licensed pursuant to s. 477.019 may provide salon services exclusively for facility residents.
(1) The board shall set fees according to the following schedule:
(a) For cosmetologists, fees for original licensing, license renewal, and delinquent renewal shall not exceed $50.
(b) For cosmetologists, fees for endorsement application, examination, and reexamination shall not exceed $50.
(c) For cosmetology and specialty salons, fees for license application, original licensing, license renewal, and delinquent renewal shall not exceed $50.
(d) For specialists, fees for application and endorsement registration shall not exceed $30.
(e) For specialists, fees for initial registration, registration renewal, and delinquent renewal shall not exceed $50.
(2) All moneys collected by the department from fees authorized by this chapter shall be paid into the Professional Regulation Trust Fund, which fund is created in the department, and shall be applied in accordance with ss. 215.37 and 455.219. The Legislature may appropriate any excess moneys from this fund to the General Revenue Fund.
(3) The department, with the advice of the board, shall prepare and submit a proposed budget in accordance with law.
477.0263 Cosmetology services to be performed in licensed salon; exceptions.—
(1) Cosmetology services shall be performed only by licensed cosmetologists in licensed salons, except as otherwise provided in this section.
(2) Pursuant to rules established by the board, cosmetology services may be performed by a licensed cosmetologist in a location other than a licensed salon, including, but not limited to, a nursing home, hospital, or residence, when a client for reasons of ill health is unable to go to a licensed salon. Arrangements for the performance of such cosmetology services in a location other than a licensed salon shall be made only through a licensed salon.
(3) Any person who holds a valid cosmetology license in any state or who is authorized to practice cosmetology in any country, territory, or jurisdiction of the United States may perform cosmetology services in a location other than a licensed salon when such services are performed in connection with the motion picture, fashion photography, theatrical, or television industry; a photography studio salon; a manufacturer trade show demonstration; or an educational seminar.
(4) Pursuant to rules adopted by the board, any cosmetology or specialty service may be performed in a location other than a licensed salon when the service is performed in connection with a special event and is performed by a person who holds the proper license or specialty registration.
(5) Hair shampooing, hair cutting, hair arranging, nail polish removal, nail filing, nail buffing, and nail cleansing may be performed in a location other than a licensed salon when the service is performed by a person who holds the proper license.
(a) Engage in the practice of cosmetology or a specialty without an active license as a cosmetologist or registration as a specialist issued by the department pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
(b) Own, operate, maintain, open, establish, conduct, or have charge of, either alone or with another person or persons, a cosmetology salon or specialty salon:
1. Which is not licensed under the provisions of this chapter; or
2. In which a person not licensed or registered as a cosmetologist or a specialist is permitted to perform cosmetology services or any specialty.
(c) Permit an employed person to engage in the practice of cosmetology or of a specialty unless such person holds a valid, active license as a cosmetologist or registration as a specialist.
(d) Obtain or attempt to obtain a license or registration for money, other than the required fee, or any other thing of value or by fraudulent misrepresentations.
(e) Use or attempt to use a license to practice cosmetology or a registration to practice a specialty, which license or registration is suspended or revoked.
(f) Advertise or imply that skin care services, as performed under this chapter, have any relationship to the practice of massage therapy as defined in s. 480.033, except those practices or activities defined in s. 477.013.
(g) In the practice of cosmetology, use or possess a cosmetic product containing a liquid nail monomer containing any trace of methyl methacrylate (MMA).
(2) Any person who violates any provision of this section commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(1) The board shall have the power to revoke or suspend the license of a cosmetologist licensed under this chapter, or the registration of a specialist registered under this chapter, and to reprimand, censure, deny subsequent licensure or registration of, or otherwise discipline a cosmetologist or a specialist licensed or registered under this chapter in any of the following cases:
(a) Upon proof that a license or registration has been obtained by fraud or misrepresentation.
(b) Upon proof that the holder of a license or registration is guilty of fraud or deceit or of gross negligence, incompetency, or misconduct in the practice or instruction of cosmetology or a specialty.
(c) Upon proof that the holder of a license or registration is guilty of aiding, assisting, procuring, or advising any unlicensed person to practice as a cosmetologist.
(2) The board shall have the power to revoke or suspend the license of a cosmetology salon or a specialty salon licensed under this chapter, to deny subsequent licensure of such salon, or to reprimand, censure, or otherwise discipline the owner of such salon in either of the following cases:
(a) Upon proof that a license has been obtained by fraud or misrepresentation.
(b) Upon proof that the holder of a license is guilty of fraud or deceit or of gross negligence, incompetency, or misconduct in the operation of the salon so licensed.
(3) Disciplinary proceedings shall be conducted pursuant to the provisions of chapter 120.
(4) The department shall not issue or renew a license or certificate of registration under this chapter to any person against whom or salon against which the board has assessed a fine, interest, or costs associated with investigation and prosecution until the person or salon has paid in full such fine, interest, or costs associated with investigation and prosecution or until the person or salon complies with or satisfies all terms and conditions of the final order.
(a) Hold himself or herself out as a cosmetologist or specialist unless duly licensed or registered, or otherwise authorized, as provided in this chapter.
(b) Operate any cosmetology salon unless it has been duly licensed as provided in this chapter.
(c) Permit an employed person to practice cosmetology or a specialty unless duly licensed or registered, or otherwise authorized, as provided in this chapter.
(d) Present as his or her own the license of another.
(e) Give false or forged evidence to the department in obtaining any license provided for in this chapter.
(f) Impersonate any other licenseholder of like or different name.
(g) Use or attempt to use a license that has been revoked.
(h) Violate any provision of s. 455.227(1), s. 477.0265, or s. 477.028.
(i) Violate or refuse to comply with any provision of this chapter or chapter 455 or a rule or final order of the board or the department.
(2) Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be subject to one or more of the following penalties, as determined by the board:
(a) Revocation or suspension of any license or registration issued pursuant to this chapter.
(b) Issuance of a reprimand or censure.
(c) Imposition of an administrative fine not to exceed $500 for each count or separate offense.
(d) Placement on probation for a period of time and subject to such reasonable conditions as the board may specify.
(e) Refusal to certify to the department an applicant for licensure.
477.031 Civil proceedings.—As cumulative of any other remedy or criminal prosecution, the department may file a proceeding in the name of the state seeking issuance of a restraining order, injunction, or writ of mandamus against any person who is or has been violating any of the provisions of this chapter or the lawful rules or orders of the department.
