StateLicensed

Nail Technician License Requirements in Florida

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
180 hrs
Upfront cost
$70
Exam
—
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Issuing board
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Board of Cosmetology

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Be at least 16 years old, Must be at least 16 years of age OR have received a high school diploma or GED.. Applicants must answer background questions regarding criminal history and disciplinary actions on the application, but no fingerprinting or criminal background check is required. [1]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete 180 hours of training at a state-approved program. Applicants must complete 180 hours of training in a board-approved nail specialty program and complete a minimum 4-hour initial HIV/AIDS course from a board-approved provider within two years prior to submitting an application. [1]

  3. 3

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Board of Cosmetology with the $30 application fee. Typical processing time: 4-6 weeks. [2]

  4. 4

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Board of Cosmetology issues your Nail Specialist for Florida.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [1] $30
License fee [1] $40
Renewal fee [1] $45
Unlicensed Activity Fee [1] $5

Initial application fee is $75, which consists of a $30 application fee, a $40 initial registration fee, and a $5 unlicensed activity fee. Biennial renewal fee is $45.

Renewal & continuing education

Renew every 2 years. 10 continuing education hours required per cycle.

Registrations must be renewed biennially by October 31 of odd-numbered years. Renewals require completion of 10 hours of Board-approved continuing education.

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.

Florida offers registration by endorsement (COSMO 4-A) if the applicant holds an active nail specialist license or registration in another state whose training hours and requirements are comparable or more stringent (at least 180 hours).

54 state-approved training providers in Florida — browse programs and compare schools on tradecolleges.org.

Cost calculator

  • $30
  • $40
Total$70

Frequently asked questions

What are the requirements to register as a Nail Specialist in Florida?

You must be at least 16 years of age or possess a high school diploma/GED, complete 180 hours of training in a board-approved nail specialty program, complete a minimum 4-hour initial HIV/AIDS course from a board-approved provider within two years prior to application, and submit the COSMO 1 application with the $75 fee.

Is there a state exam required for the Florida Nail Specialist registration?

No, there is no state board examination required to obtain a Nail Specialist registration in Florida. You only need to successfully complete the 180 hours of education and the HIV/AIDS course.

How much does it cost to get registered as a Nail Specialist in Florida?

The initial registration fee is $75 when applying using form COSMO 1. This includes a $30 application fee, a $40 initial registration fee, and a $5 unlicensed activity fee.

What are the renewal and continuing education requirements for Nail Specialists in Florida?

Nail Specialist registrations must be renewed biennially by October 31 of odd-numbered years. To renew, you must complete 10 hours of board-approved continuing education (CE) and pay a $45 renewal fee.

Sources

  1. [1] myfloridalicense.com/CheckListDetail.asp — accessed 2026-07-11
  2. [2] myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/cosmetology/ — accessed 2026-07-11
  3. [3] myfloridalicense.com/CheckListDetail.asp — accessed 2026-07-11