Florida Cosmetology CE Requirements: 10 Hours Every Renewal, Explained
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What Florida requires for cosmetology continuing education: 10 hours per renewal, the required subjects and hours, who it applies to, and how to finish online.
If you hold a Florida cosmetology license, continuing education is part of keeping it active. This guide explains what the Florida Board of Cosmetology requires, in plain language, so you know exactly what to complete before your renewal.
How many CE hours does Florida require?
Florida rule 61G5-32.001 requires a minimum of 10 hours of continuing education for each biennial (every two years) renewal period. The hours must come from a course or provider approved by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
Required subjects and hours
The 10 hours are divided like this:
- HIV/AIDS and communicable diseases: 1 hour
- Sanitation and sterilization: 3 hours
- OSHA regulations: 0.5 hour
- Workers' compensation issues: 0.5 hour
- State and federal laws and rules: 2 hours
- Chemical makeup of hair, skin and nails: 1 hour
- Environmental issues: 1 hour
- Elective: 1 hour in an approved subject related to your practice, such as skin cancer awareness
Our DBPR-approved course (#0501822) covers every one of these subjects and uses the Skin Cancer elective for the final hour, so a single course completes the full 10 hours.
Who needs it?
The requirement applies to Florida-licensed Cosmetologists, Full Specialists, Nail Specialists and Facial Specialists who are renewing. Whether you work in hair, skin care and facials, or nails, the same 10 hours apply.
Some licensees may qualify for an exemption. The DBPR decides that, so confirm your status in your MyFloridaLicense account or with the DBPR before you skip CE.
Does it have to be in a classroom?
No. Approved providers can offer distance (online) courses. You can study on your phone, tablet or computer, at any hour, and pick up where you left off. You only need a provider whose course is approved by the DBPR.
Keep your certificate
Save your certificate of completion. The rule asks licensees to keep certificates for at least three years after the first renewal that follows the course. Your provider reports your hours to the DBPR electronically, but your certificate is your own proof.
What to do next
- Check your license expiration date in your DBPR online account.
- Choose a DBPR-approved provider and confirm the course number.
- Finish the course early so there is time for the report to reach the DBPR.
FAQ
How many CE hours do Florida cosmetologists need?
Ten hours for each biennial renewal, split across the required subjects plus one elective hour.
Can I complete Florida cosmetology CE online?
Yes. DBPR-approved providers can offer the course online, and you can study at your own pace.
Do facial specialists and nail specialists need CE too?
Yes. Cosmetologists, Full Specialists, Nail Specialists and Facial Specialists renewing in Florida complete the same 10 hours.
How long should I keep my CE certificate?
Keep it for at least three years after the first renewal following the course.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Always confirm requirements and deadlines with the Florida DBPR.