Quick answer: Renewing your Florida cosmetology license in 2026 requires completing 10 hours of continuing education (CE) and paying a $45 renewal fee by November 2, 2026. CE must cover specific mandatory subjects set by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), including HIV/AIDS, sanitation, OSHA, and more.
License renewal deadlines have a way of sneaking up on you. One minute you’re focused on your clients; the next, you’re scrambling to complete CE hours. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about renewing your Florida cosmetology license in 2026, so you can check it off your list and get back to doing what you love.
When is the 2026 Florida cosmetology license renewal deadline?
Group 2 licenses for cosmetologists, nail specialists, facial specialists, and full specialists expire October 31 every even year. Because October 31, 2026 falls on a Saturday, the Florida DBPR has extended the deadline to November 2, 2026 at midnight EST.
October may feel a long way away, but mark your calendar now! The DBPR will send you a renewal notification by email 90 to 120 days before the expiration date, so make sure your contact information is up to date in their system.
How many CE hours do you need to renew your Florida cosmetology license?
You need to complete 10 hours of continuing education before renewing your cosmetology license in Florida. Nine of those hours cover mandatory subjects, and one hour is an elective in any topic related to cosmetology practice.
Here’s the full breakdown of mandatory CE subjects:
- 1 hour of HIV/AIDS
- 3 hours of sanitation and sterilization
- 0.5 hours of OSHA
- 0.5 hours of workers’ compensation
- 2 hours of Florida laws and rules
- 1 hour of chemical makeup
- 1 hour of environmental issues
- 1 hour of any subject related to cosmetology (elective)
The good news? There are no online limitations for Florida cosmetology CE, so you can complete all 10 hours online at your own pace.
How much does it cost to renew your Florida cosmetology license?
The renewal fee is $45 for cosmetologists, nail specialists, facial specialists, and full specialists. Cosmetology salons pay the same fee but don’t have a CE requirement.
How to complete the renewal process step by step
Renewing your Florida cosmetology license is straightforward when you break it down:
- Complete your 10 CE hours through a DBPR-approved continuing education provider
- Confirm your hours are reported — approved providers submit your hours electronically to the DBPR, typically within one business day
- Log in and renew at myfloridalicense.com
- Pay the $45 renewal fee before midnight EST on November 2, 2026
You can also mail your renewal form and fee to the DBPR at 2601 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, FL 32399, but online renewal is faster and easier.
Don’t wait until the last minute
Starting your CE hours early gives you flexibility and removes the stress of a last-minute rush. With no online limitations and a range of approved courses available, you can fit your training around your schedule.
If you hold cosmetology licenses in multiple states, check each state’s individual requirements. Requirements vary, and assuming they’re the same can lead to a missed deadline.
Frequently asked questions about renewing your Florida cosmetology license
Who needs to renew by November 2, 2026?
Group 2 cosmetologists, nail specialists, facial specialists, and full specialists whose licenses expire on October 31 of even-numbered years.
Can I complete my Florida cosmetology CE hours entirely online?
Yes. The Florida DBPR places no limitations on online CE hours, so you can complete all 10 hours through an approved online provider.
What happens if I miss the renewal deadline?
Your license becomes delinquent. You’ll need to follow the DBPR’s delinquent renewal process, which may involve additional fees. If your license goes null and void, you’ll need to apply for reinstatement.
How will I know my CE hours have been submitted?
Your CE provider will report your completed hours electronically to the DBPR, typically within one business day of course completion. You can verify your CE status through the DBPR’s online portal.
