How to Transfer Your Esthetician License to Florida (And Legally Perform Laser Hair Removal)

In this guide, we’ll explain:

• How to transfer your esthetics license through the Florida DBPR
• What a Facial Specialist license is (Florida’s term for esthetician)
• Why estheticians cannot perform laser hair removal in Florida
• How to become a licensed Electrologist and perform laser legally

What Is the DBPR?

DBPR stands for the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. It’s the state agency responsible for licensing and regulating hundreds of professions in Florida, including:

• Cosmetologists
• Facial Specialists (Estheticians)
• Nail Technicians
• Full Specialists (Esthetics & Nails Combined)
• Barbers
• Real Estate Agents and more (www2.myfloridalicense.com)

If you want to work as an esthetician in Florida, you must apply through the DBPR. The Cosmetology Board operates under this agency.

What Is a Facial Specialist License in Florida?

In most states, you’re called an “Esthetician.” But in Florida, your professional title is:

Facial Specialist

This is Florida’s legal term for an esthetician. If you want to perform facials, waxing, peels, and other skincare services, you need a Facial Specialist license issued by the DBPR.

Even if you’ve completed a 600- or 1,000-hour esthetics program in another state, you’ll still need to apply specifically for this license in Florida.

Step-by-Step: How to Transfer Your Esthetician License to Florida

Florida offers a process called licensure by endorsement, allowing licensed estheticians from other U.S. states to apply without repeating school.

✅ Who’s Eligible?

You can apply if:

• You hold a current esthetician license in another U.S. state.
• You completed a formal training program that meets Florida requirements.
• You’ve passed any state-required exams.
• You’re in good standing (no active disciplinary cases)(www2.myfloridalicense.com)

Note: Florida has one of the lowest esthetician training hour requirements in the U.S., requiring only 220 hours. However, Florida does not automatically recognize all out-of-state esthetician licenses. Your training and licensure must be comparable to or more stringent than Florida’s requirements. If your state’s requirements are less rigorous, you may need to complete additional training or examinations.

📋 What You’ll Need:

• Copy of your esthetician license.
• Training transcripts or proof of hours.
• Proof of state board exams (if applicable).
• 4-Hour HIV/AIDS Training Certificate (required by Florida law).

💻 Where to Apply:

• Visit the Florida DBPR website.
• Search for: Facial Specialist by Endorsement Application.
• Follow the instructions to apply online or by mail.

💲 Fees:

• The current application fee is approximately $75, but always check for updates.

Once approved, you’ll be licensed as a Facial Specialist in Florida, ready to perform most skincare treatments.

Can Estheticians Perform Laser Hair Removal in Florida?

This is where many professionals get confused.

You cannot perform laser hair removal in Florida with a Facial Specialist license.

Even if you have laser experience or certification in another state, Florida considers laser hair removal as a form of electrolysis. These services are not regulated by the Cosmetology Board.

Instead, they fall under the jurisdiction of the Electrolysis Council, which is part of the Florida Department of Health.

Want to Offer Laser? You’ll Need a Florida Electrologist License

If you want to legally perform laser hair removal or light-based skin services in Florida, you must:

1. Complete a 320-Hour Electrolysis & Laser Program

Approved programs include:

• 120 hours of theory (can be done online or hybrid).
• 200 hours of clinical hands-on combined epilator, laser & light-based training.

Only schools licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education and approved by the Electrolysis Council count.

2. Pass the IBEC Exam

This is the national electrolysis board exam accepted in Florida.

3. Apply for Your Florida Electrologist License

After completing your approved training and passing the IBEC exam, you must submit:

• Your official school transcripts.
• Proof of passing the IBEC exam.
• A completed application through the Florida Department of Health, Electrolysis Council.

Once your application is approved, you’ll be issued a Florida Electrologist License—legally authorizing you to perform laser and light-based hair removal procedures in the state.

However, your responsibilities don’t stop there. According to the Florida Electrolysis Council, once licensed:

• ✅ You may only operate laser and light-based devices for hair removal/reduction that you have been formally trained on during your program.
  
• ✅ All laser hair removal procedures must take place under the supervision of a licensed physician, as required by Florida law.
• ✅ You must practice in an actively licensed electrolysis facility, which has been inspected and approved by the Florida Department of Health.

⚠️ Performing laser services in an unlicensed facility, without physician oversight, or using devices you’re not trained on could result in fines, license suspension, or permanent revocation.

These strict rules are part of Florida’s commitment to public safety and practitioner accountability.

Summary: What You Need to Work as an Esthetician in Florida

Laser Hair Removal – Electrologist License (Via Electrolysis Council)