What Is an Esthetician in Florida? Let’s Clear Up the Confusion!
In Florida, Estheticians Are Called “Facial Specialists”
If you’ve ever tried to figure out how to become an esthetician in Florida, you’ve probably noticed it’s confusing. You see the word esthetician everywhere online, but when you look for the license in Florida — it’s nowhere to be found.
That’s because Florida uses a different name for the same profession!
Here, an esthetician is called a Facial Specialist, and you’ll apply for that license through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
Here’s how it works:
- The DBPR regulates all beauty, wellness, and professional licenses in the state.
- The Florida Board of Cosmetology, under the DBPR, handles licensing and education standards for Facial Specialists, Nail Specialists, Full Specialists, and Cosmetologists.
- So, when you apply for your esthetics license, you’ll look under Facial Specialist (Cosmetology Board).
Apply here for your Facial Specialist license
What Facial Specialists Can Do in Florida
Once licensed, Facial Specialists can perform a wide range of non-medical skincare services, such as:
- Cleansing and exfoliating
- Performing extractions
- Applying masks and facial massage
- Waxing or tweezing unwanted hair
- Makeup and tinting services
- Dermaplaning (yes, it’s allowed in Florida!)
- Enzyme exfoliation and basic peels
Dermaplaning is considered a mechanical exfoliation, not a medical procedure. It safely removes peach fuzz and dead skin to reveal smooth, glowing skin — and it’s one of the most in-demand treatments in the beauty industry.
At IMAGE – Institute for Medical Aesthetics & Laser, our Facial Specialist Program includes dermaplaning training, so you graduate confident and certified to perform it safely.
Your Education at IMAGE Includes Everything You Need
Our Facial Specialist Program is designed to set you up for success from day one.
Here’s what’s included:
A complete professional student kit — all tools and products you’ll use in class (no surprise fees!)- Dermaplaning certification and hands-on training with real clients
- Access to Florida Babe professional skincare products
- Lessons in Florida laws, sanitation, and DBPR licensing
- Social media and business training to help you grow your brand
A You’ll leave IMAGE with your license and the confidence to work in spas, salons, or medical environments.
What Facial Specialists Can’t Do
Facial Specialists are not medical providers, so they can’t:
- Use lasers, needles, or injectables
- Perform microneedling or tattoo removal
- Diagnose or treat medical skin conditions
- Prescribe or use prescription-only products
Those services fall under medical aesthetics, which require additional medical credentials or supervision.
Transferring an Out-of-State Esthetics License to Florida
Already licensed in another state? Here’s how to make the switch.
Florida doesn’t offer full reciprocity, so you’ll apply directly to the DBPR’s Board of Cosmetology for a Facial Specialist license.
You’ll need:
- Proof of your current esthetics license
- Official school transcripts showing 220 hours of training
- A copy of your ID
- The DBPR application and fee
- Completion of a Florida Approved 4 hour HIV course (you find these online)
Why Students Love Training at IMAGE
We’re not just another beauty school — we’re a launchpad for your skincare career.
At IMAGE, you’ll learn:
- Real client practice — not just mannequin work
- Professional techniques like dermaplaning, hydrofacial, and LED therapy
- How to use our Florida Babe skincare line for customized facials
- The ins and outs of Florida law and DBPR licensing
- Business and branding skills to grow your clientele online
By graduation, you’ll have real-world confidence, a full professional kit, and your path to licensure ready to go.
Career Opportunities for Facial Specialists
Your license opens the door to so many careers:
- Spa Esthetician
- Acne or Anti-Aging Specialist
- Lash & Brow Artist
- Waxing Specialist
- Makeup Artist
- Beauty Educator or Product Trainer
- Medical Esthetician (with additional training & supervision)
Whether you dream of opening your own skincare studio or joining a med spa, IMAGE gives you the education, certification, and confidence to make it happen.
The Bottom Line
If you want to become an esthetician in Florida, you’re actually becoming a Facial Specialist — licensed under the DBPR Board of Cosmetology.
And when you train at IMAGE – Institute for Medical Aesthetics & Laser, you’ll get:
- A professional student kit included
- Dermaplaning certification
- Hands-on experience with real clients
- Expert training in both skincare and business
Different name, same glow-up career — and IMAGE makes sure you’re fully prepared for it. 