Performing eyelash services for compensation in Florida requires a state-issued license. This mandate ensures technicians possess the necessary training in sanitation, safety, and proper procedure, protecting consumer health. The state regulates these practices to maintain a consistent standard of safety across the beauty industry. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in significant legal and financial repercussions.
The Required License for Eyelash Services in Florida
The license required to legally apply all forms of lash extensions and related services is the Facial Specialist registration. This registration is overseen by the Florida Board of Cosmetology, a division of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Applying lashes falls under the definition of “Facials” or “Skin care services” as outlined in Florida Statute 477.013. While a full Cosmetology license also permits lash application, the Facial Specialist registration is the most common minimum requirement focused on skin and facial treatments.
Essential Educational Requirements
Obtaining the Facial Specialist registration requires mandatory educational training at an approved institution. Aspiring specialists must complete a minimum of 260 hours of instruction at a cosmetology or specialty school licensed by the Florida Department of Education. The curriculum provides a foundation in the theoretical and practical aspects of facial care and safety. Coursework includes detailed study in skin analysis, treatment procedures, sanitation protocols, basic human anatomy, and chemical composition related to skin and lash products. This structured education ensures the technician is prepared to safely perform services.
Navigating the Licensing Application and Examination
After completing the required 260 hours of training, the applicant must submit the official application to the DBPR. The submission requires the completed form, necessary fees, and proof of educational hours via a Certificate of Completion from the licensed school. The process is streamlined for Facial Specialists because no separate written or practical state board examination is required, unlike the full Cosmetology license. Applicants must also complete a mandatory initial HIV/AIDS course, which must be at least four hours long and completed within two years of application submission. Once documentation is verified and fees are paid, the DBPR issues the Facial Specialist registration.
Understanding the Scope of Practice
The Facial Specialist registration grants the holder authority to perform services within the scope of “facials” and “skin care services” on the head, face, and scalp. This covers eyelash applications, including classic, hybrid, and volume extensions, as well as lash lifts and perms. However, this specialty license does not permit the technician to perform other services like hair cutting, coloring, chemical relaxing, manicures, or pedicures. The license is limited to the superficial tissues of the face and related appendages. It prohibits procedures considered bodily intrusion, such as microneedling or permanent makeup, which require separate licenses.
Maintaining Your Florida License
To continue practicing legally, a Facial Specialist must adhere to the state’s biennial (two-year) renewal requirements. The expiration date for all cosmetology and specialty licenses is October 31st of every odd-numbered year. Specialists must complete a minimum of 10 hours of state-approved continuing education (CE) before submitting their renewal application and fee to the DBPR. The required CE hours focus on maintaining public health and safety, covering mandatory topics like HIV/AIDS, sanitation, and Florida laws related to cosmetology practice. If a license expires, the technician must complete a formal reactivation process, which involves paying delinquent fees and completing the required CE hours.
Risks of Unlicensed Practice
Operating a lash business or performing services for compensation without the Facial Specialist registration is a serious violation of Florida law. Unlicensed activity is actively monitored by the DBPR, which can issue cease and desist orders immediately halting all professional work. Penalties are significant; a first-time offense is often classified as a first-degree misdemeanor, resulting in administrative fines up to $1,000 and possible imprisonment for up to one year. Unlicensed practitioners cannot obtain professional liability insurance, leaving them exposed to civil lawsuits if a client is harmed.