Cosmetology Salons, Barbershops and Other Personal Care Services
This industry comprises businesses that provide appearance care services to individual consumers. It includes barbershops; beauty salons; cosmetology salons; hair, nail, and skin care services; nail salons; body piercing salons; massage establishments; tanning salons; tattoo establishments; and other personal care services.
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This industry group comprises establishments, such as barber and beauty shops, that provide appearance care services to individual consumers.
Before starting a business, you probably will need to register with the Florida Department of State, the IRS and the Florida Department of Revenue. When you have completed those steps, you will need to get a license from one of these Florida agencies:
- Department of Business and Professional Regulation – cosmetology salons, barbershops, facial specialists, nail specialists
- Department of Health – body piercing salons, massage establishments, tanning facilities and tattoo (conventional and cosmetic) establishments, and related professions
Businesses within this category may employ or require individuals holding professional licenses as requirement for a business license. If you are only pursuing a professional license, you may not need to complete all of the additional steps listed on this checklist.
Some businesses in this category will need to apply with the Department of Environmental Protection for air resource or emissions permits.
Business owners in this category may also wish to explore assistance offered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.
Register your business with the Department of State
Department of State
The Florida Department of State’s Division of Corporations serves as the state’s central depository for a number of commercial activities. These activities include a variety of business entity filings, trade and service mark registrations, federal lien recordings, judgment lien filings, uniform commercial code financing statements, fictitious name registrations, notary commissions, and cable and video service franchises.
To file a complaint regarding a business or person licensed by this agency, please see their website. To obtain this agency’s public records, visit: https://www.dos.myflorida.com/offices/general-counsel/public-records-requests/.
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Agency Introduction
The Department of State (DOS) is where you register your business. You can search and access filed information for corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, general partnerships, trademarks, fictitious name registrations and liens. Also, electronic filing and certification can be processed via the Department’s website.
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Sunbiz offers several methods in which information can be submitted to the DOS for filing.
Apply for your Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Internal Revenue Service
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the nation’s tax collection agency and administers the Internal Revenue Code enacted by Congress.
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Agency Introduction
If you are required to report employment taxes or give tax statements to employees, you need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to send with all items you report to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or Social Security Administration. If you do not intend to hire others, you may skip this step.
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You may apply for an EIN online if your principal business is located in the United States or U.S. Territories. The person applying online must have a valid Taxpayer Identification Number (SSN, ITIN, EIN). You are limited to one EIN per responsible party per day.
Register your business with the Department of Revenue
Department of Revenue
The Florida Department of Revenue administers three programs: General Tax Administration, Property Tax Oversight and Child Support. The General Tax Administration program works with Florida businesses that are required to register for, collect, report and remit the taxes and fees administered by the Department.
The Department also manages the State of Florida’s New Hire Reporting Center. Federal and state laws require employers to report newly hired, re-hired and temporary employees, and in some cases contractors, within 20 days of an employee’s start date. This information is used to assist the Department’s Child Support Program with child support orders. The employment information reported through the state’s New Hire Reporting Center is also used to detect and prevent public assistance and reemployment assistance fraud.
For additional information, please visit floridarevenue.com.
To file a complaint regarding a business or person licensed by this agency, please see their website. To obtain this agency’s public records, visit: https://floridarevenue.com/opengovt/Pages/default.aspx.
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Agency Introduction
A business owner or contractor may need to register for, collect, report and/or remit one or more of the taxes, fees and licenses administered by the Florida Department of Revenue. This is dependent on the business’s structure, activities, and whether it hires employees. In addition, businesses must report newly hired, re-hired and temporary employees, and in some cases contractors, through the State of Florida’s New Hire Reporting program managed by the Florida Department of Revenue.
Reporting Employment Information
The Department manages the State of Florida’s New Hire Reporting Center. Federal and state laws require employers to report newly hired, re-hired and temporary employees, and in some cases contractors, within 20 days of an employee’s start date. The Department’s Child Support Program uses employment information and employer cooperation to assist with child support order compliance. The reported employment information through the state’s New Hire Reporting Center is also used to detect and prevent public assistance and reemployment fraud.
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Register your business to report newly hired, re-hired or temporary employees, and in some cases contractors, within 20 days of an employee’s start date.
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The Department of Revenue’s Child Support Program works with employers in a variety of ways to ensure compliance with child support orders when applicable. Employers must work with the Child Support Program to respond to income withholding requests and to enroll children in medical insurance plans. Once registered with the New Hire Reporting Center, businesses will be able to access the Child Support Employer Services website to report employee termination and bonus or lump sum payments, request replacement copies of income withholding notices currently in place for employees and contractors, and use the program’s online calculator to get pro-rated child support amounts for employees that have more than one child support case.
Business Taxes, Fees and Surcharge
Businesses in this category may be required to register for, collect, report and/or remit one or more of the following taxes and fees.
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Most corporations and certain entities conducting business, or who are incorporated in Florida, including out-of-state corporations, must file a Florida corporate income tax return.
Register online or by submitting a Florida Business Tax Application (Form DR-1), or by filing the Florida Corporate Income/Franchise Tax Return (Form F-1120).
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Reemployment Assistance gives partial, temporary income to workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own and are able and available for work. If your business will employ workers in Florida, you may register online or submit a Florida Business Tax Application (Form DR-1).
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Before conducting business, anyone selling, renting, leasing or repairing goods, providing certain services, charging admissions, or renting or leasing short-term lodging, housekeeping accommodations, or commercial real property must register with the Department of Revenue.
Additionally, use tax is due on the use or consumption of taxable goods or services when sales tax was not paid at the time of purchase.
Register online or by submitting a Florida Business Tax Application (Form DR-1).
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This surtax, imposed by most Florida counties, applies to most transactions subject to sales or use tax. Businesses must also collect the applicable discretionary sales surtax from the purchaser at the time of sale, then report and remit it to the Department of Revenue.
No additional registration is required.
Apply for a license from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is the agency charged with licensing and regulating businesses and professionals in Florida. A variety of businesses will need to coordinate with DBPR to obtain applicable licenses, registrations and/or permits.
To file a complaint regarding a business or person licensed by this agency, please see their website. To obtain this agency’s public records, visit: https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/instant-public-records/.
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Agency Introduction
Division of Professions
The Division of Professions contains the Barbers’ Board and the Board of Cosmetology. These boards are responsible for licensing and regulating barbershops and cosmetology salons, respectively. Additionally, individuals performing barber or cosmetology services at these establishments must obtain a professional license.
Effective July 1, 2020, a state license or registration is no longer required for a person whose occupation or practice is confined solely into the following categories: hair braiding; hair wrapping; body wrapping; application of polish to fingernails and toenails; makeup application, which includes but is not limited to, application of makeup primer, face paint, lipstick, eyeliner, eye shadow, foundation, rouge or cheek color, mascara, strip lashes, individual lashes, face powder, corrective stick, and makeup remover. Makeup application does not include manual or chemical exfoliation, semi-permanent lash application, lash or brow tinting, permanent makeup application, microblading, or hair removal.
Barber's Board
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Application to become a licensed facility where the practice of barbering is conducted.
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A Florida barber license is required to perform all barbering services.
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A Florida restricted barber license is required to perform restricted barbering services. A restricted barber is not allowed to perform chemical services. For out-of-state or out-of-country barbers who are unable to endorse their licenses in Florida, you may be eligible for examination as a restricted barber in Florida if you held your license for at least five years.
Board of Cosmetology
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A Florida cosmetology license is required to perform cosmetology services.
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Application to become a licensed and inspected facility where the practice of cosmetology is conducted by licensed persons.
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A Florida specialty registration is required to perform facial specialty services. Facial services are the massaging or treating of the face or scalp with oils, creams, lotions, or other preparations.
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A Florida specialty registration is required to perform full specialty services. A full specialty registration is a combination of the nail specialty registration and the facial specialty registration.
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A Florida specialty registration is required to perform manicure, pedicure and nail extension services.
Apply for a license from the Department of Health
Department of Health
The Florida Department of Health, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, & community efforts. The department’s goal is to be the healthiest state in the nation through innovation, collaboration, accountability, responsiveness and excellence.
To file a complaint regarding a business or person licensed by this agency, please see their website. To obtain this agency’s public records, visit: http://www.floridahealth.gov/about/sunshine-info/public-records-requests/index.html.
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Business Licenses
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Apply for an operating license for the salon or take training.
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License to become a Massage Establishment.
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Apply for a Tanning Facility License.
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Apply for a Tattoo License for yourself or a facility.
Professional Licenses
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Body piercing, a form of body art, is the act of penetrating the skin to make, generally permanent in nature, a hole, mark, or scar. It does not include the use of a mechanized, pre-sterilized ear-piercing system that penetrates the outer perimeter or lobe of the ear or both.
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A person licensed to administer massage for compensation.
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A person who tattoos the body of another human, or practice cosmetic tattooing, permanent make-up, or micropigmentation.
Explore assistance from the Department of Economic Opportunity (optional)
Department of Commerce
In collaboration with our partners, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) assists the Governor in advancing Florida’s economy by championing the state’s economic development vision and by administering state and federal programs and initiatives to help visitors, citizens, businesses, and communities.
To file a complaint regarding a business or person licensed by this agency, please see their website. To obtain this agency’s public records, visit: https://floridajobs.org/about-us/who-we-are-and-what-we-do/requests-for-public-records.
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Agency Introduction
The Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) utilizes public and private sector expertise to attract, retain and grow businesses and create jobs in Florida. It also provides valuable resources for businesses and entrepreneurs; assistance with recruiting workers; and statistical information regarding Florida businesses and employment. Your business may qualify for various state or federal assistance.
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Your business may qualify for various state or federal assistance programs.
Additional Local Government Information
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Explore Federal Licensing Considerations
Federal Business Requirements
In addition to state and local licensing, many business activities are also regulated by federal agencies. Businesses within this category may also be required to obtain additional federal licenses, permits, registration, etc. depending on your specific business activities. It is recommended that you consult with a professional (e.g., attorney, CPA, SBA, etc.) to ensure you meet all requirements before starting your business. The U.S. Small Business Administration is an excellent resource for potential and current business owners seeking assistance navigating federal licensing requirements. For more information on the Federal Government, please visit www.usa.gov.
In most cases, you will need not need a license to import or export services or goods into or from the US. However, international transfer of certain goods may require a license, permit or certification. All items are subject to export control laws and regulations. For more information, please visit USA.gov’s importing and exporting page.
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Disclaimer: The State of Florida operates OpenMyFloridaBusiness.gov as a public service to Florida residents and visitors worldwide. While efforts were made to verify that the content of this website is accurate and comprehensive, it is recommended that you consult with a professional (e.g., attorney, CPA, SBDC, etc.) to ensure you meet all requirements before starting your business. OpenMyFloridaBusiness.gov is not responsible for the content of external websites.