Nail Specialist License in Florida
Quick Answer
Florida requires 240 hours of approved training to become a licensed 'nail specialist,' with written and practical exams, regulated under F.S. 477.
- Education Required
- 240 hours
- Exam
- Third-Party Written and Practical Exam
- Timeline
- 3-6 months
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every Every 2 years
Requirements
Nail Specialist license in Florida
Nail Specialist Salary in Florida
Entry Level
$27,080
Median
$32,370
Experienced
$46,630
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Nail Specialist in Florida.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Specific course required
- 2
Submit Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — Third-Party Written and Practical Exam
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 3-6 months.
Nail Specialist Licensing in Florida: What to Know
Florida licenses nail specialists (the state's official term) through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation under F.S. 477. Florida uses the unique title 'nail specialist' rather than 'nail technician' or 'manicurist,' and requires 240 hours of approved training. The scope of practice includes manicuring (cutting, polishing, tinting, coloring, cleansing, adding, or extending nails, and hand massage) and pedicuring (shaping, polishing, tinting, or cleansing foot nails). Florida requires services to be performed in a licensed salon and mandates continuing education for license renewal. Artificial nail application beyond simple adhesive requires specific training.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to get a Nail Specialist license in Florida?
- The process typically takes 3-6 months, depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Nail Specialist license in Florida?
- You need to pass the Third-Party Written and Practical Exam. Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Nail Specialist requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.