What You Need to Do to Move Your License to Florida

Transferring your esthetician license to Florida depends on where you currently hold it. If you have an active license from another state, Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) will review your training and exam history to decide whether you can transfer directly or must take Florida's exam. Most states' requirements are similar enough that direct transfer is possible, but some require you to pass Florida's written exam, practical exam, or both.

The process takes four to eight weeks from the time DBPR receives your complete process. You cannot legally work as an esthetician in Florida until your Florida license is issued, even if you hold a valid license elsewhere.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact the DBPR's Esthetics section to confirm whether your current state's training meets Florida's requirements before you pay any fees.
  • You will need official transcripts from your original esthetics school, a copy of your current license, and proof of your exam scores sent directly from your original state's licensing board.
  • Florida may allow you to transfer without retesting, require only the written exam, or require both written and practical exams depending on your state's training standards.
  • The process fee is nonrefundable, so verify your may be able to access with DBPR before submitting payment.

Step 1: Confirm Your Current License Meets Florida Standards

Before you start the process process, contact the DBPR Esthetics section at 850-487-1395 or visit their website to ask whether your state's esthetics training and licensing meet Florida's requirements. Florida requires a minimum of 600 hours of esthetics training; some states require fewer hours, and some require more. If your state required fewer hours than Florida, you may need to complete additional coursework or take Florida's exam.

Have your current license number and your original state ready when you call. The DBPR staff can tell you in one conversation whether you can transfer directly, what exams you must take, or whether you need additional training hours. This step saves you money and time because the process fee is not refunded if you are later found ineligible.

Step 2: Request Official Documents from Your Current State

You will need three documents sent directly from your original state's licensing board to Florida's DBPR. Do not send copies you make yourself — licensing boards require official documents with their seal or signature.

Request these three items from your current state's esthetics licensing board: (1) an official transcript or certificate showing your training hours and the date you completed your esthetics program, (2) an official copy of your current esthetics license, and (3) official proof of your exam scores. Ask the board to send these documents directly to the DBPR at the address listed on Florida's transfer process form. Most states charge $10 to $25 per document and take one to two weeks to mail them.

Step 3: Complete Florida's process for License by Endorsement

read the "process for License by Endorsement" form from the DBPR website (floridadep.gov, then search for esthetics). Fill out all sections completely, including your personal information, your current license number, and your original state's name. Incomplete applications are returned without review, which delays your transfer by another two to three weeks.

Attach a copy of your current license to the process. Do not send the original — keep it in case you need to work in your current state while Florida processes your transfer. Sign and date the form. The DBPR will not accept unsigned applications.

Step 4: Pay the process Fee and Submit

The current process fee for license by endorsement is $175, though this amount can change. Check the DBPR website to confirm the current fee before you submit. The fee is nonrefundable even if DBPR determines you are ineligible after reviewing your documents.

Mail the completed process, the copy of your current license, and a check or money order payable to "DBPR" to the address on the form. Do not send cash. Include a cover letter with your name, current license number, and phone number so DBPR can contact you if they have questions. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.

Alternatively, some applicants submit applications in person at the DBPR office in Tallahassee, which can speed up the initial review. Call ahead to confirm office hours and whether walk-in submissions are accepted.

Step 5: Understand What Happens If You Must Take an Exam

If DBPR determines that your state's training does not fully meet Florida's standards, you will receive a letter stating which exam or exams you must pass. Florida offers two exams: the written exam (covering Florida laws, sanitation, and esthetics techniques) and the practical exam (a hands-on demonstration of esthetics skills).

You can register for exams through PSI, the testing company that administers Florida's esthetics exams. The written exam costs $100 and takes about two hours; the practical exam costs $150 and takes about one hour. You must pass both if required. Most people pass the written exam on the first attempt if they study Florida's laws and rules, which differ from other states mainly in sanitation and infection control standards.

Step 6: Track Your process Status

After DBPR receives your process, you can check the status by calling 850-487-1395 or visiting the DBPR website. Processing typically takes four to eight weeks from the date they receive all required documents. If your state's documents arrive after your process, DBPR will hold your process until everything is in their file.

If you do not hear from DBPR within eight weeks, call to confirm they received all documents. Sometimes official transcripts are lost in the mail, and you may need to request replacements from your original state's board. Once DBPR approves your transfer, they will mail your Florida license to the address you provided on the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work in Florida while my transfer is being processed?

No. You must have a Florida esthetics license to legally work as an esthetician in Florida. Working without a license can result in fines and legal action. If you need to work during the transfer process, you may need to stay in your current state or find temporary work outside esthetics.

What if my original state's board will not send documents directly to Florida?

Some states allow you to request documents be sent to you instead. If that happens, you can forward them to DBPR yourself, but they must still be in the original sealed envelope with the state board's seal or signature visible. Do not open the envelope.

Do I need to take a refresher course before transferring?

Only if DBPR tells you that you need additional training hours to meet Florida's 600-hour minimum. If your state required 600 hours or more, you typically will not need additional coursework. DBPR will specify in writing if a refresher course is required.

What if I let my license lapse in my original state?

You cannot transfer an expired or inactive license. You will need to renew your license in your original state first, then explore for transfer to Florida. Contact your original state's board to find out how to reinstate a lapsed license — the process and cost vary by state.

How long is my Florida esthetics license valid?

Florida esthetics licenses are valid for two years from the date of issue. You will need to renew every two years by paying a renewal fee and completing continuing education hours. Florida requires 16 hours of continuing education per two-year renewal cycle.