Cosmetologists; qualifications; licensure; supervised practice; license renewal; endorsement; continuing education.

(1) A person desiring to be licensed as a cosmetologist shall apply to the department for licensure.

(2) An applicant is eligible for licensure by examination to practice cosmetology if the applicant:

(a) Is at least 16 years of age or has received a high school diploma;

(b) Pays the required application fee, which is not refundable, and the required examination fee, which is refundable if the applicant is determined to not be eligible for licensure for any reason other than failure to successfully complete the licensure examination; and

(c) Has received a minimum of 1,200 hours of training as established by the board, which must include, but is not limited to, the equivalent of completion of services directly related to the practice of cosmetology at one of the following:

1. A school of cosmetology licensed pursuant to chapter 1005.

2. A cosmetology program within the public school system.

3. The Cosmetology Division of the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind, provided the division meets the standards of this chapter.

4. A government-operated cosmetology program in this state.

The board shall establish by rule procedures whereby the school or program may certify that a person is qualified to take the required examination after the completion of a minimum of 1,000 actual school hours. If the person then passes the examination, he or she has satisfied this requirement; but if the person fails the examination, he or she may not be qualified to take the examination again until the completion of the full requirements provided by this section.

(3) Upon an applicant receiving a passing grade, as established by board rule, on the examination and paying the initial licensing fee, the department shall issue a license to practice cosmetology.

(4) If an applicant passes all parts of the examination for licensure as a cosmetologist, he or she may practice in the time between passing the examination and receiving a physical copy of his or her license if he or she practices under the supervision of a licensed cosmetologist in a licensed salon. An applicant who fails any part of the examination may not practice as a cosmetologist and may immediately apply for reexamination.

(5) Renewal of license registration shall be accomplished pursuant to rules adopted by the board.

(6) The board shall certify as qualified for licensure by endorsement as a cosmetologist in this state an applicant who holds a current active license to practice cosmetology in another state.

(7)(a) The board shall prescribe by rule continuing education requirements intended to ensure protection of the public through updated training of licensees and registered specialists, not to exceed 10 hours biennially, as a condition for renewal of a license or registration as a specialist under this chapter. Continuing education courses shall include, but not be limited to, the following subjects as they relate to the practice of cosmetology: human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome; Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations; workers’ compensation issues; state and federal laws and rules as they pertain to cosmetologists, cosmetology, salons, specialists, specialty salons, and booth renters; chemical makeup as it pertains to hair, skin, and nails; and environmental issues. Courses given at cosmetology conferences may be counted toward the number of continuing education hours required if approved by the board.

(b) The board may, by rule, require any licensee in violation of a continuing education requirement to take a refresher course or refresher course and examination in addition to any other penalty. The number of hours for the refresher course may not exceed 48 hours.