February 7, 2023

Do you have a passion for art and creativity? Do you enjoy working with people and having a job you love? Consider becoming a nail tech! It can be a rewarding and fulfilling career for those who have a passion for the beauty industry. There are certain requirements to get your nail tech license, so we’re going to go over what they are in the state of Florida!
Enroll In A Program
The first step to getting your license is to enroll in a program that meets Florida’s education requirements. Florida requires only 240 hours to get a state license. At Artistic Nails & Beauty Academy, our program is 300 hours. It’s designed to ensure our graduates meet their potential and are ready for the industry! We believe a longer program provides more opportunities to prepare you for your future career. In our program, you can expect to learn:
- Nail polishing
- Nail tips and fills
- Nail wrapping
- Manicure techniques
- Pedicure techniques
- Sculptured nails
- Introduction to gel nails
- Anatomy of hands and arms
- Nail diseases and disorders
- Florida law
- Sterilization / sanitation
- Business and advertising
- And more
Why Choose Artistic Nails & Beauty Academy
Our mission is to provide our students with the tools for a successful career, no matter which program they choose. We strive to create a fun and safe learning environment where students can become knowledgeable, respectful, accountable, professional, and successful.
As a result of the right education, our students have gone on to work in salons, barber shops, doctors offices, day spas, and some even own their own salons. The success of our students reflects on the school.
Apply For A License
In Florida, you don’t need to take an exam so the next step is to apply for your license. After you’ve completed your required hours, you can apply online here. This form is the same for cosmetologists, nail technicians, facial specialists, and full specialists, so be sure to complete the right sections of the application. This will ensure your application is processed correctly and in a timely manner!
Submit Evidence
Along with your application, you’ll need to submit some evidence that proves you’ve completed the requirements to receive your license. You’ll need to provide:
- Proof of HIV/AIDS Course: Applicants must submit proof of completion received from their school. It has to be completed within two years prior to submitting your application and must be at least 4 hours long.
- Certification of Eligibility: A completed Certification of Eligibility Form from Section IV of form COSMO 1
Pay Fees
Now it’s time to pay the application fee. If applying online, you can use a credit card or electronic check. If mailing your application, include a check payable to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
Get To Work!
Once your license gets approved, it’s time to get to work! Becoming a nail tech has many benefits and we can’t wait to see you reap the rewards. There are many career opportunities waiting for you and a variety of places to work, like a:
- Nail salon
- Beauty salon
- Beauty school
- Spa
- Cruise ship
- Product sales representative
- Fashion runway
- And more!
The world is your oyster and we are excited to see where you take your career!
Renew Your License
In Florida, it’s required to renew your license by October 31st every other year. Whether it’s an odd or even year depends on whether you’re in Group 1 or Group 2. If you don’t know which group you belong to, check your license or look online here. You’ll also need 10 hours of continued education to renew your license:
- HIV/AIDS (minimum 1 hour)
- Sanitation and sterilization (3 hours)
- OSHA (.5 hours)
- Workers compensation (.5) hours
- Laws and rules (2 hours)
- Chemical makeup (1 hour)
- Environmental issues (1 hour)
- Subject related to the practice of cosmetology (1 hour)
Ready To Pursue Your Dreams?
Are you ready to pursue your dreams in the nail industry? Artistic Nails & Beauty Academy can help you start your future! Contact us to get started and for any questions you may have regarding your education. We can’t wait to hear from you!