Hair Salon Permit Requirements in Miami, FL

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Florida DBPR Cosmetology Salon License

   Required by Florida law before any cosmetology services (hair cutting, coloring, styling, chemical treatments) can be performed for compensation. Issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Board of Cosmetology. The salon license is location-specific and must be renewed every 2 years. Must be displayed prominently in the salon.

   Official government source

   $90 total: $50 non-refundable application fee + $40 salon license fee (Rule 61G5-24.005, F.A.C.)·3–6 weeks after submitting application and passing inspection

   $90 total: $50 non-refundable application fee + $40 salon license fee (Rule 61G5-24.005, F.A.C.)

   3–6 weeks after submitting application and passing inspection

2. Florida DBPR Cosmetology Individual License (per cosmetologist)

   Each cosmetologist working in the salon must hold an active Florida Cosmetologist license from DBPR (Board of Cosmetology). Requires a minimum of 1,200 hours of training at a licensed school (a school may certify a student to take the exam after 1,000 actual school hours — s. 477.019, F.S.) and passing the Florida cosmetology examinations (written, computer-based, administered through Pearson VUE). Renewed every 2 years.

   Official government source

   $90 initial ($40 original license fee + $50 exam fee, Rule 61G5-24.002, F.A.C.); $45 biennial renewal·2–4 weeks after passing state exam

   $90 initial ($40 original license fee + $50 exam fee, Rule 61G5-24.002, F.A.C.); $45 biennial renewal

   2–4 weeks after passing state exam

3. Florida Department of Revenue — Sales Tax Registration

   Required to collect Florida's 6% state sales tax (plus local Miami-Dade surtax of 1%) on retail product sales in the salon. Services like haircuts are generally not taxable, but product sales are. Registration is free.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online registration)

   Free

   Immediate (online registration)

1. City of Miami Local Business Tax Receipt (BTR)

   Required for any business operating within City of Miami limits. Issued by the Miami Finance Department. Hair salons must obtain this receipt before opening. Renewed annually by September 30.

   Official government source

   $45–$200 depending on number of employees and type·1–2 weeks

   $45–$200 depending on number of employees and type

   1–2 weeks

2. Miami-Dade County Certificate of Use (CU)

   A Certificate of Use may be required before operating a salon to confirm the location is properly zoned for a personal services business. Required for new tenants or new uses in a commercial space.

   Official government source

   $37–$200 (varies by square footage)·2–4 weeks after application and inspection

   $37–$200 (varies by square footage)

   2–4 weeks after application and inspection

3. Building Permit for Salon Buildout (if applicable)

   If you are building out or renovating a space for a salon (plumbing, electrical, wall changes), a City of Miami building permit is required from the Building Department.

   Official government source

   Varies by scope of construction (typically $500–$5,000+)·2–6 weeks

   Varies by scope of construction (typically $500–$5,000+)

   2–6 weeks

Official Sources

• Florida DBPR — Cosmetology Salon Licensing
• City of Miami — Local Business Tax Receipt
• City of Miami — Certificate of Use
• Florida Department of Revenue — Sales Tax

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