Hair Salon Permit Requirements in Orlando, FL
Complete permit and license guide for starting a hair salon in Orlando, Orange County, Florida.
Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.
Federal — start here
1 stopEIN (Employer Identification Number)
Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.
Official government sourceFreeImmediate (online application)
Free
Immediate (online application)
State of Florida
3 stopsFlorida DBPR Cosmetology Salon License
Required by Florida law (Chapter 477, Florida Statutes) for any salon offering cosmetology services including hair cutting, coloring, and styling. Issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Board of Cosmetology. Location-specific license; must be renewed every 2 years. Must be prominently displayed.
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 DBPR 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 DBPR inspection
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 renewal2–4 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
Florida Department of Revenue — Sales Tax Registration
Required to collect and remit sales tax on retail product sales (shampoos, styling products, etc.). Hair services are generally exempt from Florida sales tax; product sales are taxable at 6% state + 0.5% Orange County surtax.
Official government sourceFreeImmediate (online registration)
Free
Immediate (online registration)
City of Orlando / Orange County
2 stopsCity of Orlando Business Tax Receipt
Required for any hair salon operating within City of Orlando limits. Issued by the Orlando Revenue Collections Division. Renewed annually by September 30.
Official government source$40–$200 depending on number of employees1–2 weeks
$40–$200 depending on number of employees
1–2 weeks
City of Orlando Building Permit (for salon buildout)
Any new construction, renovation, or change of use for a salon location requires a building permit from the City of Orlando Building Division. This covers plumbing (shampoo bowls), electrical, and ventilation work.
Official government sourceVaries by scope of work (typically $500–$5,000+)2–6 weeks
Varies by scope of work (typically $500–$5,000+)
2–6 weeks
Terminus
Open for business — est. $250–$900 · 4–8 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses
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