Hello, I’m Robbin Junnola, owner of Robbin Junnola Beauty, and one of the most common questions I’m asked is:
“Do I need a license to work as a makeup artist in Florida?”
The answer is not always, and understanding why is critical for protecting your career, your business, and your clients. Florida has very specific laws governing makeup services, and misinformation can easily lead to compliance issues. In this blog, I’ll walk you through Florida’s licensing structure, legal exemptions, regulated services, and professional pathways—clearly and point by point.
In Florida, beauty services are regulated by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) under Chapter 477 of the Florida Statutes. This chapter governs cosmetology, esthetics, nail services, and related practices.
However, not all beauty services fall under mandatory licensing, and makeup application is one of the most misunderstood areas.
Florida law clearly states that a license is not required for individuals who only apply cosmetic makeup, provided that the service does not include skin treatment, skin alteration, or invasive procedures.
This legal exemption allows many professional makeup artists to work without a cosmetology or esthetic license, as long as their services remain within defined limits.
In Florida, makeup application refers to the use of cosmetic products applied to the surface of the skin for aesthetic purposes only.
If your work stays within this scope, you may legally charge clients without holding a state license.
Florida law distinguishes between:
Makeup that sits on top of the skin and does not change skin structure, exfoliate, penetrate, or chemically alter tissue is considered low-risk, and therefore exempt from licensing.
This exemption supports:
This is where many artists unintentionally cross legal lines.
1. Skin Treatments or Skin Manipulation
If you perform:
You must hold a Facial Specialist (Esthetician) License.
2. Services That Affect Skin Structure
If your service:
Licensing is legally required.
3. Permanent or Semi-Permanent Makeup
Services such as:
These fall under tattoo and body art regulations, not cosmetology, and require:
4. Lash and Brow Services
Some services may require additional credentials:
Depending on technique and chemicals used, esthetic or cosmetology licensing may apply.
Even when not legally required, licensing can dramatically expand your career.
This license allows you to legally perform:
This is ideal for artists who want to blend makeup artistry with skincare expertise.
This is most comprehensive beauty license, covering:
It requires significant education hours but allows maximum service flexibility.
While not legally required, professional certification:
Certification is especially valuable for bridal, fashion, and commercial artists.
Even if the state does not require a license, individual businesses may.
Always confirm workplace requirements before accepting contracts.
At Robbin Junnola Beauty, we believe compliance and professionalism go hand in hand.
Even when licensing is optional, education helps you:
Protect yourself legally
Expand your service offerings
Increase earning potential
Build long-term credibility
Understanding Florida’s licensing boundaries ensures your artistry grows without risk.
Yes — as long as you only provide surface-level makeup application.
No — once skincare treatment is involved, licensing is required.
No — certifications show training; licenses grant legal authority.
