Home
Florida operates a bit differently than the rest of the country when it comes to the beauty and wellness industry. Many prospective students are surprised to learn that treating skin and permanently removing hair fall under totally different legal jurisdictions here. While other states often bundle these skills into a single program, our state laws draw a hard line in the sand. You will find that navigating separate aesthetician licenses is a necessary part of working in our local industry. The distinction really comes down to which state board oversees the safety and protocol of the treatment you are performing.
The Split Between Beauty and Medicine
The primary reason for the division lies in how the state categorizes the risk level of different procedures. Florida views standard skincare as a cosmetic service, while permanent hair removal is viewed as a medical procedure. This fundamental difference is why you see Florida aesthetician rules split across two completely different regulatory bodies.
Understanding Both Licenses
Facial
Your standard facial course leads to a skincare license. This credential is managed by the Florida Board of Cosmetology, which sits under the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The training focuses on the beautification of the skin through non-invasive means.
Holding this license allows you to perform classic spa services such as facials, superficial chemical peels, and microdermabrasion. The scope of practice here is strictly limited to the epidermis. The Florida aesthetician rules are quite clear that a Facial Specialist cannot perform procedures that penetrate the skin or affect living tissue, which is why services like laser hair removal are excluded from this specific license.
Electrologist
Things change significantly when you move into the realm of permanent hair reduction. Because treatments like electrolysis and laser hair removal involve destroying the hair follicle to prevent regrowth, the state considers this a medical intervention. Consequently, this license is regulated by the Florida Department of Health through the Electrolysis Council.
This is the main reason we have separate aesthetician licenses available at our institute. To legally perform laser hair removal or electrology in Florida, you must hold an active Electrologist license. A facial license alone does not legally qualify you to operate these devices, regardless of your experience level or prior certifications from other states.
How Florida Aesthetician Rules Impact Your Career
Students often ask us why they cannot just pick one path and stick to it. You certainly can choose a single specialty, but the job market in cities like Tampa often favors versatility. Medical spas generally prefer hiring staff who can handle a patient’s full transformation, all the way from facials to hair removal.
Covering All Services
We see a lot of confusion regarding “Medical Aestheticians” and what that title actually means. In Florida, there is no official license called “Medical Aesthetician.” Instead, professionals usually hold separate aesthetician licenses, one for skincare and one for electrolysis, to cover the full spectrum of medical spa services.
Attempting to perform laser treatments with only a facial license puts you and your employer at risk. The Department of Health is strict about enforcement. Following the correct Florida aesthetician rules protects your ability to practice and helps maintain the high safety standards our industry is known for.
Combining Licenses for Better Job Prospects
Earning both licenses is often the smartest move for those wanting a long-term career in a clinical setting. We designed our programs to recognize that these two fields complement each other perfectly. A Dual License allows you to transition a client from a soothing facial directly into a laser session without needing to hand them off to another provider.
Possessing separate aesthetician licenses makes you a more flexible asset to potential employers. It shows that you have taken the time to understand the medical and scientific aspects of beauty, beyond just surface-level treatments.
Navigating With Us
Understanding the legal landscape is the first step toward a successful career. We know that the distinction between the Board of Cosmetology and the Department of Health can feel overwhelming at first. Call our admissions team, we are here to break down exactly which program fits your goals so you do not waste time or money on unnecessary training. By adhering to current Florida aesthetician rules, we prepare our students to enter the workforce with confidence and full legal compliance.