Opening a barbershop in Florida can be a rewarding business. The state’s regulatory framework is run by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), which sets rules for barber licenses, barbershop (establishment) licenses, and health and safety. Cities and counties add their own business tax receipts and zoning; Florida has no state income tax, which helps with long-term cash flow.
This guide walks you through what you need specifically in Florida: DBPR barber license (600 or 900 hours), Barbershop License (BAR 5), business registration with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz), local permits, realistic costs for Miami, Orlando, and Tampa, where to look for space, equipment, and how to hire licensed barbers while staying compliant with Florida law.
8 Steps to Open Your Barbershop in Florida
Research and Business Plan
Florida’s barbershop market varies by region. Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville each have distinct demographics—tourists, retirees, families, and young professionals. Many barbershops struggle with unclear pricing and target clientele; doing solid research up front helps you avoid that.
What to research in Florida:
- Local competition: Use Yelp and Google Maps to see how many barbershops are in your target area, what they charge (typical Florida haircuts range from about $25–$45 in many areas to $50–$75+ in premium Miami or Orlando spots), and what makes them stand out.
- Your clientele: Define who you’re serving—tourists, locals, professionals, or a specific community. Seasonality can affect demand in tourist-heavy areas.
- Rent and costs: Commercial rent in South Florida and Orlando can be high; Tampa, Jacksonville, and smaller cities often offer more affordable options. Check LoopNet, Zillow Commercial, or local brokers.
- Peak times: Match your hours to when clients actually come—observe foot traffic and consider evening and weekend slots.
Your business plan should include:
- Executive summary: Your concept, target market, and how you’ll compete in your Florida market.
- Market and competition: Local demand, competitor pricing, and your positioning.
- Marketing plan: How you’ll get clients—Google, Instagram, and word of mouth.
- Financial projections: Revenue, rent, labor (Florida’s minimum wage is rising to $15 by 2026), and profitability. No state income tax helps net margins.
- Operations: Hours, services, and day-to-day running of the shop.
Useful resources for Florida businesses:
Strategic Location in Florida
Where you open in Florida has a big impact on rent, clientele, and competition. Miami and South Florida tend to be pricier; Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, and suburbs often offer lower rent and strong demand.
What makes a good Florida location:
- Foot traffic and visibility: Storefronts on busy streets or near offices and retail draw more walk-ins.
- Parking: Many Florida clients drive; easy parking matters.
- Zoning: Confirm with the city or county that the space is allowed for personal care / barbershop use before signing a lease.
- Safety and access: Well-lit, accessible areas tend to attract more repeat clients.
Search for commercial space in Florida:
Major Florida markets:
Miami / South Florida
Miami, Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton—high rent and competition but strong demand. Diverse clientele; premium positioning common in hot spots.
Orlando / Central Florida
Orlando, Kissimmee, Winter Park—tourism and locals. Rents and competition vary by neighborhood; good mix of affordable and premium areas.
Tampa Bay
Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater—growing metros with generally more affordable rent than South Florida. Strong local demand.
Jacksonville and others
Jacksonville, Tallahassee, and smaller cities offer lower rents and steady demand; good options to start with less capital.
Legal Requirements and Permits in Florida
Florida barbershops are regulated by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). You must have a barber license for every person cutting hair (Restricted Barber 600 hours or Full Barber 900 hours at a Florida barber school, plus HIV/AIDS course and exam) and a Barbershop License (BAR 5) for the shop before you open. You also need business registration with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz) where applicable, a local business tax receipt where required, and compliance with health and safety rules. Do not operate until DBPR has issued your barbershop license.
Barber License (Individual)
Every barber who cuts or shaves hair in your Florida shop must hold a current Barber License from DBPR. Two paths: Restricted Barber (minimum 600 hours at a Florida barber school, with a specific curriculum including Florida Laws and Rules, Safety/Sanitation/Sterilization, Hair Structure/Cutting/Cleansing, and Shaving/Beard/Mustache) or Full Barber (600 hours with school verification of competency to sit for the restricted exam, or 900 hours). You must be at least 16 years old, complete a board-approved Initial HIV/AIDS course (minimum 2 hours, within 2 years of application), and pass the Florida barber written examination. Apply through MyFloridaLicense.com or by mail.
Where: Florida DBPR – Barbers
DBPR – Barber License by Examination (BAR 1) →MyFloridaLicense – Barbers →Barbershop License (BAR 5)
Your barbershop must have a Barbershop License (BAR 5) from DBPR before you can open for business. Submit the barbershop application and applicable fees; once approved, the license is issued and mailed to you. You do not need to wait for an inspection to open—an inspector will visit unannounced approximately 90 days after issuance for the initial inspection. The shop must meet safety and sanitation requirements in Rule 61G3-19.011, Florida Administrative Code. The license is not transferable: if location, ownership, or business name changes, you must submit a new application and surrender the old license.
Where: Florida DBPR
DBPR – Barbershop License (BAR 5) →Business Entity and Division of Corporations (Sunbiz)
If you operate as an LLC or corporation, you must form and register the entity with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz). File Articles of Organization for an LLC (or the appropriate formation document for a corporation) online at efile.sunbiz.org or by mail. Sole proprietors may use a Fictitious Name (DBA) if the business name differs from their legal name; register with Sunbiz. As of 2024, beneficial ownership information must also be reported to the U.S. Department of Treasury for many entities.
Where: Florida Division of Corporations – Sunbiz
Sunbiz →Florida LLC E-File →Local Business Tax Receipt
Most Florida counties and many cities require a business tax receipt (formerly called occupational license) to operate. Requirements and fees vary—check your county tax collector and city clerk. You may also need a county or city license for your specific address and business type.
Where: Your county tax collector and/or city
EIN and Taxes
If you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation, you need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS (free, online). Florida has no state income tax. If you sell retail products (e.g. pomade, beard oil), you generally need to register for Florida sales tax with the Florida Department of Revenue and collect and remit sales tax.
IRS – EIN →Florida DOR – Sales tax →Liability and Workers’ Compensation Insurance
General liability insurance is strongly recommended for barbershops (and often required by landlords). In Florida, workers’ compensation is required for non-construction employers with 4 or more employees (including part-time); construction employers with 1 or more employees must have coverage. Sole proprietors and partners in non-construction are not counted as employees unless they opt in. The Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation (under MyFloridaCFO) enforces requirements; failure to maintain required insurance can result in penalties.
MyFloridaCFO – Workers’ comp requirements →Estimated Initial Investment in Florida
Florida costs vary by region. Miami and South Florida tend to be at the higher end; Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, and smaller cities can be more affordable. Below is an approximate breakdown in U.S. dollars for a small to mid-size shop in Florida.
Note: In Miami or prime South Florida, the upper end of these ranges is more common. In Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, or smaller cities, you may land in the lower to mid range. Florida has no state income tax. Keeping 3–6 months of operating expenses as working capital is a good practice.
Manage Your Barbershop with Technology
From day one, use management software like BarberíaClub to:
- Organise appointments online 24/7
- Manage clients and their history
- Send automatic reminders
- Reduce no-shows and stay organised
- Save time on admin
Equipment You Need for Your Florida Barbershop
DBPR expects clean, well-maintained tools and proper disinfection per Florida rules. Invest in professional chairs, mirrors, lighting, clippers, shears, and razors. Below are ballpark prices in USD and where to shop (national retailers ship to Florida).
Professional Barber Chairs
You need at least one chair per barber. Hydraulic, durable chairs are the backbone of the shop.
Estimated price: $300 – $3,500 per chair
Entry-level from around $300; premium brands $2,000+.
Mirrors and Lighting
Large mirrors and good lighting are required for quality work and pass DBPR expectations for a professional setup.
Estimated price: $200 – $2,000+ (mirrors and lights combined)
Clippers, Shears, and Razors
Each barber needs professional clippers (e.g. Wahl, Andis, Oster), quality shears, and razors. DBPR requires proper sterilization between clients—invest in an autoclave or approved disinfectant systems.
Estimated price: $150 – $600+ per clipper; $80 – $500+ per shear set; razors and blades extra
Products and Disinfection
Stock pomades, gels, beard oil, aftershave, and other retail products if you sell them (remember Florida sales tax registration). Keep EPA-approved disinfectants and follow DBPR rules for tool sterilization.
Estimated price: $1,000 – $5,000 initial product and disinfection supply
Staff Hiring in Florida
Every barber in your Florida shop must have a current Barber License from DBPR. You can verify licenses on the DBPR/MyFloridaLicense website. Florida’s minimum wage is $14.00/hour as of September 2025 (scheduled to reach $15.00 in September 2026); tipped employees have a lower direct wage. Workers’ compensation is required for non-construction employers with 4 or more employees (and for construction with 1+); if you have fewer than 4 employees in a non-construction barbershop, you are not required to carry it but may choose to for protection.
What to consider when hiring in Florida:
- License verification: Confirm the barber’s license is current and in good standing with DBPR.
- Experience and portfolio: Review their work and, if possible, client references.
- Pay structure: Be clear on hourly vs. commission vs. booth rent, and comply with Florida minimum wage and wage-and-hour rules.
- Workers’ comp: If you have 4+ employees (non-construction), get a policy; otherwise consider it for risk management.
Resources for hiring and compliance in Florida:
Management System and Technology
Many barbershops struggle with no-shows and double bookings. Software like BarberíaClub lets you take bookings online 24/7, keep client history, and send reminders—which Florida clients increasingly expect, especially in Miami, Orlando, and Tampa.
Marketing and Promotion in Florida
In Florida, Instagram and Google are essential. Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile so you show up in local search and Maps. Post your work, location, and prices; run occasional promotions to fill the chair. In competitive markets like Miami or Orlando, a clear brand and consistent posting help you stand out. Word of mouth still works—deliver great service and ask happy clients for reviews.
- Google Business Profile: Keep your address, hours, and photos updated so you appear in “barbershop near me” searches.
- Instagram: Post cuts, fades, and shop vibes; use local hashtags (e.g. #MiamiBarber #OrlandoBarber #TampaBarber) to reach Florida clients.
- Encourage reviews on Google and Yelp—they matter in crowded Florida markets.
Tips for Success in Florida
Frequently Asked Questions – Florida
Do I need a license to open a barbershop in Florida?
Yes. You need a Barbershop License (BAR 5) from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) before you can open, and every barber who cuts or shaves hair must have a current Barber License from DBPR. You also need a local business tax receipt where required. Do not operate until DBPR has issued your barbershop license.
How many hours of training are required for a Florida barber license?
Restricted Barber: minimum 600 hours at a Florida barber school (specific curriculum). Full Barber: 600 hours with school verification of competency to sit for the restricted exam, or 900 hours. You must be at least 16, complete a board-approved HIV/AIDS course (2 hours, within 2 years of application), and pass the Florida barber written exam. Apply through MyFloridaLicense.com. See DBPR’s barber checklists for current fees and details.
How much does it cost to open a barbershop in Florida?
A realistic range is roughly $28,000–$100,000+, depending on size, city, and build-out. Miami and South Florida tend toward the higher end; Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, and smaller cities can be lower. Rent, security deposit, build-out, equipment, licenses, insurance, and 3–6 months of working capital are the main cost drivers. Florida has no state income tax.
What is the first step to open a barbershop in Florida?
Plan your business and confirm your barbers (or yourself) have or will get a DBPR barber license (including the HIV/AIDS course). Then secure a location that meets zoning and DBPR requirements, form your business entity with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz) if using an LLC or corporation, and apply for your Barbershop License (BAR 5) with DBPR. Check your county and city for business tax receipt and other permit requirements.