This guide describes the Florida rules. You can form your LLC in any state we sell, with Coral Filings as your registered agent: see LLC cost by state.
Salon license
A cosmetology salon needs a salon license from the DBPR Board of Cosmetology before it opens, and the location is inspected. Barbershops are licensed separately by the Barbers' Board, which is also part of the DBPR.
Individual licenses
Every cosmetologist (licensed) and every nail specialist, facial specialist and full specialist (registered) working in the salon must hold their own Florida license or registration from the DBPR. A person whose work is limited to hair braiding, hair wrapping or body wrapping does not need one.
Booth rental or employees
If stylists rent chairs, they generally run their own businesses and need their own licenses. If they are employees, you handle payroll and, from four employees, workers' compensation.
Taxes
Services are generally not subject to Florida sales tax, but retail products you sell are.
Forming the LLC in another state
The licenses above are Florida's. We form LLCs in 49 states and Washington, D.C. (Florida included), and corporations in nearly every state, and act as your registered agent in each. Compare fees in LLC cost by state and corporation cost by state.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a license to own a salon in Florida if I'm not a stylist?
The owner doesn't need a cosmetology license, but the salon needs a salon license and everyone providing services must be licensed or registered (braiding, hair wrapping and body wrapping alone are exempt).
This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. For your specific situation, talk to a licensed attorney or CPA.