You must obtain a Barber Shop Owner's license to own, control or operate a barber shop, whether as a sole proprietor, partner, shareholder or officer. Any licensed operator working at a barber shop and not employed by the owner of the business is an independent contractor and must obtain an area renter license.

A shop owner’s license does not permit you to practice barbering. Each person performing such service must be licensed as a barber operator by the Department of State.

An Area Renter is a licensed operator who works in a Barber shop but who is not employed by the owner. If you are an Area Renter, you are an independent contractor and must obtain an Area Renter license in addition to your operator’s license. An Area Renter’s license alone does not allow you to provide customer services.

It is the responsibility of licensees to understand the Practice of Barbering License Law.

The term of licensure is four years.

*Please Note: An Apprentice barber may not own a barber shop or rent space in a barber shop.