Nail Salon Permit Requirements in Miami, FL

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

2. OSHA Hazard Communication Standard Compliance

   Nail salons handle hazardous chemicals. OSHA requires Safety Data Sheets, employee training, and adequate ventilation (29 CFR 1910.1200).

   Official government source

   Free (compliance requirement)·Implement before opening

   Free (compliance requirement)

   Implement before opening

1. Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation — Cosmetology Salon License

   All nail salons in Florida must be licensed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Board of Cosmetology. The salon license (Full Cosmetology Salon or Specialty Salon — Nail) requires an application, on-site inspection, and compliance with Florida Statutes Chapter 477 and Florida Administrative Code Rule 61G5. The salon must meet sanitation, equipment, ventilation, and facility standards.

   Official government source

   $90 total: $50 non-refundable application fee + $40 salon license fee (Rule 61G5-24.005, F.A.C.)·3–6 weeks (includes application review and on-site inspection)

   $90 total: $50 non-refundable application fee + $40 salon license fee (Rule 61G5-24.005, F.A.C.)

   3–6 weeks (includes application review and on-site inspection)

2. Individual Nail Technician License (per employee)

   Every nail technician working in the salon must hold an active Florida Nail Specialist registration issued by DBPR (Board of Cosmetology). This requires completing a board-approved 180-hour nail specialty training program (s. 477.0201(1)(b)1. and s. 477.013(6)(a)-(b), Florida Statutes) and registering with DBPR — no state examination is required for specialist registration.

   Official government source

   $70 per technician ($40 initial registration fee + $30 application fee, Rule 61G5-24.002, F.A.C.)·3-6 weeks (after completing required education; no exam required)

   $70 per technician ($40 initial registration fee + $30 application fee, Rule 61G5-24.002, F.A.C.)

   3-6 weeks (after completing required education; no exam required)

3. Florida Sales Tax Certificate of Registration

   Required for selling retail products in your salon. Register with the Florida Department of Revenue. The Florida state sales tax rate is 6%, with Miami-Dade County adding a 1% discretionary surtax for a total of 7%.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. City of Miami — Local Business Tax Receipt

   Nail salons operating within City of Miami limits must obtain a Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License) before opening — a City of Miami Certificate of Use is required first — renewed annually. Apply via the MiamiBiz portal or in person at 444 SW 2nd Ave. A Miami-Dade County Local Business Tax Receipt is also required.

   Official government source

   Varies by business classification under the City of Miami fee schedule; no citywide fee range is published on the official BTR page — confirm with the City of Miami at (305) 416-2087·1–2 weeks

   Varies by business classification under the City of Miami fee schedule; no citywide fee range is published on the official BTR page — confirm with the City of Miami at (305) 416-2087

   1–2 weeks

2. Miami-Dade County — Local Business Tax Receipt (County Level)

   In addition to the City of Miami Business Tax Receipt, businesses inside city limits must also obtain a Miami-Dade County Local Business Tax Receipt from the Miami-Dade County Tax Collector (apply via the BTExpress portal; tax year October 1–September 30). Miami-Dade Tax Collector: (305) 375-5448.

   Official government source

   Varies by business category and number of employees/seats/units; confirm via the Miami-Dade Tax Collector's BTExpress portal or (305) 375-5448·1–2 weeks

   Varies by business category and number of employees/seats/units; confirm via the Miami-Dade Tax Collector's BTExpress portal or (305) 375-5448

   1–2 weeks

3. City of Miami Certificate of Use (CU)

   Before opening a nail salon in the City of Miami you need a Certificate of Use confirming the space is approved for personal-services use, with DERM, Fire and Code inspections; the CU precedes the Business Tax Receipt. A Certificate of Occupancy from the Building Department is only required if the space is newly constructed or built out.

   Official government source

   $50 non-refundable application fee, plus inspection/service fees per the City of Miami CU fee schedule (commercial: $313 for the first 2,000 sq ft + $63 per additional 1,000 sq ft)·2–6 weeks

   $50 non-refundable application fee, plus inspection/service fees per the City of Miami CU fee schedule (commercial: $313 for the first 2,000 sq ft + $63 per additional 1,000 sq ft)

   2–6 weeks

Official Sources

• Florida DBPR — Cosmetology
• City of Miami — Business Tax
• Miami-Dade County Tax Collector — Business Tax
• Florida Department of Revenue — Sales Tax

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