Barber Shop Permit Requirements in Orlando, 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)

1. Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation — Barber Shop License

   All barber shops in Florida must be licensed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Board of Barbering, under Florida Statutes Chapter 476. Submit the barbershop application (DBPR form BAR 5) with fees; the shop may open once the license is issued. DBPR conducts an unannounced initial inspection within approximately 90 days after licensure.

   Official government source

   $125 initial ($75 application fee, Rule 61G3-20.003, F.A.C. + $50 original license fee, Rule 61G3-20.0035, F.A.C.); $110 biennial renewal·2-6 weeks for license issuance; shop may open on issuance (initial inspection follows unannounced within ~90 days)

   $125 initial ($75 application fee, Rule 61G3-20.003, F.A.C. + $50 original license fee, Rule 61G3-20.0035, F.A.C.); $110 biennial renewal

   2-6 weeks for license issuance; shop may open on issuance (initial inspection follows unannounced within ~90 days)

2. Individual Barber License (per barber)

   Every barber working in the shop must hold a valid Florida Barber License issued by DBPR (Barbers' Board). This requires completing an approved barber training program of at least 900 hours (s. 476.114(2)(c), Florida Statutes; a school may certify a student to take the exam after 600 actual school hours) and passing the written, computer-based barber examination administered through Pearson VUE. A Restricted Barber license (haircutting, shaving, shampooing only) is also available.

   Official government source

   $150 examination/application fee (Rule 61G3-20.002, F.A.C.) + $100 original license fee (Rule 61G3-20.014, F.A.C.) — about $250 per barber·3–6 weeks (after completing required education and passing exams)

   $150 examination/application fee (Rule 61G3-20.002, F.A.C.) + $100 original license fee (Rule 61G3-20.014, F.A.C.) — about $250 per barber

   3–6 weeks (after completing required education and passing exams)

3. Florida Sales Tax Certificate of Registration

   Required for selling retail products in your barber shop. The combined rate in Orlando/Orange County is 6.5%.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. City of Orlando — Business Tax Receipt

   All businesses operating within Orlando city limits must obtain a Business Tax Receipt from the City of Orlando Permitting Services. Annual renewal required.

   Official government source

   Varies by business classification; the City of Orlando does not publish a flat range — confirm with City of Orlando Permitting Services, (407) 246-2204 / [email protected]·1–2 weeks

   Varies by business classification; the City of Orlando does not publish a flat range — confirm with City of Orlando Permitting Services, (407) 246-2204 / [email protected]

   1–2 weeks

2. Orange County — Business Tax Receipt

   After obtaining the City of Orlando Business Tax Receipt, obtain an Orange County Business Tax Receipt from the Orange County Tax Collector (301 S. Rosalind Ave.; apply online). Both receipts are required for businesses inside Orlando city limits; all receipts expire September 30.

   Official government source

   Varies by business classification; confirm with the Orange County Tax Collector, (407) 434-0312 (option 2)·1–2 weeks

   Varies by business classification; confirm with the Orange County Tax Collector, (407) 434-0312 (option 2)

   1–2 weeks

3. City of Orlando Certificate of Use

   Before opening a barber shop in Orlando you must obtain a Certificate of Use in conjunction with your Business Tax Receipt, confirming the business may operate in that zoning district. A Certificate of Occupancy is separately required only for new construction or change-of-occupancy renovations. Contact: 407-246-2204.

   Official government source

   Fee billed with the Business Tax Receipt application; varies by use — confirm at (407) 246-2204·2–5 weeks

   Fee billed with the Business Tax Receipt application; varies by use — confirm at (407) 246-2204

   2–5 weeks

Official Sources

• Florida DBPR — Barbers
• City of Orlando — Business Tax Receipts
• Orange County Tax Collector — Business Tax Receipts
• Florida Department of Revenue — Sales Tax

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