Clearwater Hair Salon License Requirements (2026)

📋 Your checklist

State

1. Florida Cosmetology Salon License (DBPR)
   No cosmetology salon may operate without a DBPR salon license.
   ⏰ Salon licenses expire November 30 of every even year (next: November 30, 2026)
   Source: Florida Statutes §477.025 (cosmetology salon license) · Florida DBPR: Board of Cosmetology (license types and renewal dates)
2. Each stylist's Cosmetologist License (DBPR)
   Everyone doing hair must hold their own license, with continuing education to renew.
   ⏰ October 31: Group 1 in odd years, Group 2 in even years
   Source: Florida DBPR: Board of Cosmetology (license types and renewal dates)
3. Business name and entity filings (Sunbiz)
   LLCs and corporations file an annual report ($138.75 for an LLC). Using a name other than your legal name? Register it as a fictitious name.
   ⏰ Annual report: May 1 ($400 late fee). Fictitious name: renew every 5 years
   Source: Florida Division of Corporations: File Annual Report · Florida Statutes §865.09 (fictitious name registration)

Local (Clearwater / Pinellas County)

1. City of Clearwater Business Tax Receipt
   Required for all businesses located in city limits before opening; home-based businesses also file an affidavit. Contractors without a DBPR or Pinellas license must register with the Building Department before permits.
   ⏰ Tax year October 1 to September 30; renews yearly
   Source: City of Clearwater: Business Tax Receipts (BTR) · Florida Statutes §205.053 (business tax due dates and penalties)
2. Pinellas County
   Pinellas County itself does not issue a business tax receipt (repealed in 1995). Your city receipt is what you need locally.
   ⏰ None
   Source: Pinellas County: Occupational Licenses/Business Tax Receipts