Lakeland 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 (Lakeland / Polk County)

1. City of Lakeland Business Tax Receipt
   Required for businesses located or operating inside city limits, including home businesses (zoning applies). Fees mostly depend on square footage, workers and category; apply through the city's iMS portal.
   ⏰ Due by September 30 each year (state law)
   Source: City of Lakeland: Business Tax Office · Florida Statutes §205.053 (business tax due dates and penalties)
2. Polk County Business Tax Receipt
   Inside city limits you need receipts from both the City of Lakeland and Polk County.
   ⏰ Verify the county renewal date with the Polk County Tax Collector
   Source: City of Lakeland: Business Tax Office