Florida Medical Spa Laws: What Beauty Professionals Can & Cannot Do

If you're a licensed esthetician or a beauty professional planning to run a medical spa in Florida, you can't afford to ignore the rules. Florida has strict laws that define what services you can perform—and which ones require a licensed medical professional. Here's what you need to know to stay compliant while offering great service.

What Estheticians Can Legally Do in Florida

Florida estheticians are officially licensed as Facial Specialists by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Under your license, you’re allowed to:

• Perform facials and facial massages
• Apply makeup and eyelash extensions
• Use light peels and exfoliation (like enzyme or glycolic acid)
• Conduct microdermabrasion using vacuum-style machines
• Offer non-invasive skin treatments like masks, LED light therapy, and steam facials

However, estheticians cannot legally perform any of the following without a medical license or oversight:

• Injectables (Botox, fillers)
• Microneedling, PRP, or plasma therapy
• Laser treatments (hair removal, skin resurfacing)
• Radiofrequency (RF), HIFU, or other advanced energy devices
• Medical-grade chemical peels
• Body sculpting using cavitation, cryolipolysis, etc.

Even if you’re trained in these services elsewhere, Florida law still limits your ability to offer them without proper credentials.

Can You Own a Med Spa Without Being a Doctor?

Yes—non-medical professionals are allowed to own a medical spa in Florida. But here’s the catch:

• All medical-grade procedures must be performed by licensed medical professionals (e.g., RNs, NPs, PAs, or MDs)
• You must hire a Medical Director (a licensed physician) to supervise these services
• You cannot make medical decisions, even if you own the business

If your spa offers only facials, waxing, and makeup, you don’t need a medical director. But if you’re advertising injectables, lasers, or HIFU, physician oversight is legally required.

New Laws You Should Know (2024)

Florida recently updated its laws for estheticians and spa professionals:

1. Continuing Education Reduced: Required hours went from 16 to 10 hours per renewal cycle

2. CE Exemption: Professionals with 10+ years of license history and no violations are exempt

3. Mobile Spa Legality: Florida now allows mobile beauty services under strict rules:

   • You must file monthly schedules with DBPR

   • Keep a home base (business address)

   • Ensure ADA compliance and proper sanitation protocols

These updates provide more flexibility, but also more responsibility.

Spa vs. Med Spa: Know the Difference

Opening a med spa means dealing with medical-grade compliance, even if you only offer a few clinical services.

What Treatments Can You Add Without Medical Oversight?

You don’t need a doctor to expand your beauty menu. Here are services most Florida estheticians can offer legally:

• Lash lifts and tints
• LED light therapy
• Ultrasonic skin spatulas
• Gua Sha facial massage
• Makeup, brows, and non-invasive skin tightening tools

These services are popular, safe, and profitable—and stay well within legal boundaries.

Staying Compliant: Tips for Med Spa Owners

• Hire licensed nurses or doctors for all medical procedures
• Consult legal counsel to draft a compliant supervision agreement
• Use FDA-cleared devices and follow manufacturer usage guidelines
• Ensure all practitioners have active Florida licenses
• Never market treatments you’re not legally allowed to perform

Final Thoughts

The medical spa business is booming in Florida, but so is regulatory scrutiny. Understanding your scope of practice helps protect your license, your clients—and your reputation. If you're not sure whether a treatment is legal, check with DBPR or speak to a healthcare attorney.

Want to upgrade your space with compliant, professional-grade equipment? Browse our salon and med spa furniture collections designed specifically for estheticians and clinical setups:

🔗 Explore Electric Facial Chairs
🔗 Shop Rolling Trolleys & Spa Storage

FAQ (People Also Ask)

Q: Can an esthetician do microneedling in Florida?
A: No. Microneedling is considered a medical procedure in Florida and must be performed under medical supervision.

Q: Do I need a license to own a med spa in Florida?
A: No, but any clinical services must be performed by licensed professionals under a medical director.

Q: What’s the difference between a facial specialist and esthetician in Florida?
A: In Florida, “Facial Specialist” is the legal title for licensed estheticians.

Q: Can estheticians work independently in Florida?
A: Yes, estheticians can open and run a salon or spa, as long as they only offer services within their license scope.