What’s the Difference Between a Facial Specialist and a Medical Esthetician in Florida?

If you’re new to the beauty industry in Florida, you’ve probably heard both terms: Facial Specialist and Medical Esthetician. They sound similar, but they don’t mean the same thing—especially when it comes to what you can legally do in Florida.

So what’s the real difference? Who needs which license? And what services are actually allowed under each role? Let’s break it all down.

What Is a Facial Specialist in Florida?

In Florida, the Facial Specialist License is the official license you need to work as an esthetician. It’s issued by the Florida Board of Cosmetology through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

With a Facial Specialist License, you can legally:

• Perform facials, basic chemical peels, and skin analysis
• Do facial massage, waxing, eyebrow shaping, and makeup application
• Offer non-invasive, non-medical skincare services in spas, salons, resorts, or cruise ships

What you can’t do:
You cannot perform medical treatments like Botox injections, laser resurfacing, or anything that breaks the skin beyond light exfoliation. Those services are considered medical acts under Florida law.

 What Is a Medical Esthetician?

Here’s the tricky part: Florida does not actually have a separate “Medical Esthetician License.”

“Medical Esthetician” is more of a job title than a legal license. It usually refers to a Facial Specialist who works in a medical setting—like a dermatologist’s office, a plastic surgeon’s clinic, or a medical spa.

A Medical Esthetician:

• Holds a valid Facial Specialist License
• Works under the supervision of a licensed physician
• May assist with pre- and post-procedure skincare
• May perform advanced treatments if allowed by the supervising doctor and within legal scope

Key Difference: Scope of Practice

Bottom line: The license is the same—but the setting, supervision, and scope of services are what make an esthetician “medical.”

Who Can Do Injectables in Florida?

A common misconception is that an esthetician can offer Botox or fillers once they become “medical.” In Florida, that’s not true.

Only licensed medical professionals—like a doctor, nurse practitioner (NP), or physician assistant (PA)—can legally inject Botox or dermal fillers.

A Medical Esthetician may assist with prepping the patient or providing aftercare, but cannot do the injections themselves.

How Do You Become a Medical Esthetician?

There’s no separate medical esthetician license. Instead, the path usually looks like this:

• Get your Facial Specialist License (basic esthetician training and state registration)
• Gain experience in spas or salons
• Take additional advanced skincare courses (laser, chemical peels, etc.) — these boost your skills but don’t replace licensing requirements
• Apply for jobs in medical offices or med spas under physician supervision

Do I Need Special Training?

Many Medical Estheticians choose to get certified in advanced treatments, like:

• Laser hair removal
• Microdermabrasion
• Advanced chemical peels
• Microneedling (may have limits under Florida law)

These certifications look great on a resume and can help you stand out, but you still need a medical director to oversee any true medical treatments.

Where Do Medical Estheticians Work?

In Florida, you’ll find Medical Estheticians in:

• Dermatology clinics
• Plastic surgery practices
• Medical spas (must have a medical director)
• Wellness centers with medical teams
• The work often includes a mix of:
• Consultations
• Facials
• Post-surgery skin treatments
• Advanced peels or non-invasive resurfacing (if allowed)

 Is There a Pay Difference?

Medical Estheticians often earn more than spa estheticians because:

• Medical settings charge higher rates for advanced services
• Tips and commissions are higher for advanced skincare sales
• Specialized skills make you more valuable

Average pay varies by city: Miami and South Florida markets tend to pay more than smaller towns.

Key Takeaway

✅ Facial Specialist = The official license in Florida
✅ Medical Esthetician = A job title for working in a medical setting under doctor supervision

The license is the same, but the responsibilities, work setting, and opportunities can be very different.

Next Steps

If your dream is to work in a med spa or dermatologist’s office, start with your Facial Specialist License. Then build on it with advanced training and great connections with medical professionals.

Ready to learn how to get your license? Check out our guide: How to Get Your Facial Specialist License in Florida