Florida Barbers Free to Leave the Shop Under Newly Signed Law

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Gov. Ron DeSantis last night signed a bill into law allowing Sunshine State barbers to cut hair in places other than registered barbershops. House Bill 855 received unanimous support in both the Florida House and Senate. The Institute for Justice (IJ) supported the legislation, which expands on the sweeping licensing reform passed last year. That reform included a provision allowing cosmetologists to cut and style hair outside of salons, for instance, on the site of a wedding or a party. HB 855 allows barbers and their customers to enjoy similar options.

“Cutting hair does not suddenly become unsafe when it happens outside a barber shop,” said IJ Florida Office Managing Attorney Justin Pearson. “Barbers will now be able to cut hair at nursing homes, hospitals and in homes. Cosmetologists have already shown that this freedom provides huge benefits to consumers, especially during the pandemic. Barbers and their customers will now enjoy that same freedom.”