Complete guide to all 5 barber schools in Jacksonville FL, Clay County, and St. Johns County. Compare programs, costs, hours, accreditation, and financial aid options. Florida requires 900 hours of training at an approved barber school plus passing the state board exam. Most programs take 8 to 12 months to complete. Licensed barbers in Jacksonville earn $50,000 to $100,000+ per year.
Florida Barber Institute — 540 Commerce Center Dr, Unit 125, Jacksonville, FL 32211. Phone: (904) 647-6233. 900-hour program, full-time day classes. Hands-on student barbershop with focus on modern fades and taper techniques. Prestige Barbers owner Mike has demonstrated cutting techniques here.
First Coast Barber Academy — 625 N Julia St, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Phone: (904) 201-2920. 1,200-hour program (300 hours above state minimum). NACCAS accredited, federal financial aid eligible. Family-owned, minority-owned, 17+ years in operation. Tuition approximately $15,685.
American Academy of Cosmetology — 1330 Blanding Blvd, Suite 125, Orange Park, FL 32065. Phone: (904) 213-1444. 900-hour program. NACCAS accredited. Day and evening classes, full-time and part-time. Accepts VA benefits, GI Bill, financial aid. Ideal for Westside, Argyle, Oakleaf, and Orange Park students.
Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) — Multiple Jacksonville campuses. Phone: (904) 646-2300. 900-hour Barbering Career Certificate. State college tuition rates — most affordable option. Bright Futures eligible, federal financial aid, day and evening schedules.
Community Barber School — 1826 Ionia St, Jacksonville, FL 32206. Phone: (904) 425-0055. 900-hour program. Licensed by Florida Department of Education. Small class sizes, personalized instruction. Led by Bobby W. Parks Jr. with 30+ years experience.
Financial aid options include federal Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year, does not need to be repaid), federal student loans, VA benefits and GI Bill, Florida Bright Futures scholarships, vocational rehabilitation, and school payment plans. Apply through FAFSA at studentaid.gov.
How to become a barber in Jacksonville: Be at least 16 with a high school diploma or GED, complete 900 hours at an approved barber school, complete a 2-hour HIV/AIDS course, pass the Florida State Board exam (written + practical), apply for your license through the DBPR. The process takes 8 to 14 months.
Prestige Barbers actively supports barber school students. Owner Mike has instructed at Florida Barber Institute and American Academy of Cosmetology. Students are welcome to visit either Prestige Barbers location to watch and learn. Now hiring graduates at both locations.
Walk-ins are welcome seven days a week at both Prestige Barbers locations. Visit us at 11900 Atlantic Blvd Suite #223, Jacksonville, FL 32225 (call (904) 677-4767) or 6001 Argyle Forest Blvd Suite #8, Jacksonville, FL 32244 (call (904) 683-8717).
Jacksonville's top-rated barbershop with 1,100+ five-star reviews. Walk-ins welcome at both locations.