Barber / Cosmetology Permits & Licenses in Gulfport, MS

For festivals or temporary locations.

Required if you have one or more employees in Mississippi, including part-time. Exemptions apply for sole proprietors without employees. Corporate officers may file exemption forms. Coverage must be obtained from a licensed insurer or through the state fund.

Not explicitly mandated by Mississippi state law for barbershops, but strongly recommended. However, local municipalities or landlords may require proof of general liability insurance as a condition of occupancy or licensing. The Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology does not currently mandate it by statute.

Not legally required by Mississippi state law or the Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology. However, it is strongly recommended to protect against claims of negligence, allergic reactions, or improper services. No statutory mandate exists.

A $5,000 surety bond is required for barbershop and cosmetology salon licenses in Mississippi. This is a license bond to ensure compliance with state regulations. The bond must be issued by a surety company authorized in Mississippi. Sole proprietors and LLCs are both subject to this requirement. Source: Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology Application Packet.

Required for any vehicle registered to the LLC or used for business purposes (e.g., mobile barber services). Mississippi law mandates liability coverage for all motor vehicles operated on public roads. Minimums: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, $25,000 property damage. Personal auto policies typically exclude business use.

Not legally required by Mississippi law. However, if the business sells hair care products (shampoos, pomades, etc.), it assumes liability for defective products. While not mandated, it is strongly recommended and often covered under a general liability policy. No state agency enforces this requirement.

Only required if the barbershop holds an alcohol license and serves drinks. Mississippi ABC mandates liquor liability insurance (typically $1 million coverage) for businesses with on-premise alcohol licenses. Most barbershops do not serve alcohol, so this is rare. Not applicable unless ABC license is obtained.

While not required for sole proprietors with no employees, most LLCs obtain an EIN for banking and liability protection. Barber shops structured as LLCs typically need an EIN regardless of employment status due to entity structure.

LLCs are pass-through entities unless electing corporate taxation. Single-member LLCs report on Schedule C; multi-member on Form 1065. Employment taxes apply if barbers are employees (not independent contractors). Self-employment tax applies to owner income.

Requires provision of personal protective equipment (gloves, eye protection), hazard communication program for chemicals (e.g., disinfectants, hair dyes), and accessible safety data sheets (SDS). Barbers use hazardous chemicals regulated under OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS).

Required for all LLCs. Annual report also required ($0 fee if filed online, due April 15).

Applies to all domestic LLCs. Online filing recommended.

Renewal required every 10 years ($10 fee). Search names at https://corp.sos.ms.gov/corp/portal/c/page/corpBusinessIdSearch/portal.aspx.

Prerequisites: 1,500 hours education or apprenticeship, pass written/practical exams. Clinic manager license also available ($100 initial).

Prerequisites: 1,500 hours (cosmetology) or 500-1,000 hours (specialty like manicurist), exams required. Effective updates per board rules as of 2023.

Must have licensed manager/barber on site; inspections required. One license per location.

Dual shop license available if offering both barber/cosmetology ($150 initial). Must comply with sanitation rules.

Apply online via TAP portal. Renew annually by final filing due date. Common for retail sales in barber/cosmetology.

Barber and cosmetology services themselves are not subject to sales tax in Mississippi. However, the sale of tangible personal property (e.g., retail hair care products) is taxable at the state rate of 7%. Local sales taxes may also apply depending on the city or county. Registration required via the Mississippi Department of Revenue's online portal.

Employers must register for state income tax withholding even if only one employee is hired. This includes withholding state income tax from employee wages. Registration is done through the Mississippi Department of Revenue.

All employers with one or more employees must register with MDES and pay unemployment insurance taxes. New employers are assigned a standard experience rating; new employer rate is 2.7% on the first $7,000 of each employee's wages annually (as of 2024).

All LLCs formed or registered to do business in Mississippi must file an annual franchise tax report and pay a minimum tax of $150. Due date is May 1 each year. This is not based on income but is a privilege tax for maintaining LLC status in the state.

LLCs are generally pass-through entities. While the LLC itself does not pay state income tax, owners must report income on personal returns. However, the business must register with DOR if it has tax obligations (e.g., withholding, sales tax). No separate entity-level income tax for LLCs in Mississippi.

Required for anyone cutting hair, shaving, or providing beauty treatments for compensation. Services themselves are not taxable, but licensing is mandatory.

Requires physical access (ramps, door widths, accessible restrooms), communication access for people with disabilities, and service animals policy. Existing buildings must remove barriers if "readily achievable.

Most barber shops are considered Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators (CESQGs) if generating <220 lbs/month of hazardous waste. Proper disposal of chemical containers and compliance with labeling/storage required. Common regulated items include isopropyl alcohol, formaldehyde-containing products, and certain disinfectants.

Prohibits deceptive or misleading advertising (e.g., false claims about services, pricing, or results). Applies to online ads, signage, and promotions. FTC enforces truth-in-advertising standards under Section 5 of the FTC Act. Specific rules apply to "Made in USA" claims or health-related assertions.

Requires payment of federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour), overtime (1.5x regular rate after 40 hours), and proper recordkeeping. Barbers paid hourly or by commission must meet minimum wage thresholds. Tip credits do not apply in barbering unless food service is offered.

Requires eligible employees (12 months, 1,250 hours) to be granted up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave annually for qualifying reasons. Most small barber shops are exempt due to size.

All employers must complete Form I-9 for each employee to verify identity and work authorization. E-Verify is not mandatory federally unless in certain federal contracts or state-mandated.

FDA regulates ingredients and labeling of shampoos, dyes, conditioners, and other salon products. Prohibits use of banned ingredients (e.g., chloroform, mercury compounds). Businesses must not use misbranded or adulterated products. No pre-market approval required, but compliance with labeling and safety standards is mandatory.

Under the Bank Secrecy Act, businesses must file Form 8300 for cash payments over $10,000. Common in cash-heavy industries like barbering. Applies to single transactions over $10,000 or multiple related transactions totaling more.

Required for all businesses operating within city limits. Specific to Jackson as example; check local municipality.

Counties like Hinds, Harrison require if not in city limits. Verify specific county.

Barber shops permitted in commercial zones (C-1, C-2). Site plan review required.

Limited to 1 chair, no external signage in most cities. Not allowed in all zones.

Required for salon stations, sinks, electrical upgrades.

Size restrictions (max 32 sq ft ground signs). Illuminated signs extra fee.

Local health departments conduct inspections for sanitation. Statewide standard.

Verifies fire exits, extinguishers, max occupancy (typically 10-20 for small salon).

Smaller salons often exempt but must have extinguishers.