Beauty Schools of America Miami: What You Need to Know

08/08/2026|Affinity Hair Academy|Beauty & Skincare

If you’ve been searching for Beauty Schools of America Miami, here’s what you need to know upfront: the Miami location is currently permanently closed. But don’t worry—if you’re serious about launching a career in cosmetology, barbering, or nail technology in Florida, there are solid alternatives worth exploring.

This guide walks you through what happened, what to look for in a quality beauty school, and where to find legitimate programs that actually set you up for success.

What Happened to Beauty Schools of America Miami?

Beauty Schools of America had a location at 1176 SW 67th Ave in Miami, FL 33144. The school was once fully accredited and focused on beauty and medical spa training. However, as of 2026, this location is no longer operating.

If you had enrollment plans or questions about transferring credits, contact the Florida Department of Education or reach out to other accredited beauty schools in South Florida to see if they can help you transition your education.

Why Beauty Schools Close (And How to Avoid the Wrong One)

Beauty schools shut down for a few reasons: low enrollment, accreditation issues, or ownership changes. The reality is that not all beauty schools are created equal.

When you’re choosing where to get your license, look for these red flags:

No accreditation – Your school must be accredited by a state board. Period.
High-pressure sales tactics – Legit schools focus on your fit, not closing the deal.
All classroom, no hands-on work – You won’t learn to cut hair or do nails from a textbook.
Vague job placement claims – Be skeptical of schools promising you’ll be a master stylist in 3 months.
No public reviews or online presence – In 2026, a real school has a real web presence and real student feedback.

If you want to see what a quality beauty school actually looks like—one that combines real-world training with legitimate accreditation—Affinity Hair Academy in Orlando offers accredited cosmetology, barbering, and nail technology programs built on 90% hands-on salon work and 10% classroom theory.

What to Look for in a Legitimate Beauty School

Your beauty education is an investment in your career. Make sure you’re investing in the right place.

Accreditation Matters

Your school needs to be accredited by your state’s Department of Education and eligible for federal financial aid (FAFSA). This means your diploma actually means something when you apply for your state license.

Real Hands-On Experience

You need to practice on real clients—not just mannequin heads. Look for schools with an in-house salon where you get supervised experience cutting, styling, coloring, and treating actual hair. This is the only way you build real confidence before you’re on your own.

Flexible Payment and Financial Aid

Legitimate beauty schools accept FAFSA, military benefits, and payment plans. If a school only accepts cash upfront, walk away.

Job Placement Support

The school should help you with résumé building, job interview prep, and connections to local salons hiring. Your education doesn’t end when you graduate—placement support starts you off right.

Reasonable Program Length

Florida requires between 1,200 and 1,500 hours for a cosmetology license, depending on what you’re focusing on. Any school claiming you can get licensed in weeks is lying. A solid program takes 6-12 months of consistent work.

Miami Beauty School Alternatives

Since Beauty Schools of America Miami is closed, here are your options in South Florida:

Check with the Florida Department of Education for an updated list of accredited schools in your area. Their website lists all licensed and operating institutions.
Ask local salons who they recommend – Stylists know which schools actually produce good graduates.
Read Google and Yelp reviews – Current and former students will tell you the truth about culture, instruction quality, and job placement.
Visit in person – You should see the salon floor, meet instructors, and talk to active students before you commit.

Why Location Matters Less Than You Think

Yes, Miami has lots of salons and spas. But if you’re flexible, beauty education in nearby areas might actually be better. Schools in smaller markets often have more one-on-one instruction time and lower costs.

If you’re open to training outside Miami, Affinity Hair Academy in Orlando delivers accredited programs in cosmetology, barbering, and nail technology with an in-house salon where you train on real clients from day one.

Explore Affinity Hair Academy →

How to Verify a School’s Accreditation

Don’t just take a school’s word for it. Here’s how to verify:

Visit the Florida Department of Education website and search their Career Education directory.
Ask the school for their accreditation letter and financial aid certification.
Call your state board directly and ask if the school is currently licensed.
Check if they’re accredited by NACCAS (National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences) – this is a major green flag.

What Happens to Your Credits if Your School Closes

If you were enrolled at Beauty Schools of America Miami before it closed, your hours may be transferable to another accredited school in Florida. Contact the Florida Department of Education and your state cosmetology board to understand your options. Some schools accept transfer hours, but it varies by institution and program.

The Real Cost of Beauty School

Beauty school in Florida typically costs $8,000-$15,000 for a full cosmetology or barbering program. This usually covers tuition, supplies, and your state exam fees. If a school is charging significantly more or less, ask why.

Most reputable schools accept FAFSA, payment plans, and veteran benefits. If cost is a barrier, don’t skip school—just find one that works with your budget.

Should You Go to Beauty School Right Now?

Only if you’re genuinely interested in the work. Beauty school isn’t a shortcut to easy money. It’s a real trade that requires skill, patience, and ongoing education.

But if you love working with people, want hands-on creativity, and are ready to build a career you control, beauty school is worth it. The industry needs skilled professionals, and job security is solid.

Next Steps: How to Choose Your School

Here’s a simple action plan:

Make a list of 3-5 accredited schools in your area or within driving distance.
Visit each one in person and talk to current students.
Ask about accreditation, financial aid, job placement, and schedule flexibility.
Request a detailed cost breakdown and read reviews online.
Pick the school that feels right and has instructors you trust.

If you’re in or near Orlando and want to explore a program built on real salon work and real results, Affinity Hair Academy offers accredited training in cosmetology, barbering, and nail technology with an in-house salon where you learn by doing from day one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Beauty Schools of America Miami still open?

No. As of 2026, the Miami location at 1176 SW 67th Ave is permanently closed. If you were interested in enrolling, look for other accredited beauty schools in South Florida or consider programs in nearby areas like Orlando.

Where can I find accredited beauty schools in Miami now?

Check the Florida Department of Education’s Career Education directory for a current list of licensed institutions. You can also ask local salons and stylists for recommendations based on their hiring experience.

Can I transfer hours from a closed beauty school to another program?

Possibly. Contact the Florida Department of Education and your state cosmetology board to learn about transfer policies. Some schools accept transfer hours, but each institution has different rules. You’ll need official transcripts and documentation of completed hours.

What makes a beauty school worth the investment?

Look for accreditation, hands-on training with real clients, financial aid acceptance, job placement support, and instructors with real salon experience. Avoid schools with no reviews, high-pressure sales, or promises that sound too good to be true.