The Florida Association of Beauty Professionals today lashed out at Gov. Rick Scott for moves to deregulate the state's businesses.

"Is this industry prepared to be at the table to ensure Governor Scott's de-regulation plan does not completely dis-mantle our business regulation, which allows this industry to perform safely and fairly in Florida?" wrote Rick Wallace, president and CEO of the Florida Association of Beauty Professionals, or FAB, in an e-mail to salon owners, beauty school owners and others urging them to join the association to fight deregulation.

The industry, Wallace wrote, "is more than just cutting hair. We deal each day with chemicals, blood borne pathogens, and perform semi-inasive procedures that require training and oversight to ensure the Florida consumer is protected from those individuals who are doing it wrong or not trained at all.  This is not about setting curlers and blowing a hair style.  But let me tell you, this is the mindset of most who have power over your industry here at the state capital!"

Wallace worries that deregulation will lead to "garage cutting," and the end of licensing for cosmetologists, barbers, nail and skin specialists.

"If professional licensing goes away so does the requirement for education, licensing and regulation.  This will result in an industry where those who think that a pair of scissors, a box of color, and a blow-dryer is a good start-up for a new business can hang a shingle and work on clients with no professional oversight and nothing more than a self-imposed title of 'beauty professional' or 'stylist,' " Wallace wrote.