9 Investigates: Maitland makeup school operating without license

MAITLAND, Fla. — The owner of a Maitland makeup business and school said he's staying open despite the state, county and city saying he doesn't have any business licenses.

9 Investigates started asking questions after former students sought help.

The owner took down his courses on the website of Orlando Supreme Make-up Academy after Channel 9’s Ty Russell asked him about students' concerns.

The owner, Orlando Santiago, said even though the sign is no longer on the door of the business, it doesn’t mean he’s closed.

“We are a store. As you see, we have merchandise,” said Santiago.

Students hoping to get jobs in the cosmetology industry called 9 Investigates after trying to get their tuition back.

Russell found out Santiago doesn’t have a state occupational license.

Last week, the Orange County Tax Collector’s Office tried to hand the owner a notice to pay $367 to get a county business tax receipt.

The city of Maitland stated it handed a similar violation to the owner last month.

Under state law, operating a school without a license from the Department of Education could be a felony.

A spokesperson with the department said workers don’t have any record of the school, but the owner asked last Friday about the steps to become licensed.

The city said the owner has until next week to apply, but they can’t issue a license until the owner gets an occupational license from the state.

Cox Media Group