Body Art

Body Piercing and Tattoo Parlors 

Body Piercing

Prescribes minimum sanitary and safety requirements related to the design and operation of body piercing salons. Body piercing includes any prick, pierce or scar to the skin. The permitting program for body piercing activities is intended to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public from the spread of infectious diseases. This program went into effect in January 2000. Enforcement actions are initiated as a result of noncompliance with specific rules and regulations. The type of violation determines the enforcement action taken. Penalties vary depending on the nature and severity of the violations.

The forms below are used locally. They are listed by category. If you don't see the form call 561-837-5900.

• Application for a Body Piercing Salon

• Body Piercing Establishment Injury Report

• A Brochure containing 10 common questions related to body piercing

• Florida Department of Health Body Piercing Website

Tattoo Artist Licensure

Effective January 1, 2012, the Department of Health (the department) implemented sections 381.00771-381.00791, Florida Statutes (F.S.), The Practice of Tattooing. These statutes require licensure of tattoo artists and tattoo establishments, and also set forth educational requirements and standards of practice for conventional and cosmetic tattoo artists, and operational requirements for tattoo establishments. Chapter 64E-28, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), which became effective September 5, 2012, details the statutory requirements for tattoo establishments and tattoo artists. It is recommended that tattoo establishment owners and operators as well as tattoo artists review the requirements of both the statute sections and the rule chapter to ensure compliance with requirements for both artists and establishments.

The statute also provides restrictions of tattooing of a minor child. Additional information may be found at section 381.00787, F.S., - Tattooing prohibited; penalty.-

Effective January 1, 2013, any unlicensed person engaged in tattooing will be subject to administrative penalties.

Who is required to have a license?

• persons who tattoo the body of another human

• persons who practice cosmetic tattooing, permanent make-up, or micro pigmentation

• students/apprentices who tattoo other humans as part of their tattoo training

A Tattoo artist license requires the following:

• Completed Application for Tattoo Artist License ($60)

• At least 18 years of age

• Copy of government-issued photo ID

• Completion of the Education Courses for tattoo artist(minimum of 70% score required)

*License must be in county where artist lives in regardless of area of work.

* Submit your completed application to your local county health department Tattoo Coordinator for questions and payment information.

Guest Tattoo Artist Registration

A guest tattoo artist registration is required for any tattoo artist who plans to tattoo in Florida and who also holds an active license, registration, or certification issued by a jurisdiction outside Florida. A guest tattoo license requires the following:

• Completed Application for Guest Tattoo Artist Registration ($35)

• At least 18 years of age

• Copy of government-issued photo ID

• Proof of active license, registration, or certification outside of Florida

• Documentation of completed tattoo Education Courses (at least 70% score) or approved substitute course

Guest registration is valid up to 14 consecutive days in Florida.

If your state does not require a tattoo artist license, you will need to complete a Florida Department of Health education course and a Florida artist license application for Florida.

Florida Department of Health Tattoo Artist website