Tattooing

Tattooing

Tattooing is defined as a mark or design made on or under the skin using ink, dyes, or pigments.

Tattooing can be separated into two broad forms:

1. Conventional
2. Cosmetic (including permanent makeup, micropigmentation, microblading, and microneedling using pigment, dye, or ink).

All forms of tattooing require licensure in Florida.

Tattoo Establishment Licensure

The Guide for Tattoo Establishment Operational Requirements will to assist you with understanding what the operational requirements for a tattoo establishment are in order to pass an inspection in compliance with sections 381.00771 - 381.00791, Florida Statutes, and Chapter 64E-28, Florida Administrative Code.

Licensure of a tattoo establishment requires submission of the following items:

• Completed *Application for Tattoo Establishment License($200)
• Pass inspection in compliance with sections 381.00771 - 381.00791, Florida Statutes, "The Practice of Tattooing" and Chapter 64E-28, Florida Administrative Code.
• Register business name with the Florida Department of State.
• Contact city/county for potential need for business tax receipt.
• Completed *Biomedical Waste Permit ($85)
• Submit all forms/fees to the County Health Department where your business is located.

Temporary Tattoo Establishments must meet the same operational requirements of a tattoo establishment, including handsinks, as well as the requirements of Chapter 64E-28, Florida Administrative Code. Temporary establishment licenses are issued in conjunction with a convention or other similar event and cannot exceed fourteen (14) consecutive days. Contact 305-623-3505 or email MiamiDadeEH@flhealth.gov for more information.

Tattoo Artist Licensure

Tattoo Artist Licensure is required for:

• Persons who tattoo the body of another human. 

• Persons who practice cosmetic tattooing, permanent make-up, microblading, or micropigmentation. 

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

• Tattoo or permanent makeup artist licensed outside of Florida.

A Tattoo Artist License requires the following:

• Completed Application for Tattoo Artist License ($60)
• The Application must be completed with the name of the licensed tattoo establishment where the tattoo artist will perform tattooing or intends to perform tattooing. 

• At least 18 years of age. 

• Copy of government-issued photo ID 

• Completion of the required bloodborne pathogen and communicable diseases course for tattoo artist (minimum of 70% score required) 

• Submit Certificate of Completion

How to Renew a Tattoo Artist License:

To renew a tattoo artist license please submit the following in the county you reside in:

• Completed Application for Tattoo Artist License; be sure to check “Renewal” at the top of the application.
  • The Application must be completed with the name of the licensed tattoo establishment where the tattoo artist will perform tattooing or intends to perform tattooing. 

• $60 Renewal Fee

How to Reactivate an Expired Tattoo Artist License:

To reactivate a an expired tattoo artist license, submit the following to the local county health department where you reside:

• Completed Application for Tattoo Artist License ($60 renewal fee and $25 reactivation fee for a total of $85) must be issued by the county where artist lives, regardless of area of work.

All applications can be mailed to or submitted in person at:

Environmental Public Health

1725 NW 167 Street

Miami Gardens, FL 33056

Questions?

Call 305-623-3505 or 305-623-3509

Email MiamiDadeEH@flhealth.gov

Visit the Florida Department of Health-Tattooing for more information.