Body Piercing

Body piercing is the act of penetrating the skin to make a hole, mark, or scar. It does not include the use of a mechanized, pre-sterilized ear-piercing system that penetrates the outer perimeter or lobe of the ear or both.

Body piercing is an invasive procedure that may present the potential for infection. Not only can piercing lead to infections of the pierced site (especially if aftercare procedures are not followed), but it also has the potential to transmit blood borne pathogens, such as Hepatitis B, if minimum sanitary and safety standards are not met. The Florida Department of Health (DOH) has developed a brochure containing 10 common questions related to body piercing. You can download the brochure or it is available by contacting the body piercing program.

In 1999, the Florida Legislature passed section 381.0075, Florida Statutes (F.S.) , providing guidance for operation of the body-piercing industry.  Chapter 64E-19, Florida Administrative Code [F.A.C.] (40kb PDF) contains the rules that were written to implement the statute.

Training for Piercers and Operators

Operators and piercers (defined in section 381.0075, F.S., and section 64E-19.002, F.A.C.(40kb PDF), respectively) need training in infection control procedures prior to licensure of a body-piercing salon. Upon request, training course curriculum is reviewed by the DOH, Bureau of Environmental Public Health, Facility Programs, to ensure that good infection control procedures are taught to minimize the risk of injury and infection that can result from body piercing procedures. Training providers must have the required knowledge, experience, and credentials (12kb PDF). Training courses are reviewed and accepted by the DOH, Bureau of Community Environmental Health.

The initial formal training course listed on this site teaches infection control procedures, including safety, sanitation, and sterilization requirements and standard precautions for preventing the transmission of infectious diseases, as well as the requirements of section 381.0075, F.S., and Chapter 64E-19, F.A.C., and the refresher training course may teach one or more of these subjects. Please note, these courses do not teach body piercing technique, nor does the DOH maintain a list of such courses or schools. 

In Florida, operators and piercers are required to complete an initial formal training course prior to licensure of a body piercing salon or practicing body piercing in Florida. Annually thereafter, operators and piercers may complete an initial formal course or a refresher course. Please note, an initial formal course must be completed prior to completing a refresher course in accordance with section 64E-19.007, F.A.C.

Upon request, training course curriculum is reviewed by the DOH, Bureau of Environmental Public Health, Facility Programs, to ensure compliance with the requirements of Chapter 64E-19, F.A.C., and section 381.0075, F.S. 

Persons interested in requesting review of their curriculum should contact the Body Piercing Program for additional information.

Piercing of a Minor

A person may not perform body piercing on a minor without the written notarized consent (17.3 KB) of the minor's parent or legal guardian, and an establishment may not perform body piercing on a minor under the age of 16 unless the minor is accompanied by a parent or legal guardian as specified in section 381.0075, Florida Statutes.

This act constitutes a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083, Florida Statutes.

Complaints concerning the piercing of a minor should be reported to the local law enforcement agency as well as the local DOH office having jurisdiction of the body piercing program.

License Application and Other Forms

In accordance with Chapter 64E-19, F.A.C.., body-piercing salons and temporary establishments require an operating license that is subject to annual renewal. Body-piercing licenses are issued by many of the DOH county health departments. To apply for a license, complete the application form and submit it along with the required $200.00 license fee ($150.00 state fee plus $50.00 Charlotte County fee) to the DOH.

Owners and operators of body-piercing salons and temporary establishments also should have an injury-report form (50 KB PDF) in the event of a report or complaint of injury. The completed form should be sent to the Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County (DOH-Charlotte). 

The following four forms are provided here as a service to assist body-piercing salons in complying with the record-keeping requirements of Chapter 64E-19, F.A.C.. Use of these specific forms is voluntary and is not required by the DOH. If you prefer to continue to use your present forms, please do so.

• Autoclave Log (18 KB PDF)
• Customer Record (19 KB PDF)
• Piercer/Operator Record (15 KB PDF)
• Notarized Consent Form (77 KB PDF)