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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

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Tattoo

Environmental Public Health - DOH-Charlotte

Tattoo Establishment License

Licensure of the tattoo establishment requires submission of a completed Application for Tattoo Establishment License (45 KB PDF) with the required $300.00 fee to the Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County (DOH-Charlotte). Tattoo establishments will be inspected by the same DOH-Charlotte staff who administers the biomedical waste and body piercing programs. An inspection with a passing result is required prior to issuance of a tattoo establishment license. A biomedical waste generator permit is also required for conventional and cosmetic tattoo (permanent make-up) businesses. Having anyone tattooing in your establishment that does not have an artist license subjects you to a fine and revocation of your tattoo establishment license.

Tattoo Artist License

Licensure of the tattoo artist requires:

  • Submission of a completed Application for Tattoo Artist License (165 KB PDF) with the required $60.00 fee; 
  • A copy of a government-issued photo identification confirming the applicant is at least 18 years of age
  • Documentation of completing a Florida Department of Health approved, industry-specific, bloodborne pathogens and communicable diseases course with a minimum examination score of 70%.

Courses which have received approval can be found on the Florida Department of Health's Education Courses for Tattoo Artist webpage. The tattoo artist application requires the artist to document the licensed tattoo establishment(s) where the artist will be working. A tattoo artist license may not be issued without this 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 artist license, registration, or certification issued by a jurisdiction outside Florida.

A person wishing to register as a guest tattoo artist shall submit: 

  • A completed Application for Guest Tattoo Artist Registration (161 KB PDF), with the required $35.00 fee;
  • A copy of a government-issued photo identification confirming the applicant is at least 18 years of age
  • Proof of an active license, registration, or certification in a jurisdiction outside Florida
  • Documentation of having completed a course on bloodborne pathogens and communicable diseases with a score of at least 70% on the course examination

The guest tattoo artist application requires the artist to document the licensed tattoo establishment(s) where the artist will be working. A guest tattoo artist license may not be issued without this information.

Tattoo artists who are applying for a guest tattoo artist registration, and hold an active license, registration, or certification issued by a jurisdiction outside of Florida and have completed an educational course and achieved a score of at least 70% on the examination required for licensure,  registration, or certification in that jurisdiction, may submit the curriculum for such course and examination to the DOH for determination as to whether the course substantially meets or exceeds those requirements specified in section 64E-28.006, F.A.C. (15 KB PDF). Should the DOH determine that the curriculum does not substantially meet  or exceed these requirements, the tattoo artist will be required to complete a department-approved, industry-specific bloodborne pathogens and communicable diseases course will be required with a minimum passing examination score of 70%.  A guest artist registration is valid for up to fourteen (14) consecutive days in Florida.  

In  addition to the previously stated tattoo licensure requirements, you should contact your city and county to find out if you will need a business tax receipt for your business.  

These documents are available to download: