Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County's (DOH-Charlotte) Environmental Public Health ensures through inspections and licensing that Charlotte County, Florida, tattoo establishments and artists do not pose an undue risk to their clients.

Tattoo Establishment License

DOH-Charlotte licenses tattoo establishments in Charlotte County, Florida, if the establishment:

• Submits a completed Application for Tattoo Establishment License with the required $300 fee
• Submits a biomedical waste generator permit for conventional and cosmetic tattoo (permanent make-up) businesses
• Passes inspection

Anyone tattooing without a tattoo artist license at a licensed tattoo establishment subjects said business to a fine and revocation of its tattoo establishment license.

Tattoo Artist License

DOH-Charlotte licenses tattoo artists in Charlotte County, Florida, if they submit:

• A completed Application for Tattoo Artist License, documenting the licensed tattoo establishment(s) where the artist will be working, with the required $60 fee 
• A copy of a government-issued photo identification confirming the applicant is at least 18 years old
• Documentation evidencing completion of a Florida Department of Health approved, industry-specific, bloodborne pathogens and communicable diseases course with a minimum examination score of 70%

Guest Tattoo Artist Registration

A guest tattoo artist registration, valid for up to 14 consecutive days, is required for any tattoo artist who is licensed, registered, or certified by a non-Florida jurisdiction and plans to tattoo in Charlotte County, Florida.

DOH-Charlotte licenses guest tattoo artists in Charlotte County, Florida, if they submit:

• A completed Application for Guest Tattoo Artist Registration, documenting the licensed tattoo establishment(s) where the artist will be working, with the required $35 fee
• A copy of a government-issued photo identification confirming the applicant is at least 18 years old
• Proof of an active license, registration, or certification in a jurisdiction outside Florida
• Documentation of having completed a bloodborne pathogens and communicable diseases training that is comparable or exceeding those requirements specified on Rule 64E-28.006 of the Florida Administrative Code

In addition to the previously stated tattoo licensure requirements, tattoo artists are encouraged to contact the Florida city and county where they will work to find out if they will need a business tax receipt.

How to Apply 

• Send an email to DOH-Charlotte's Environmental Public Health with the mandatory applications and supporting documents in PDF format.
• After an evaluation, Environmental Public Health staff will send an invoice via email with instructions on how to pay online.

Paperwork submission and payments can also be done via mail (checks only) or in person at DOH-Charlotte's Main Office (credit card, check, or cash).

Tattoo Applications, Forms, and Resources

• Application for Tattoo Establishment License (DH 4151)
• Application for Tattoo Artist License (DH 4147)
• Application for Guest Tattoo Artist Registration (DH 4150)
• Application for Biomedical Waste Generator Permit/Exemption (DH 4089)
• Black Henna - Florida Department of Health
• Inspections of Florida Tattoo Establishments
• Written Notarized Consent for Tattooing of a Minor (DH 4146)

For more information, visit the Florida Department of Health's Conventional and Cosmetic Tattooing webpage.